87% of Americans are trying to eat less sugar, but the average person eats almost 3x the daily recommended amount. So, chances are your patients are trying to eat less sugar and failing.
Here’s how you as a clinician can help them, especially when most people feel hopeless and ashamed that they can’t break this addiction on their own.
1) Acknowledge that most foods are created to be addictive and let your patients know that it’s not their fault. Sugar is the most popular ingredient added to foods in the U.S., and that’s not a coincidence. Not only do our taste buds naturally enjoy it but eating sugar releases opioids and dopamine in our bodies, associating sugar with reward, a high, and compulsive behavior regardless of the repercussions.
2) Suggest small, sustainable changes that can make a big difference, such as:
- Easy sugar swaps. Rather than just telling them to quit cold turkey, provide low and/or no sugar alternatives that are accessible and enjoyable to them.
- Incorporating meditation or regular exercise to help reduce stress, and thus reduce sugar cravings.
- Adding in more protein to help them stay satisfied after meals and stabilize their blood sugar, which reduces cravings for more sugar.
- Aiming for 7-9 hours of sleep to help keep their hormones in check and avoid fatigue-provoked hunger & cravings.
3)Introduce easy, natural, & science-backed tools that are conducive to their lifestyle and empower them to reduce their sugar intake & maintain healthy blood sugar levels.