switch your sweet treats for chia, and tame that 3pm craving

Over the past few years, refined sugar has emerged as public enemy number one for dieticians, nutritionists and celebrity bloggers alike. Charged as a key culprit for a host of health problems, sugar has been linked to diabetes, metabolic dysfunction, liver conditions, obesity and hormonal imbalances. Sugar is also highly addictive, triggering a release of dopamine in our brain which our body can form a dependency to. Like other addictive substances, sugar addiction can lead to drastic mood swings and fluctuating energy levels, and an increasing ‘craving’to consume more sugar.

Post sponsored by The Chia Co

While the debate continues over exactly how harmful sugar is, and if different types of sugar are more harmful than others, what everyone can agree on is the danger posed by ‘hidden sugars’in foods we eat every day. It’s easy enough to reduce your intake of obviously sugary substances, like candy, soft-drinks and cakes, but did you know that sugar is a major ingredient in products like bread and ‘natural’ cereals, ‘healthy’ bars and fruit juices too? Sometimes we think we are making a healthy choice, while a quick look at the ingredients panel will reveal that many ‘health’ products actually contain up to 50% sugar.

Start taking note of the sugar content in foods you enjoy, and start replacing high content sugar foods with wholegrain sources of fiber, protein, essential fatty acids and antioxidants. Chia is the richest combined source of omega-3, fiber and protein; nutrition that helps control blood glucose levels, slowing the conversion of carbohydrate to sugar in your body to release energy slowly. Chia helps keep you feeling full and stops the highs and lows that sugary foods can cause, meaning you’re less likely to be looking for unhealthy snacks throughout the day. The soluble and insoluble fiber in chia keeps your digestive system healthy and promotes healthy cholesterol levels.

Chia has no flavor, and can be added to almost anything you would normally eat. Sprinkle onto your yoghurt or in a salad, add to a smoothies, or use in your baking. Just one tablespoon of chia provides 100% of your recommended daily intake of plant based omega-3, 20% of your daily protein and 25% of your daily fiber. Find our more about the benefits of chia at thechiaco.com.au