Here’s something crazy for you… did you know that 20% of all 10-year-olds in the UK are considered obese and another 15% are classed as overweight? Not only that but scientists believe that in just 10 years from now, between 20% and 50% of the entire world’s population will be classified as obese.
It is something that I am deeply passionate about raising awareness of, especially because at the heart of this global health issue is one very popular white substance… sugar! We need to start making better choices – and the time to start is now.
I wanted to share with you all the talk I gave at a TEDx event last year about why we need to cut down on sugar, where it is hiding and how we can start making small changes that all add up to a bigger (and healthier) outcome… Hopefully it will inspire you to start checking what you’re eating – and being more conscious in the decisions you’re making.
My key advice for cutting sugar out your life is as follows:
- Give up soft drinks… full stop!
- Keep healthy snacks in your bag, car and desk so you don’t reach for chocolate at 3pm.
- Don’t allow breakfast to be dessert. Look at how much sugar is in your favourite morning routine.
- Watch out for the various names used on ingredients lists when referring to sugar; read all labels, even for seemingly healthy products, as many contain hidden sugar.
- Where possible, make your own meals so you know exactly what they contain.
- Avoid fruits with high fructose content, such as pineapple and mangoes.
- Try to limit alcohol consumption, especially if you mix spirits with sugary syrups or soft drinks.
- Avoid refined carbohydrates such as white bread, white rice and bagels.
