It’s that time of year again when we over indulge on chocolate. For some of us this is a full time occupation whether it is Easter or not, but for others it is an excuse to overindulge because we are allowed to. Sugar creates problems as the more sugar you eat results in the more you body wants due to insulin being released to stabiles the blood sugar levels resulting in a continual fluctuation of high and low sugar levels. The other problem is that people love the sweetness so much that they often substitute food with a far greater nutritional value like fruit for something which contains nothing but sugar.

Here are some tips to help you reduce your sugar intake with the help of alternatives;

• Try and eat before you go shopping as shopping on an empty stomach often results in unnecessary foods entering the trolley.
• Replace chocolates and candies for fruits.
• Always have a healthy snack in your car or bag so you can have that instead of being tempted by something high in sugar.
• Start reading how much sugar is contained in the products you eat. You will be amazed at how much knowledge of the high sugar content can alter the craving you have.
• Try taking a supplement which reduces the sugar cravings like chromium.

Name:  Adrian West

Age: 45

Occupation:  Retired

Lifestyle philosophy:  Wants to stay healthy and active for as long as possible.

What products do you use and why?

Sucro-Balance (Natures Own) – Helps reduce sugar craving and increases the metabolism of fats, sugars and proteins.

Stevia (Health Directions) – Works as a substitute for sugar or chemically made sugar free sweeteners and increases the health of the pancreas.

Fitness regime:  Walk three times a week for half an hour. 

Diet structure:  High protein and low carbohydrate diet.

What product could you not do without?

Sucro-Balance (Natures Own) – Helps reduce sugar craving and increases the metabolism of fats, sugars and proteins.

Most parents know the risk of high sugars in their children diet but at this time of year we need to remind ourselves of the harmful effects of excessive chocolate over the Easter period.  It is amazing how those Easter eggs which are meant for that one special day appear as soon as the Christmas trees are taken of the shelf.  This for most parents can cause long and painful shopping adventures with the children as they are mesmerised by the amount of chocolate and the shinny wrapper that are as equally appealing.

There is nothing wrong with a chocolate occasionally but regular intake can have many negative effects on children.  High sugar products can cause teeth decay, hyperactivity, obesity and increase risk of diabetes.  It is also important to reflect on what type of eating habits are we encouraging by letting them gorge until they feel sick on chocolate.  Why not substitute some of the money spent on chocolate of something else the children would enjoy like a game which will last longer than the chocolate. 

Apples also provide a slow release of natural sugars rather than chocolates which release high amounts of sugars quickly.

·        2 green apples, peeled and diced

·        1 cup dates, pitted and chopped

·        2/3 cup honey

·        2 Cups berries e.g. blueberries, raspberries

·        1 tablespoon corn flour

·        3 ½ cups spelt flour

·        1 2/3 cups water

·        2 teaspoons bicarb soda

Method:

1. Place apples, dates, honey into a mixing bowl.
2. In another bowl place flour, bicarb soda and corn flour.  Mix together and add this to the apples, dates and honey mix.
3. Add water to the dry mixture and fold mixture together.  Add berries and lightly fold mixture together.  The mix should not be to wet, if it is add a little more flour.
4. Lightly spray muffin tins with canola spray and spoon mixture into tins.
5. Bake in a 180^oC preheated oven for approximately 20 minutes. 

Chromium is classed as a trace mineral and contained in a variety of foods including meats, egg yolks, mushrooms, nuts and yeast. A Varity of recent studies have suggested chromium may be beneficial in the maintenance of carbohydrates and lipid levels within the body. It is through this function that people who suffer from type II diabetes or other mature onset related diabetes may benefit from the stabilisation of their blood sugar levels.

It is also believed that this product can control the uptake of glucose into the cells and that it promotes the function of insulin in the body. In theory it would help reduce sugar craving through the stabilisation of insulin as the body will not demand the need for glucose.

Stevia is a non-caloric sweet tasting herbal extract. Stevia is a natural herb extract from the leaf of Stevia rebaudiana and is not metabolized by the body. Stevia nourished the pancreas and assists in maintaining health pancreatic function. Stevia helps to maintain healthy digestive function. If digestive symptoms persist, consult your health care practitioner.

Click here to find out more or to buy this product.

Thexton Price:  $7.96

Chromium is an essential trace element used by the human body in the metabolism of fats, sugars, and protein. It plays an important role in the regulation of blood sugar levels, and research suggests that a diet high in sugar may contribute to reducing the body''s chromium reserves. Nature''s Own Sucro-Balance combines chromium picolinate, a biologically active form of chromium, with the popular Indian herb Gymnema sylvestre, and the powerful antioxidants grapeseed, vitamin C and vitamin E.

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Thexton Price: $16.21

Chromium stimulates enzymes involved in glucose metabolism, and improves the effectiveness of insulin in its relationship with glucose. It competes with iron to transport protein in the blood and is involved in RNA-protein binding ability. Chromium is poorly absorbed (5% bioavailability). It is stored in the spleen, testicles, kidneys, pancreas, heart, lungs, and brain. Helps stabilize nucleic acids (DNA and RNA) against structural changes. Helps stimulate the synthesis of fatty acids and cholesterol in the liver.

Click here to fnd out more or to buy this product.

Thexton Price: $20.42