Excess sugar consumption has been associated with obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, certain cancers, tooth decay, weight gain, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, and more.

According to the American Heart Association (AHA), the maximum amount of added sugar you should eat in a day is

• Men: 150 calories per day (37.5 grams or 9 teaspoons)

• Women: 100 calories per day (25 grams or 6 teaspoons)

Sugary, highly processed foods, stimulate the same areas in the brain as illegal drugs. For this reason, sugar can cause people to lose control over their consumption. That said, sugar is not nearly as addictive as illegal drugs, and “sugar addiction” should be comparatively easy to overcome.

If you have a history of binge eating, failing to adhere to set rules about your eating (like cheat meals or days), and repeated failures with the “everything in moderation” approach, perhaps you’re addicted. It’s time to DETOX!!

Get social! Tag @TheBeWell_Project on Instagram and Facebook and let me and others know how you're doing throughout the challenge!

Good luck, have fun and

Happy Holidays!!