YOUR 2024 BRAIN BRAWN MINI RESOLUTION SUGAR DETOX: WEEK 2

Originally posted February 12, 2024

Cutting Added Sugar from Breakfast and Snacks
 
Happy Monday! We hope you read labels with a fresh eye last week and tried some new breakfast recipes without added sugar! 

This week our mini resolution is to continue to keep sugar out of breakfast and to also remove added sugar from our snacks.

In March's sleep resolution, we discussed the connection between poor sleep and poor food decisions. People who under-sleep consume 500-800 more calories per day, mostly through snacks and typically in the form of fat and added sugar. 

So, let’s say you didn’t sleep well last night. You had a no-added-sugar breakfast, but you are longing for some energy or just some crunch to get you between meals. What are your options? In general, no-added-sugar trail mix (much dried fruit has sugar added, so be sure to always read those labels!) travels well and can be kept in a purse or glove box for emergencies.

Here are a few other snack ideas

On the sweet side options:

• There is always plain fruit!
• Or try a sliced banana, no-added-sugar nut butter and some unsweetened cacao nibs
• Another satisfying option: plain yogurt with unsweetened cacao nibs
• There are plenty of no-added-sugar fruit & nut bars out there. The original Rx Bars have egg whites for protein and are a little more balanced than the rest. We really like the kid sizes for better portion control. They also make nut butters and oatmeal. Be aware, the breakfast bars are sweetened.
• You can make your own bars if you are so inclined, read labels to be sure the dried fruit does not have added sugar
• How about these three-ingredient cookies? If you go with the “add-ins,” make sure they are unsweetened
• There are literally hundreds of recipes online for unsweetened energy balls. Here is one to get started

 
Savory options

• Hard boiled eggs
• Sliced fresh real turkey (the processed stuff will have added sugar)
• Avocado (eat it right out of the shell with a spoon!)
• Roasted chickpeas
• Edamame
• Toasted seaweed

PRO TIP: If you’re a dessert person, most of the sweet snack ideas above will satisfy dessert, too! And don’t forget protein, greens, fiber and fluids are your friends! If you have access to a blender, a half-scoop of protein powder or plain yogurt with a little fruit, dark greens, and ice will take the edge off!

​CLICK HERE for a downloadable calendar to help you track your progress toward eliminating added sugar! 

We will see you next week when we tackle lunch! Feel free to email your Motivated Mondays Coach Michele at [email protected] with your individual questions. 
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