Have a healthy heart: 5 tips to reduce your sugar intake

Staying away from the cookies in the office or at the football watch party is never a sure bet for the faint of heart - especially this time of year. However, too much sugar intake can eventually cause severe heart-related issues.

But whether you're a serious player or novice around the bar during the holiday season, reckless sugar intake can lead to (1) weight gain, (2) increased blood glucose levels, (3) diabetes and (4) stroke symptoms/a heart attack. 

Here are 5 tips to reduce your sugar intake, on the road to a healthier heart.

Let's face it .. 

No matter what team your heart is rooting for, all the cookie trays you encounter this time of year can spike your sugar levels.

Another brownie here and shot of vodka there can add up with time, leading to  health issues such as (1) weight gain, (2) diabetes, and (3) increase in blood glucose levels. 

All together, consuming too much sugar can eventually lead to stroke symptoms, if not a heart attack. So, watching your sugar intake is crucial to having a healthy heart - today and tomorrow.

Here are 5 tips on how to reduce your sugar intake:

1.) Reduce your portions:

Can't resist having more than one chocolate chip cookie after your significant other is done baking them? Make sure to avoid the kitchen at all cost, if not ask the baker to reduce the amount of sugar in the recipe.

Seriously.

2.) Get rid and/or reduce the sugar use: 

Reduce the amount of sugar you add to such norms as coffee, cereal, waffles or tea.

Whether you use brown or white sugar, cutting back on all that sugar you add on food or drinks, will reduce the chances of long-term heart issues. There's also a better chance your blood glucose levels will not skyrocket into danger zone territory.

3.) Toss the soda: Say NO(!) to soda or sugary drinks - any time of the year. Again, it may be difficult to avoid them at all cost, especially at a holiday party, but water is always a better option than soda when trying to control your sugar intake. Can't break the habit right away? Go with a diet drink and work yourself up from there. If you're not drinking water, which should always be option No. 1! 

4.) Stock up on fruit:  Are you prone to putting sugar on your cereal or oatmeal? Cut that out right now! Instead, try adding fresh fruits such as bananas, strawberries or berries. You can also opt for dried fruits (cranberries) as well.

5.) Say goodbye to the sugar: That's right! Get rid of all those sugar packets, if not sugar bags. Using extracts (vanilla) and/or spices (cinnamon, nutmeg) will likely take time to get used to in the morning, but your heart will definitely thank you later...

(Need a copywriter and/or have a comment or question? Your suggestions and thoughts are always appreciated on this platform. You can also connect with me @miami_by_fernie on Instagram. I look forward to connecting!)