When reducing added sugar intake and ditching dependence on the sweet stuff, there are various ways to go about it.  Some go cold-turkey, cutting out added and free sugars entirely. Others wean off gradually, consuming less as time goes on. Cravings are inevitable (especially in the early days), and ways to manage the desire including eating more … Continued

It is widely accepted that too much added sugar is not great for health. Specifically, then, how might excess added sugar intake impact the immune system? Sugar and the immune system Past research indicates immune system activity is suppressed following the overconsumption of free sugars, particularly fructose (though some scientists feel more studies in humans … Continued

True or false: Eating healthy means spending loads of cash on fancy superfoods found only at fancy health food stores. Thankfully, the answer is false, friends.  Look past the latest fad or trend on TikTok. There is no need for exotic, expensive ingredients to eat well and be healthy. There are plenty of affordable staple … Continued

Most of us want to eat well. And we should. It is imperative for optimal brain and body function. While it is obvious that certain foods are not great for us (yes, that Krispy Kreme is not designed to nourish your body), there are plenty of ideas out there on what diet is “best”. Yet … Continued

To eat for health, we are often guided by what to exclude or restrict. The problem is, with all the dietary ideas, recommendations, and advice out there, the counting and restrictions can feel overwhelming. We suggest flipping the focus and trying a simpler approach to healthy eating: focus on what to include. These being mostly whole and minimally processed foods, … Continued

Without a doubt, sugar is tempting and cravings can be intense.  Food and drink containing added sugar is everywhere, widely marketed, cheap, and easy to over-consume. With sugar present in around 70% of the food supply, your body and taste buds may have come to expect and desire it. To reduce intake and dependence, it … Continued

Sleep is essential to health. Equally important as eating well and moving the body. But what does sleep have to do with sugar? A lot, it turns out!   The importance of sleep We need sleep for pretty much every aspect of health. This includes proper immune, metabolic, brain, and cardiovascular function, appetite regulation and … Continued

Creating a meal to please kids that is also healthy can be a challenge. Children and teens can have a discerning palate and a preference for particular (often less healthy) foods. It is not surprising. We are faced with endless marketing of hyper-palatable ultra-processed and packaged foods, many of which contain added and free sugars while offering … Continued

  Kids love sweet stuff. In fact, humans are wired to desire it.  For most of history, humans evolved to seek out sweet tastes. Finding sweet, ripe foods offered an easy energy source, therefore, an evolutionary advantage.  In the modern-day developed environment, foods high in added sugars are readily available and abundant. It is difficult … Continued

You are what you eat, yet what you eat can be influenced by many factors.  When attempting reduce added and free sugar intake, and eat well overall, it is useful to be aware of what may be driving your food or drink selection. The reality is, there are many of forces at play! Here are … Continued