Highlights from “Health Trip” January 16 2006
Breaking the sugar cycle

Got on the sugar train these holidays and don’t know how to get off? Try some of the following:

Introduce bitter foods like lemon juice and salad mix.

Eat every 4 hours to keep blood sugar levels stable.

Choose savoury, unrefined foods.

Eat complex carbohydrates – nuts, seeds, beans, whole grains (oats, brown rice, millet, barley etc) or protein, for slow release energy.

Try fruit (the organic fruit in season at the moment is stunning – think white peaches, mangoes, nectarines, plums…) to sate the sweet urges.

The Indian herb Gymnema temporary blocks the sweet receptors on your tongue, take a few drops when you feel the desire to eat sugar. It is also a useful herb for diabetes.

Chromium is an important mineral for regulating blood sugar. It is normally low in pregnancy and when you have a virus. Look at taking a supplement.

Caffeine effects blood sugar levels as well, so cut down on the coffee.

Alcohol is s potent form of sugar, so ease off on the drinks as well when you are trying to break your sugar addiction.

Artificial sweeteners are generally not a healthy option.

Be wary of high fructose corn syrup. Research indicates this is metabolised differently from sugar and may be a potential health hazard.

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