How To Crush Your Sugar Cravings and Embrace a Refreshing Hydration Routine

Drink plenty of water.

Most people consume plenty of liquid throughout the day. That isn’t the challenge. What they are consuming is the problem.

DON’T DRINK SUGAR!

This cannot be overstated. When sugar is consumed in a liquid form, it is sent almost immediately to the blood stream, causing a huge spike in blood sugar levels, insulin response, and a rapid rise and crash in energy levels. This is because the sugar is being ingested with any fiber to slow its’ digestion. While eating loads of sugar is also a bad idea, drinking sugar is generally a terrible habit.

This isn’t limited to pop and sports drinks, either. Most non-water beverages are loaded with sugar. This includes fruit and vegetable juices, coffee and tea, flavored waters, and alcoholic beverages.

Does that mean that someone should only be drinking water? Yes. And no. It’s understood that life is about enjoying the things that bring about a feeling of joy and contentment. Many of these sugary beverages do just that.

The key is to have a shift in the mindset regarding these beverages. Sugary drinks are not something to be consumed on a daily basis - just drink water! Include the sugary drinks sparingly throughout the week at appropriate times. Always ask how much and how often is reasonable to drink?

Just finished a round of golf with friends? Great! Time to enjoy a sports drink. Girls night out? Fun! Break out the mocktails. Enjoying 1-2 sugary drinks a week is reasonable. Any more than that and the negative effects on health begin to outweigh the positive feelings from enjoying the beverage.

Michael Ockrim

Meet the Mighty Oak

Michael Ockrim is a strength and conditioning coach and the founder of Mighty Oak Athletic in suburban Chicago, where he trains student athletes and families to build lifelong habits around movement, recovery, and nutrition.

He has more than 30 years of personal training experience and is a second-degree black belt in USA Taekwondo. Michael also serves as a group fitness instructor at Life Time Athletic and is pursuing a culinary degree at College of DuPage to deepen his understanding of performance nutrition.

He is the author of Death Resistant: A Common Sense Guide to Live Long and Drop Dead Healthy, which explores practical strategies for longevity through strength, mobility, and lifestyle consistency.

Disclaimer: The information provided on this website and in our newsletters is for general informational purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. All content, including text, graphics, images, videos, and information, is provided for educational and general wellness purposes. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition, nutrition plan, or fitness program. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this site or in our communications.

http://www.MichaelOckrim.com
Previous
Previous

How I Went From A Soft Suburban Dad To A Vibrant, Healthy Man

Next
Next

How to Build Resilience and Perseverance with Youth Strength Training