Is It Time For A Sugar Detox?

Have you ever wanted to do a sugar detox? Do you ever feel weighed down by too many treats, a not-so-healthy diet, or just too much-processed food?

 

So, what are the benefits of a sugar detox? Depending on what types of sugar we consume in our regular diet, our sugar intake can have a major impact on how we feel from  day-to-day. In today's world, so many foods and drinks contain added sugars, we often don't even realize how much sugar we are consuming. In addition to added sugars  sneaking into some of our regular foods, we also have endless access to sugary candy, treats, desserts, and more. If we aren't careful, we can get carried away and end up eating an unhealthy amount of sugar on a regular basis. Research has shown several negative effects of sugar consumption and reveals that too much sugar can have a serious impact n our health.

 

Because of the impact sugar has on the body, there are many sugar detox benefits that can help you to look and feel better.

 

Here Are Some Benefits For Eliminating Sugar from Your Diet

 

• Clear, younger-looking skin.
• Easier to lose weight (no longer consuming empty calories).
• Fewer cavities, more protection for your teeth.
• Improved energy. No spikes in blood sugar mean no sugar crash.
• Stronger immune system (sugar can weaken immunity).
• Fewer sugar cravings over time.
• A sugar detox restores balance to the body, helping you feel better overall.
• Improved sleep.
• Fewer mood swings.
• Decreased risk for various chronic diseases.
• Less day-to-day aches and pains, and decreased levels of chronic inflammation.

 

The Benefits of a Sugar Detox

 

Change starts in the brain. Sugar is the most readily available source of energy for our bodies and our brain, so when we consume it, it triggers the release of dopamine and serotonin - telling us to eat more. This trigger also causes our memory centers in the brain to remember that consuming sugar provides energy and makes us feel good. If you find yourself constantly having sugar cravings, it is thanks to those "feel good" neurotransmitters in the brain.  Did you know that sugar is eight times MORE addictive than Cocaine?  Yes, you read that correctly.  Please let that sink in.....

 

Some people ask, "What are the side effects of a sugar detox?" Quitting sugar cold turkey may initially cause withdrawal-like symptoms: intense cravings, lethargy, brain fog, dizziness, nausea, general digestive discomfort, and even emotional despair. Eventually, the brain will adapt and no longer crave the "rush" that comes from consuming sugar. This process is progressive and may take several weeks before the cravings subside and you start experiencing the benefits above.

 

 

How to Detox from Sugar using Essential Oils

 

To effectively remove sugar from your diet and complete a sugar detox, you'll need a little help. Did you know that some essential oils can be used to add flavor to your food and drinks? And some essential oils can even help fight sweet tooth cravings.* We've compiled some of the best essential oils for a sugar detox to help you stick to your goals and successfully go off sugar.

 

 

Tips for a Successful Sugar Detox

 

Flavor your food with essential oils. People often ask, "What can I eat on a sugar detox?" When you are trying to flush sugar out of your body, it will be important to make sure you are cutting out sugary desserts, and drinks, and reading labels to help you avoid processed snacks or foods where added sugars might be lurking. In addition to avoiding sugar-packed foods, you'll want to make sure you are eating nutrient-rich foods like fruits and vegetables. If you find yourself craving your favorite sugary treats, consider adding an extra kick to your meals by using essential oils in your cooking. 

 

Plan your snacks. One of the hardest parts of a sugar detox is finding sugar-free snacks. Even things like crackers, granola bars, and other packaged snacks that seem harmless can be packed with added sugar. If you usually turn to sugary snacks throughout the day, you'll need to plan ahead and make a few sugar-free snacks each day to stay on track with your detox. 

 

Stay Hydrated. Whether you are a fan of juice, sports drinks, soda, or other sugary drinks, you might find yourself craving these beverages during your sugar detox. One of the best things you can do during a sugar detox, and in general, is to stay hydrated.  Hydration is key for a healthy body, plus drinking enough water daily will help you to feel less hungry. If you are missing your sugary drinks, try infusing your water with essential oils. Oils like Grapefruit oil, Lemon oil, and Wild Orange oil, make a great addition to water when you want a fruity blast of flavor. Also, adding a drop of Fennel oil to your water can help you fight sweet tooth cravings.  

 

Replace your treats or drinks with a healthy alternative. When you go off sugar, you'll probably miss some of your regular treats and drinks. In addition to planning your snacks and eating healthy sugar-free meals, you'll want to find some healthy alternatives to your go-to snacks and drinks.

 

 

Essential Oils to Help with Sugar Cravings

 

Our sense of smell is the most primordial of our senses and has a great impact on our sense of taste. In fact, 80 to 90 percent of what we think we are tasting we are actually smelling. 

We process odor in the same part of the brain as memory and emotion, linked to past and personal experiences. The beautiful thing about essential oils is that they work on our holistic well-being, affecting the physical, emotional, and spiritual body. Here are some oils that will help curb those sugar cravings:
 

Citrus Essential Oils: Citrus fruits, such as grapefruit, lemon, orange, and bergamot can assist in curbing the appetite, especially grapefruit with its high content of d-limonene. D-limonene is a terpene found in the peel of citrus fruits where its essential oil is stored, and is a potent antioxidant with anti-inflammatory properties. It is also a great aid in curbing cravings and appetite. Other chemical constituents found in citrus essential oils offer uplifting properties that can boost the spirit and mood and promote energy.
 

Cinnamon Bark Essential Oil: This one can help curb sweet cravings while making you feel satisfied (and warm as well).
 

Anise, Peppermint, and Basil Essential Oils: These three can stimulate the appetite, supporting healthy digestion and metabolism.
 

Geranium and Lavender Essential Oils: These two scents can help calm the mind and support the challenges that may arise physically and emotionally, especially when facing emotional cravings. They are great at promoting balance and homeostasis as well as a good night's sleep. 

 

I invite you to hop over to my Insta and/or Facebook pages this month. This month we will have fun with Summer Essentials DIYs to keep the kids busy outside, diffuser blends that lift your mood, sun safety, and summer drinks and snacks! 

 

 

Feel free to contact me if you are interested in learning more about using natural solutions for you and your family. 

 

Until the next time.

 

Be well, Deanna

Peace. Love. Oils.