As holistic dentists, the team at All About Smiles understands how difficult it can be to stay away from sweets — especially when sugary treats seem to be everywhere. Sugar can lead to cavities and other oral health issues, along with even more significant problems elsewhere in our bodies.
While cutting all sugar out of your diet is recommended and an excellent step towards achieving extraordinary oral and overall health, it’s not all that easy. But we’re going to share with you a few ways you can reduce your sugar intake but still treat yourself too!
Instead of indulging in brownies or donuts while you’re at work, trying enjoying a few pieces of dark chocolate instead. Dark chocolate actually has some health benefits for you and your smile which makes it a smart alternative to some of the everyday sweets that we’re exposed to. You can also get busy in the kitchen, and whip up some of your own healthy, no-sugar or low-sugar snacks to help fight cravings.
It’s always in your best interest to avoid processed foods when possible — especially sugar. Try substituting honey or maple syrup when a favorite food or recipe calls for sugar. Also, try to up your intake of fresh fruit and vegetables. This will provide your body with more natural sugars and help you to avoid binging on snacks that aren’t good for you. Your body will be alive with more energy and your skin will become more vibrant, glowing, and youthful.
When our emotions get the best of us, sometimes it’s easy to reach for foods and snacks that are high in both fat and sugar. It all begins with becoming more aware. What kind of mood are you in when you start to crave cake and ice cream? What kinds of stress levels are you facing? In other words, is your body trying to use sugar as temporary relief instead of being a real solution to your problems? You can completely change the relationship you have with sugar and sweet foods by knowing a little more about why you’re body wants them oh-so-badly!
It’s important to note that getting enough sleep is imperative to living a healthy, balanced life too. Studies show that people who average five hours of sleep or less each night are 21% more likely to feel the need to reach for sugary drinks to help keep them running right throughout the day.
If you’re struggling with keeping your sugary cravings at bay or if someone in your family is having oral health problems due to a love for all things sugar, maybe it’s time you called All About Smiles in Wilmington. We have helped patients take small and big steps towards a more healthy life and smile. We’d love to help you too!
It all adds up to better health, smile, body, and spirit!