Whenever people ask me if I would like to go for a boba run, grab some cookies, or treat myself to some candy after a long day’s work, I will always kindly say no. But when it comes to the reason behind it, my answer has always been something like, “Sorry, I don’t have a sweet tooth,” so that my choice is easier to understand. However, the real reason behind me barely having any sweet-flavored food is that I’ve been on a sugar-free diet since I was little.
It was certainly not a lie that I don’t have a sweet tooth. Growing up, my family always cooked regular meals and planned a well-balanced menu, which means no snacks in my drawers, no drinks in my cup except for pure water, tea, or coffee, let alone foods like cookies or candies.
My mom believes that added sugar has a high energy transformation ratio, which makes our body absorb and gain fat. Moreover, after years of working to quit added sugar, I’ve noticed a few more advantages of having such a kind of diet:
1. It reduces acne and the aging of your skin.
2. It lessens the fat in your stomach.
3. It keeps you feeling refreshed all day long.
It’s worth mentioning that quitting added sugar is not equal to quitting all sugar. Added sugar includes things like glucose, galactose, white sugar, and brown sugar that are added to our food during the production process. Ice creams, desserts, boba, as well as all the food and drinks that have added sugar in their ingredient lists have all had a farewell party with me.
So then, what kind of sugar do I consume?
- Fruit
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The fructose and Vitamin C in all kinds of fresh fruits are good for our bodies. Make yourself a bowl of fruit salad (but remember, no sweetener!) when you crave sweetness.
- Milk
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If you are not lactose intolerant, then there’s no reason for giving up the aromatic and mellow taste of milk! You don’t need to go buy drinks from a boba shop – start to make your own milk tea! Add some pure milk into your green or black tea, and it will for sure perk you up!
- Rice, Noodles, Bread, etc.
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These carbohydrates provide our bodies with heat and energy. They are your ride or die. Check the packages of noodles and bread for the list of ingredients so you know what you nourishing your body with!
Although I’ve dropped many sugary foods from my diet, I do enjoy the natural flavor of sweetness and the genuine happiness attached to it. Quitting added sugar has been a crucial part of my life, but everyone is different in what works best for them. There is nothing wrong with treating yourself!
If you do decide that you want to minimize your added sugar intake in some small ways, start off by drinking more water and teas, pick nights of the week that you are going to treat yourself, and listen to your body.
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