If someone were to tell you that they have a sugar-free diet, what would be your immediate thoughts? You might think it’d be too boring, too hard, too expensive, or too impractical. These common excuses may seem reasonable, but in fact can easily be quashed. 

Quitting sugar does not necessarily mean quitting the foods you enjoy – it’s more about being selective and trying new approaches. To adopt a healthy diet long term, it’s important to change your mind-frame to associate happy memories with healthy foods, creating a positive food culture.

An optimistic start

A good way to begin a sugar-free diet is to focus on what you can eat, rather than what you can’t. Some foods that can remain in your diet may surprise you, like granola (a sugar-free or homemade variety), chocolate (with 85 percent or more cacao), healthy fats, carbs (in moderation), coffee, fresh fruit (two to three pieces a day), wine and beer (in moderation).

Eat real food

Making most of your meals from scratch is an essential component to a sugar-free diet. It’s the perfect way to control what you’re eating. It can also work out cheaper, since a moderate takeaway lunch can cost between eight and fifteen dollars, whereas making the same thing from scratch will probably cost much less.

Since your diet is your body’s best source of vitamins, minerals, protein, fibre and good fats, you need to eat nutritious calories. To understand what you’re eating, be aware of the recommended portion sizes, ingredients lists, and the sugar, salt and saturated fat contents of packaged food.

Mix up your meals

For balanced main meals, aim to make up half the plate with fruit or veggies, a quarter with carbs, and a quarter with protein-rich foods such as meat or fish. Use a rainbow of vegetables in each meal, and add flavour with herbs, spices and cheese (occasionally).

Hidden veggies are especially helpful for feeding kids, and they work for adults, too! Add a variety of veggies to homemade frittatas, guacamole, hummus, smoothies, or sauces. Get creative with your ingredients and have fun with different combinations. 

Snack time is when things can get tricky, because while it’s easy to grab a muesli bar, biscuits, chips or a juice box, these are often loaded with sugar. To avoid this, keep plenty of sugarfree snacks at hand.

Challenge yourself and try new ideas! It will become easier, and the benefits will make it all worthwhile.

Clinicians Zinc Oral Drops	Good Health Sugar Stop	Blackmores Kids Gummies