Can you give up chocolate?

Are you ready to kick sugar and give up chocolate this March?

1st March marks the start of Dechox month, a whole month dedicated to giving up the sweet stuff. Anything containing cocoa is off limits; from the sprinkles on your cappuccino to that chocolate bar.

How often do you eat chocolate? Once a week? Every day? You’ll be shocked to know that the average Brit spends more than £325 on chocolate every year. Recent statistics also show that we eat an average of 187 chocolate bars a year.

As adults, the maximum daily intake for added sugars is 30g. This is the equivalent of 7 teaspoons. Some of the worst offenders available in supermarkets contain your recommended daily intake in just ONE bar.

Take a look at some of Britain’s popular chocolate bars containing the most sugar below.

Mars (51g)

Mars Bar

Mars bars currently contain 30.5g sugar. That’s more than your recommended daily intake. This is the equivalent of eating 2.4 Krispy Kreme Original Glazed donuts.

Double Decker (54.5g)

Double Decker

The popular Double Decker contains a shocking 29.5g sugar. Approx. 7.5 teaspoons.

Twix (58g – Both fingers)

Twix

Another favourite is Twix, which contains 28g of sugar.

If you’re looking to cut down on your chocolate consumption and watch your sugar intake, then we recommend looking at alternative low sugar choices. All types of chocolate will affect your teeth and health if eaten too regularly, but reading labels carefully will help when it comes to cutting down on sugar. We can help you swap to chocolate bars that are better for your health.

Keep an eye on the ingredients

Have you ever picked up a chocolate bar and noticed it’s advertised as ‘Low Sugar’ or ‘No Added Sugar?’ Make sure you check the labels, as most of the time the main ingredient in low sugar chocolate bars is an artificial sweetener. These artificial sweeteners can be as bad as sugar and can wreak havoc on your digestive system if eaten in large quantities. They are just as sweet and fuel your sweet cravings and also make you feel hungry afterwards.

Artificial sweeteners go by many names, including xylitol, glucose syrup, corn syrup, sucralose, sorbitol, fructose and many more.

 It’s not just chocolate bars you should look out for. Dechox month means cutting out anything containing cocoa. Do you know how much sugar is in a regular jar of Nutella?

Take a look at this diagram below to see what you’re really consuming…

Nutella Diagram

Craving chocolate? Try these tasty chocolate swaps:

  • A handful of fresh berries
  • Plain popcorn
  • Whole fruits such as oranges and peaches
  • Yoghurt
  • A handful of almonds

 

If you would like to find out more about Dechox month, our friends at the British Heart Foundation can tell you more here.

A dentist over at Bow Lane Dental group has also put together a helpful blog called ‘Is chocolate good for you?’ which you can read here.

Kick Sugar this Valentine’s Day

Are you or your partner currently kicking sugar from your diet? With a little help from the Rewards Project, you can enjoy a low sugar Valentine’s Day that’s just as special!

 

Dining out

Did you know, most restaurants are happy to cook you a low-sugar option if you request it? It can be hard to give in to temptation whilst looking at meals full of sugary sauces or desserts, but you’ll feel great for saying no to those sugar-laden foods. Instead, why not share a cheese board, or opt for a fruit salad?

If you know where you’re heading for dinner, make sure to plan ahead and check the menu before you get there. This will save you lots of time and prevent you from feeling rushed at the dinner table!

More tips for dining out whilst kicking sugar:

  • Drink plenty of water
  • Avoid alcohol
  • Try to avoid white bread/white rice/white potato/white pasta
  • Keep an eye on dressings and sauces

 

Chocolates

If your partner simply can’t resist Chocolates, opt for dark chocolate. Dark chocolate has a lot less sugar and added health benefits. We suggest choosing an 85% cocoa bar or higher. The higher the percentage of cocoa, the lower the sugar content.

Dark chocolate is also full of anti-oxidants and will also boost your partners mood by producing endorphins, a chemical responsible for creating feelings of pleasure.

 

Non-food gift ideas

How about being more thoughtful. Here is a list of non-food gifts that will last longer than the box of chocolates:

  • A personalised photo frames
  • Bouquet of roses
  • A meaningful Valentine’s Day card
  • A hand written love letter
  • Tickets to their favourite show
  • A couples massage
  • A fitness class
  • Do the chores around the house
  • A lie in (if you have kids)
  • A book from their favourite author

 

Staying in this year?

If you and your partner are having a cosy night in this year, why not make it even more romantic and cook a delicious, low-sugar recipe together from our Kick Sugar cookbook. There’s nothing better than a candle lit feast with your loved one.

The Kick Sugar cookbook is filled with easy, fuss-free recipes that will improve your health and re-calibrate your taste-buds. You and your partner will be spoilt for choice once you’ve seen the options.

Kick Sugar Cookbook

Get your copy of Kick Sugar here.

 

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