8 Ways To Avoid A Sugar Rush From Christmas Cakes, Hot Chocolates And More

1. Opt for Smaller Portions

[{"selector":"#anim-ab31b02b-08bb-4466-b9fb-fd1c641c9769","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-1f66a78f-e9ce-4a07-846b-eab5ae67a22b","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(0px, 384.44468%, 0)","translate3d(0px, 0px, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] Credits: Unsplash Instead of piling your plate high, serve smaller portions of desserts and sweets.

2. Pair Sweets with Protein or Healthy Fats

[{"selector":"#anim-98ede72e-0bc9-43df-a8e6-e4c98c08c584","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-f848e870-2a01-4a0d-8a98-e534ddae968e","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(0px, 266.97521%, 0)","translate3d(0px, 0px, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] Credits: Unsplash Balance your sugar intake by pairing sweets with protein-rich foods like nuts or yoghurt.

3. Use Sugar Alternatives in Recipes

[{"selector":"#anim-d9c6a442-12fe-447b-9873-2de4f86f1b86","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-2c8fa8b6-50df-48d0-a5c4-41362efeb0a8","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(0px, 305.86405%, 0)","translate3d(0px, 0px, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] Credits: Unsplash If you're baking at home, experiment with natural sweeteners like honey, maple syrup, or stevia.

4. Stay Hydrated

[{"selector":"#anim-4ed118cc-1bbf-428d-9e07-e6aebce4606a","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-21ea7ba8-3931-4e6b-aabc-f5a01d6e55a3","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(0px, 201.30017%, 0)","translate3d(0px, 0px, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] Credits: Unsplash Often, thirst is mistaken for hunger or sugar cravings. Drink water or unsweetened herbal teas throughout the day to keep hydrated.

5. Go for Dark Chocolate Over Milk Chocolate

[{"selector":"#anim-a8039e1a-4a44-40b6-8cc3-5c13db65f86e","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-c9bed853-571f-45c1-b66c-0028028b3d03","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(0px, 204.49168%, 0)","translate3d(0px, 0px, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] Credits: Unsplash Dark chocolate contains less sugar than milk chocolate and also offers antioxidants. It’s a healthier choice for satisfying your sweet tooth.

6. Add Spices for Flavour

[{"selector":"#anim-5f956074-f8cb-445b-8390-dc17812371a1","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-9d6d9f33-92f6-447b-99bb-02fe8b9ac546","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(0px, 266.97521%, 0)","translate3d(0px, 0px, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] Credits: Unsplash Seasonal spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cardamom naturally enhance sweetness and flavour.

7. Plan Your Indulgences

[{"selector":"#anim-d596fa4e-5e69-4195-af4b-f56fae124b67","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-5f39d5e5-ecf6-42c4-aeed-33ec01165966","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(0px, 204.49168%, 0)","translate3d(0px, 0px, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] Credits: Unsplash Choose when and what to indulge in. If you know a decadent dessert is on the menu, balance the rest of your day with lighter meals.

8. Stay Active

[{"selector":"#anim-82f68356-8b2d-4798-8e41-584fd617284f","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-c0037404-f275-426b-be57-a149029708b8","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(0px, 384.44468%, 0)","translate3d(0px, 0px, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] Credits: Unsplash After a rich meal or sugary treat, take a short walk or engage in light activity.

[{"selector":"#anim-3d74c29f-a107-4ee3-8c3a-46e713b494a6","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-2c302181-26fb-439a-8bde-ad05d573f0f5","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(0px, 550.44477%, 0)","translate3d(0px, 0px, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] Credits: Unsplash Enjoy the magic of Christmas without the energy crashes!