How to Avoid Sugar Overload During the Holidays

December 20, 2022

When most people think of their favorite holiday foods or family traditions, there's often something sugary and decadent at the center of it all. Think cookies, pies, cakes and eggnog for starters. There are also plenty of foods that contain more sugar than you realize, and they might not even taste sweet. So how do you avoid sugar overload at this time of year? And why is it a good idea to do so anyway?

If you need a reason to eat less sugar, think about how it makes you feel. Sure, it feels good in the moment to indulge in a sweet treat. But that influx of sugar sends your blood sugar on a rollercoaster ride that ultimately ends with a crash. When that happens, you’ll likely feel tired and cranky, and you’ll be craving more sugar.

The thing about sugar is that it's like a drug. In fact, research has shown that it can be even more rewarding and addictive than cocaine. So once you start eating sugar, you tend to want to keep eating it. This can snowball into sugar overload, ultimately affecting your energy levels and mood. Too much sugar in your diet has also been linked to health issues such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart disease and cancer, among others.

There's nothing fun about completely swearing off sugar in the midst of the holiday season, but here are some tips to keep consumption of the sweet stuff in check:

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Date Last Reviewed: October 14, 2022

Editorial Review: Andrea Cohen, Editorial Director, Baldwin Publishing, Inc. Contact Editor

Medical Review: Jane Schwartz, RDN, CLT

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