If there is one food that I remove from all my client’s diets, it is sugar. Actually, I should say that I try to remove it, because sadly, there can be over 60 different names for sugar that are very well hidden. Even if you do your best to read labels, it is challenging to recognize the sugars. Take a look at the link below for further information. Knowing these names will help you avoid foods loaded with hidden sugars.
It is true that not all sugars are evil. Your body actually needs the sugar that it gets from fruits and vegetables. The sugar in fruit is a simple sugar, meaning that your body does not have to break anything down like it has to with complex and refined sugars. When this sugar in fruits and vegetables is combined with fiber, vitamins and minerals, it is processed very differently in your body. This sugar is used instantly for energy and nourishment.
Refined (white sugar) sugar causes damage to your body and cells. It is also highly addictive. What happens when you eat one cookie? You want more, right? What people do not recognize is the amount of sugar in processed foods, cereals, breads, pastas, and rice. When combined with protein at a meal, these sugars take a toll on your digestion as they conflict with the breakdown (digestion) of protein causing bloat, and other digestive issues. It is best to avoid these complex carbohydrates and eat quinoa, sweet potatoes, or wild rice instead. What about salad dressings, condiments, and canned goods? They too can be loaded with sugar and pack on the extra calories. They have no nutrient value to your cells at all.
I find that many parents give their kids far too much fruit juice and wonder why they are gaining weight. Fruit juice is void of nutrients and loaded with sugar, often as much as soft drinks!! Also, when you drink your calories, you do not experience that ‘full feeling ‘, which may cause you to eat more. Try feeding your children only water, or water sweetened with real fruit. The combination of lemon juice and maple syrup makes a nice, refreshing, healthy, alternative.
Stay completely away from high amounts of fructose as this has been linked to metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, fatty liver, kidney disease, cardiovascular disease and insulin resistance. Did you know that agave nectar (which many people have switched to), is between 70 and 90 percent fructose? To learn more about the effects of fructose, please go to Mercola's link below https://www.mercola.com/infographics/fructose-overload.htm
In summary, to stay in control of your health, avoid weight gain, and feel energized, avoid sugar by eating real food. If food is canned or boxed, it is likely to have preservatives and added sugars. Read your labels, and use only stevia as a liquid sweetener. The opinions shared in this article are those of the contributor and not Total Gym Direct.
Refined (white sugar) sugar causes damage to your body and cells. It is also highly addictive. What happens when you eat one cookie? You want more, right? What people do not recognize is the amount of sugar in processed foods, cereals, breads, pastas, and rice. When combined with protein at a meal, these sugars take a toll on your digestion as they conflict with the breakdown (digestion) of protein causing bloat, and other digestive issues. It is best to avoid these complex carbohydrates and eat quinoa, sweet potatoes, or wild rice instead. What about salad dressings, condiments, and canned goods? They too can be loaded with sugar and pack on the extra calories. They have no nutrient value to your cells at all.
I find that many parents give their kids far too much fruit juice and wonder why they are gaining weight. Fruit juice is void of nutrients and loaded with sugar, often as much as soft drinks!! Also, when you drink your calories, you do not experience that ‘full feeling ‘, which may cause you to eat more. Try feeding your children only water, or water sweetened with real fruit. The combination of lemon juice and maple syrup makes a nice, refreshing, healthy, alternative.
Stay completely away from high amounts of fructose as this has been linked to metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, fatty liver, kidney disease, cardiovascular disease and insulin resistance. Did you know that agave nectar (which many people have switched to), is between 70 and 90 percent fructose? To learn more about the effects of fructose, please go to Mercola's link below https://www.mercola.com/infographics/fructose-overload.htm
In summary, to stay in control of your health, avoid weight gain, and feel energized, avoid sugar by eating real food. If food is canned or boxed, it is likely to have preservatives and added sugars. Read your labels, and use only stevia as a liquid sweetener. The opinions shared in this article are those of the contributor and not Total Gym Direct.
