But I Like Sugar!

It’s no secret that sugar is addictive. Sure, the foods can be quite tasty, but it delivers only a quick energy boost, leaving you feeling deprived soon after. Filler foods do just that, fill you up for a very short time, and leave you feeling lethargic. 

On the other hand, nutritional foods fill you up and keep you satisfied. That’s why I’ve always advocated for foods that give you sustained energy.

When I was shopping with my children when they were young, they would want certain items. I would ask one question of their choices, “Is it food or is it filler?” They learned the difference and didn’t feel deprived. How do you tell the difference? The answer lies in how you feel both 30 minutes after and two hours after eating.

Dr Mark Hyman states, “How do we shift from an energy lacking diet to an energy producing one? Focus on eating foods like blueberries, pomegranate seeds, grass-fed meat, broccoli, extra virgin olive oil, avocados, and almonds.” These and other natural super foods will leave you feeling satisfied with a natural energy. Check out excellent recipes from Dr. Hyman.

Try it yourself and see how you feel. Start simply by substituting a food that leaves you empty with one that fills you up.

JJ Virgin writes, “The right ingredients make a world of a difference in the level of satisfaction you get from your food. That's why you can eat a whole sleeve of Oreos® and never feel full—it's made with a bunch of junk that encourages you to reach for more. 

Cookies made with real, whole foods, like my Lemon Almond Coconut Cookies, fill you up faster and keep you satisfied longer, so you don't end up feeling bloated and guilty when you're done.”

JJ Virgin is a great source for healthy recipes that taste good and are easy to make.

Step one: COLOR!

One way to get healthier foods in your diet is to get as many colors on your plate or in your bowl as possible. Colorful foods are packed with nutrients! Adding color may also lower the risk of cognitive decline by up to 20%. What kinds of colors?

Berries, leafy greens, citrus, orange and yellow peppers, radishes, and eggplant just to name a few.

As more color is incorporated, the sugar cravings will decrease. Nutrients are filling and energy sustaining.

Have fun, be creative, and be willing to try new things.