Kicking Sugar & Pilates
Another way to deal with sugar cravings is to exercise regularly. Research says that exercising at high intensity can help control appetite. This effect can help reduce the appearance of cravings for sweet foods. Research has also shown that both a single session of high-intensity interval training and a 12-week high-intensity aerobic exercise program can reduce preferences or appetite for high-calorie junk foods. Similar effects are seen when people engage in moderate aerobic exercise or Pilates training.
Kicking sugar and Pilates
For some people, you may find after giving up sugar you can slowly over time bring it back in moderation into your life. Sugar may no longer hold the power over you as it did. For other people who have an addiction to sugar, it is best to abstain. If you wish to cut down on sugar or take it out of your life entirely here are some rules to follow.
Do not keep sugar in the house. Halloween, trick or treat, and Hanukkah candy result in late night snacks. Instead, offer the children to trade in the candy for a prized new toy. Party stores have bulk toys at affordable rates, and leftovers can go in the closet for next year instead of on your hips this year. During the holidays, re-gift candy and cookies to neighbors or friends or just throw them away.
Alcohol
Alcoholcan weaken your willpower and lead to a sugar-eating binge. It might make sense to give up booze the first month or two you are giving up sugar. Should you choose to keep drinking, avoid cocktails if they have sugar, tonic water and diet sodas. Remember it’s important not to use sugar substitutes. You are trying to retain your mind and taste buds away from sweet. Choose vodka and juice or a dry glass of wine instead.
So, ounce per ounce, wine tends to have higher calories than beer, but this statistic can be wildly misleading. Wine tends to be consistently around 120 calories per serving, while beers can range from 55 calories per bottle to well over 300.
Yeast
If you drink beer or wine, you may crave sugar due to having too much yeast in your system. Yeast feeds off sugar and thereby increase your craving for sugar. This usually presents as feeling bloated or gassy, have a beer belly, athletic foot, and dry flaky skin and for ladies’ Candida infections. If this sounds like you, cut out all yeasty foods, drinks and sugar from your life by going gluten free. Also, take a high quality probiotic.
Triggers
Recognize situations or foods for “hidden” triggers. Eating really savory food may over stimulate your palate. In turn you will crave sweets. Brush your teeth if at home or request lemon water at a restaurant to cleanse your palate. High carbohydrate foods such as bread, cereal, and granola may also trigger you to eat sugar. If you find that to be true for you, then take out of diet while getting over sugar.
Office Parties
Create your own Rules. Always bring crudité and Hummus to the office parties so that you can munch in a healthy manner. “Never eat the cake.” In offices there was always leftover birthday cake in the break area from all the birthday celebrations. What “rule” do you need to create to stay true to yourself?
Goal setting
Checking In with your goal. My goal is to stop eating sugar. It is important to check in with yourself and make sure you are keeping your promise to yourself. The minute you start keeping your promise and stop self-betrayal is when personal healing can begin.
I arrive at work and there is morning coffee and doughnuts out for our meeting. I pick up a doughnut and then say to myself. Is what I am doing right now supporting my goal? No. I put down the doughnut and walked away.
I am hungry as I walk through the supermarket. I picked up a bag of cookies and put them in the cart. Once I am home, I had already eaten half the bag. I say to myself. Is this checking in with my goal? No. I throw the rest of the bag away and take out the trash. I tell myself next time I will not grocery shop hungry.
After Sugar addiction
If you feel like are in a place to allow sugar into your life here are some tips so not to overeat sugar. Eat healthy fats, such as nuts, avocados and salmon to help soothe your nervous system. Being grounded in your body is important to overcoming addiction which is why taking a Pilates can help. Eat fresh fruit during an afternoon slump or anytime you need a boost of energy.
When buying chocolate, make sure it is 70% or more dark chocolate. I know this sounds wasteful, but I throw half away if unable to giveaway. If at a restaurant, and have a glass of wine, do not have dessert. It’s one or the other as wine has sugar too. Only eat sugar on very special occasions. If you have sugar once that week do not have it again. With the changing of the seasons, it is a wonderful time to let go of your sugar habit.
Come to ChaiseFitness for the Ultimate Pilates Experience
At ChaiseFitness, we believe that anyone can be fit—no matter what skill level or body type. This belief inspired the creation of our patented Reinvention Method, which is for everyone—the athlete, the dancer, the beginner, the advanced, the rebuilder. We blend Pilates, ballet, and strength training and equip you with a chair and overhead bungees so that you work out all your muscles every time. We are located in the Upper East Side in Manhattan. For more information, you can contact us at (973)996-2063, or visit our website.
