Now that you've been schooled on how bad sugar is for your skin, you're probably rethinking a lot of your meals and snacks. Dr. Lipman has some valuable advice on how to make a lower-sugar diet seam feasible.
"Avoiding sugar might not be as easy as it seems, as this toxic substance is included in many foods and drinks!" Dr. Lipman warned. "This makes reading ingredient lists on packaged foods extremely important, along with familiarizing yourself with the many different names of sugar." Little changes can go a long way! If the green juice you love has 22 grams of sugar, pick the one without apple and pineapple, and you'll likely be looking at a number like 4 grams.
"To ensure you are supporting healthy skin, you want to avoid inflammatory foods such as sugar, and include an abundance of nutrient-dense fruits and vegetables along with healthy fats to nourish and protect this skin," he said. "Although some may argue that certain sugars are not as harmful as others, it comes down to individuality and how these foods affect you. Some people process carbohydrates more efficiently than others, when some may even need to avoid certain fruits to bring blood sugar back into balance."
If you have a sweet tooth, rely on more natural options. "For sugar-lovers, there are many alternatives, such as chia pudding, that can make a nice substitute," he added. "But for others, sugar needs to be viewed as an addictive substance, and should be eliminated altogether. Drinking water, eating healthy fats, and eating tons of nutrient-dense veggies is important when working to remove sugar from your diet."
Personally, I try to eat half the amount of sugar I normally would and combine it with protein to help slow down how fast I metabolize it. This might be half of a pear with almond butter and flaxseeds or a smoothie with a handful of berries and no other fruits (with the exception of avocado, which has a ton of fiber). It's easier than it sounds but does involve a bit of meal prep!
