In our last blog, we revealed how plain sugar causes skin aging over time and causes undesirable effects. Fortunately, there are ways to slow these effects in the diet and give your skin some love. We’ll share with you more strategies to kick sugar to the curb for that youthful appearance you always wanted.
1. Cut Back on Soda
Soda accounts for 30-40% of a person’s daily sugar intake in the average American diet. Cutting back the soda to once a month or even once a week is far better than consuming it every day. Good substitutes include seltzer and water flavored with lemon or fruit. Stay away from diet sodas, as these are loaded with artificial sweeteners that are just as unhealthy for your skin.
2. Sleuth Out Hidden Sugars
Hidden sugars can be found in packaged foods anywhere, even those that appear to be “healthy.” This doesn’t mean you should be afraid of food, but rather be wise and read the labels. Low-fat yogurt is a great example. Many of these products have added sugars in them. The sugar amounts in plain strained yogurt are much lower.
3. Watch the Coffee
While coffee itself provides a number of benefits to the skin, that spiced latte every morning at the coffee shop could be doing you more harm than good. Flavored coffee drinks are loaded with sugar. Opt for black coffee or plain coffee with cream instead. If you need it sweetened, add in a natural sweetener. Your skin and your wallet will thank you!
4. Not all Sweeteners are Created Equal
As previously mentioned, artificial sweeteners are just as bad as white sugar for the body. They can harm the gut microbiome, which plays a role in skin health. Natural sweeteners like stevia, erythritol, and monk fruit are much better. They are easy sugar substitutes in your favorite recipes.
5. Beware of High Glycemic Foods
Desserts and pastries aren’t the only sugary culprits. Processed white bread, pasta, pizza, french fries, and potato products quickly turn into sugar in the body, too. Instead, aim for low to moderate glycemic foods like apples, sweet potatoes, and berries. These foods are dense in nutrients that are good for your skin.
6. Eat More Foods with Alpha-Lipoic Acid
Some studies show that alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) may help prevent the harmful effects of sugar in the body. Leafy greens contain modest levels of ALA. Brussels sprouts and tomatoes have higher amounts.
7. Treat Yourself Now and Then
Got a birthday or wedding coming up? No worries, enjoy that cake. It’s perfectly fine to indulge in a sweet treat on occasion. You’ll be less likely to have sugar cravings if you spread it out. Remember that a chronic diet of high-sugar foods over time is what harms the skin, not a single ice cream cone. So go ahead, treat yourself and enjoy life’s sweet moments!
More TLC for Your Skin
Adding in key nutrients for your skin is just as important as cutting out sugar. Del Mar supplements can help. See how these supplements support dermal health and slow skin aging for a beautiful complexion.
