First off, I want to say that I LOVE sugar! A Starbucks hot chocolate, a warmed sweet flaky butter croissant, or a square of gooey dark Rocky Road fudge. Is your mouth watering yet?!?! The temptations can be endless! I’ve realized, though, that life is full of choices. When I started this journey, I was going to have to start making BETTER choices! I wrote out a list of “what I’m going to eat“, but the truth is that I also had to write out a list of “what I’m NOT going to eat”. Regaining Youthful Skin by Eliminating Sugar (processed) needed to be at the top of my NOT TO DO list! But why? Why can’t I slide in some of those sugary delicacies here and there??? First off, let me tell you just how sugar consumption affects the skin.
Sugar Damages Collagen and Elastin
How? By a natural process called glycation. This is when the sugar in your bloodstream attaches to proteins to form harmful new molecules called advanced glycation end products (or, AGEs). The more sugar you eat, the more AGEs you develop. The proteins that AGEs love to attach to are Collagen. When that happens, the collagen weakens and the results are sagging skin, (around your jowls) fine lines (wrinkles around your mouth and eyes), and not so supple or soft skin tone (harder and more brittle). Not to mention skin pigmentation deterioration. How’s those sugary delicacies looking now?!?! Hopefully, a little less enticing!
How About Sugary Delicacies Here and There???
To answer that question…Does anyone remember that Lay’s Potato Chip slogan way back when? “betcha can’t eat just one”! Yep! I thought so. Sugar can be VERY addictive! Personally, I can’t eat just ONE potato chip or just ONE Rocky Road Fudge square or just ONE OF ANYTHING!!! I’ve learned that I can eat just ONE apple, or just ONE banana.
So, what I’ve done is made a “go to list” for sugary cravings.
A couple of times a week when I’m home, (granted it took about 2 weeks to get there, but that really isn’t a long time!) I might snack on a half cup of Greek non-fat yogurt with either a half banana sliced in it or a half cup of blueberries/raspberries/strawberries. Protein AND a little sugar from nutritious fruit is something I have come to LOVE! It does the trick and I’m GUILT FREE!
The video below will show you one of my favorite “go to” desserts! And YES, it’s delicious!
FRUITY - LICIOUS
Ingredients
- 2/3 Cup Greek non-fat Yogurt organic
- 1/2 Banana organic
- 8 pcs. Raspberries
- 10 pcs. Blueberries
- 1 tbsp Dried Cranberries
- 1 nut Crushed Walnut
- 1 tbsp honey heated
Instructions
- Put Greek non fat yogurt in bowl.
- Add chopped banana, raspberries, blueberries, and dried cranberries.
- Add dab of yogurt on top.
- Sprinkle with crushed walnuts.
- Heat honey. Drizzle over fruit and yogurt.
Notes
Regaining Youthful Skin by Eliminating Sugar is Easy When You Make Well Thought out Choices!
I’m making sure I keep up my breakfast routine and meal prep. Since I’ve done that, I’ve found that my sugar cravings are minimal now. So, it’s been so much easier to keep things under control. But, every once in a while, I’ll splurge and whip up a Fruity-Licious treat! My guilt-free collagen/elastin rejuvenator plan in action!
Next post coming soon! Skin care 101!
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*Disclaimer: I am not a medical professional of any kind. I am just a blogger sharing information that I have researched and am excited to try out. Posts in this blog are for informational use and should not be construed as medical advice intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or condition. Please consult a physician about your personal health concerns and before adopting any health routine.*