We all love to indulge in a sweet treat every now and then. But when sugar is a part of your daily routine, it can have some serious health consequences.

One of our resident registered dietitians Mia Votapka recently joined our CEO and founder, Amanda Tress, on the FASTer Way Podcast to discuss nutrition for boosting immune health. She highlighted sugar as a main culprit in causing inflammation, which leads to a compromised immune system.

But that’s just one of the hidden dangers of sugar.

If you want to eliminate sugar from your diet and develop healthier habits, join us starting September 7 for our 21-Day Sugar Elimination Challenge, exclusively for FASTer way VIP members! To sign up for VIP and join the challenge, click the button below.

Use the code LETSGO2021 to receive $20 off registration!

When we consume sugar, it drives up insulin and glucose and eventually creates insulin resistance in our bodies. This means our cells take in less sugar than they need because the insulin can’t do its job. Sugar is also the main culprit for Type 2 Diabetes, cancer, obesity, heart disease, and so much more.

Bottom line: Eating lots of bad sugar stresses your body out!

HERE’S WHAT SUGAR IS DOING TO YOUR BODY

1.      SUGAR STUNTS EATING HABITS AND CAUSES WEIGHT GAIN – This is especially important during stressful times, especially with many of us spending more time at home. One of the best ways to keep yourself healthy in this climate is to drink lots of water and avoid sugary drinks like sweet tea and cola. All that fructose has been shown to cause a resistance to leptin, a hormone in your body that tells you to stop eating. You will be more hungry and less able to stop. Drink more water during the day and you’ll have more energy, feel more refreshed, and enjoy a more regulated appetite.

If you’re looking for help, check out these FASTer Way-approved snack ideas.

2.      BELLY FAT IS LINKED TO HEART DISEASE – When you consume a lot of sugary beverages, you are also at risk of increasing visceral fat or belly fat. This kind of weight gain has been linked to diabetes and heart disease. According to a National Institute of Health study in 2014, those who consumed 17-21% of calories from sugar were 38% more likely to die of heart disease.

It’s important to balance your macros (carbs, fat, and protein) on a daily basis. It has proven to be an effective way to get rid of that belly fat and get you into shape. Learn more here!

3.      IT CAUSES YOUR SKIN TO BREAK OUT – Why is it that rural communities, which tend to have more whole, natural foods, have very low cases of acne compared to urban areas? It’s because consuming processed and high-sugar foods increases androgen secretion, inflammation and oils. Your face might be the face of too much sugar!

4.      DEPRESSION AND FATIGUE – This has been an important topic this past year and a half, as we have faced so much uncertainty in our lives. It’s so important to embrace your mental health right now, and researchers have stated that sugar swings and inflammation can have a big impact.

Read more about how sugar intake is linked with depressive symptoms, or learn more about how a high glycemic index diet is a risk factor for depression.

Main takeaway: If you consume added sugars, you are more likely to suffer from depression.

5.      LOSS OF ENERGY AND MOTIVATION –  High-sugar foods spike your blood sugar and insulin quickly, but once the rush is over, you’re in for a crash. Those erratic swings can drain your body and send it into a blurry state. Instead, seek out complex carb sources with plenty of fiber. You deserve to have the energy you need to get through the day!

We are PASSIONATE about helping people get well, prevent disease, and fulfill their purpose with ENERGY. We’re here to support you on your journey as we head into the holidays. So don’t forget to join us for our 21-Day Sugar Elimination Challenge, exclusively for VIP members. We start on September 7! Be sure to use the code LETSGO2021 to receive $20 off registration!