We all love our sugar cookies, birthday cakes and white pita bread every once in a while. Heck, I’m 100% open about the fact that occasionally I will have some cookies or chocolate.
When you plan for it, sugary foods can be a nice treat to help you stay on your plan. But the fact remains that sugar is a weight loss killer. If you are constantly eating cakes, cookies, white bread and even sneaky things like Saltine crackers, not only are you feeding your body zero nutritional value and lots of calories, but you’re actually impairing your brain function.
What You Eat Affects How You Think
A recent study done at UCLA showed that rats who were fed a diet of high fructose corn syrup (a form of processed sugar) experienced marked memory loss and cognitive impairment.
The rats were first taught a complicated maze. Six weeks later, after having consumed moderate amounts of high fructose corn syrup, the rats were physically slower. Their brain function wasn’t firing properly and they couldn’t complete the maze.
On the other hand, a group of rats that had been supplemented with Omega-3’s (brain-boosting supplements) did great.
In other words: sugar affects your brain in a negative way. Lose your keys again? Maybe it was the soda you had for lunch.
The fuel you put in your body absolutely affects how you will physically, mentally and emotionally function. Every food we consume has an impact on our entire physiological system, good or bad. When we eat well, we have more energy, we think more clearly, and we lose excess fat and water weight.
Make Small Changes
I get that transitioning into a healthier lifestyle can feel overwhelming. But it can be easy and fun when you make very small changes to start out.
For instance, instead of picking up Wonder Bread at the grocery store, switch to Ezekiel Bread. Yes, it takes a little bit of time to get used to it, but you still get to enjoy bread. And by the way, your body will soak up the nutrients from Ezekiel Bread instead of having to fight the influx of sugar that’s hidden in Wonder Bread.
My general rule of thumb is that if there is a word on the nutritional label that would knock you out of a spelling bee, it should not be part of your regular diet. If you love it, it can be part of your planned indulgences, but it shouldn’t be a daily habit.
