Sugar detox: 7 steps to ditch sugar for a better and healthier you

More than adding unnecessary calories, excessive sugar consumption contributes to inflammation, insulin resistance, and metabolic disorders (Image: Canva)

Sugar has become ubiquitous, settling in everything from your morning coffee to seemingly innocent yoghurt cups. The signs of excessive sugar consumption are subtle yet impactful: frequent fatigue, weight gain, and an increased risk of chronic diseases like diabetes and heart disease. What starts as a sweet treat can quickly spiral into a daily habit that compromises your health in many unexpected ways.

Sugar plays a deceptive role in your diet. It sneaks into foods under various aliases — glucose, fructose, sucrose — making it challenging to monitor intake. More than adding unnecessary calories, excessive sugar consumption contributes to inflammation, insulin resistance, and metabolic disorders. Over time, these effects can lead to obesity, cardiovascular problems, and even affect mental health by exacerbating mood swings and cognitive decline.

Today's lifestyles escalate sugar intake: convenience foods, sugary drinks, and hidden sugars in snacks add to the issue. Even seemingly healthy choices like flavoured yoghurts and granola bars often contain high levels of added sugars, prioritising short-term satisfaction over long-term health.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the recommended daily intake of added sugars should not exceed 10 percent of total energy intake. Ideally, limiting sugar intake to 5 percent or less can provide additional health benefits. However, in reality, many may far exceed these guidelines, with sugar often accounting for up to 25 percent of daily caloric intake in some diets.

Here are 7 ways to ditch extra sugar in your diet:

Swap sugary drinks: Replace sugary sodas and energy drinks with refreshing alternatives like infused water with citrus slices or herbal teas without added sweeteners. These options hydrate without spiking blood sugar levels.

Whole fruits: Opt for whole fruits like apples, berries, or oranges when craving something sweet. They provide fibre, vitamins, and natural sugars that satisfy without the added calories and rapid blood sugar spikes.

Read that label: When shopping, don't just grab items off the shelf; read the label. Opt for products with minimal added sugars or look for alternatives labeled "no added sugar" or "sugar-free."

Home food: Eat most of your meals at home. Also, control sugar intake by preparing meals at home using fresh ingredients. This way, you can monitor the amount of sugar added to dishes and avoid hidden sugars present in processed foods.

Go natural: Replace refined sugars in recipes with natural sweeteners like jaggery, stevia, honey, or maple syrup in moderation. These options provide sweetness with additional nutrients and a lower glycemic impact.

Of herbs and spices: Train your palate to appreciate savory dishes seasoned with herbs, spices, and citrus flavours instead of relying on sugar for taste enhancement.

Portion control: Be mindful of portion sizes and listen to your body's hunger cues. Avoid mindless snacking and emotional eating, which often leads to excessive sugar consumption.