Sunday, April 1, 2012

Sugar is TOXIC!

I noticed today when I went to check my e-mail that “Is Sugar Toxic"?” was the #1 topic on the “What’s Trending Now?” list. Very interesting.

I decided to do a little research and found several articles and studies claiming that sugar is absolutely toxic. According to this article, (and several credible doctors who put together a report for CBS news) “the high amount of sugar in the American diet, much of it in processed foods, is killing us. And as Dr. Sanjay Gupta reports, new scientific research seems to support his theory that sugar is toxic, including some linking the excess ingestion of sugars to heart disease.”

“Americans are now consuming nearly 130 pounds of added sugars per person, per year.” I believe that for sure. And we think as long as we’re staying away from high-fructose corn syrup that we’re doing okay. Not true. According to the research, they have the same effects on our body.

The solution is VERY simple. Eat REAL foods. Eat lean protein, whole grains, and tons of veggies. Beware of anything in a box or package….try to eat as “real and natural” as possible. Eat organic when possible. Enjoy a special treat on occasion….just keep moderation in mind. We tend to be dishonest with ourselves about how much sugar or how many treats we actually consume.

I have definitely combatted a sweet tooth (nice way of admitting that I have a SUGAR ADDICTION!), but I have to say, I feel SO MUCH BETTER and have a ton more energy when I cut refined sugar out of my diet. I still get some sugar in the fruit and whole grains I eat….I’m talking about in sugary drinks, cake, cookies, ice cream, candy, etc. The JUNK!

I know one thing that has really helped me is to track my food using myfitnesspal.com. Basically it’s a digitalized food journal that breaks everything down for you. It’s easy and convenient to use, so there aren’t really any excuses.

Stay away from the sugar!!

8 comments:

californiadreamin said...

Great article! I actually am in the process of trying to help my friend cut back her sugar intake by a ton. She is 100lbs soaking wet and eats terribly, so she asked me to help her out. She puts not only creamer, but adds 2 spoonfuls of sugar to her coffee!

Always Learning said...

The report is going to be on 60 Minutes tonight! It should be very good.

Anonymous said...

I just started using myfitness pal too! I like how it shows you at the end of every day what you could weight 5 weeks from now if you ate around the same. It helps me in line with sugar consumption, fat, etc. It's a good motivator!

Petchie said...

Doesn't surprise me at all how much sugar Americans consume, I definitely believe it! I have been working on cutting sugar out of my diet as well. It's hard, but definitely worth it!

xoxo
Petchie
http://itsallofthelittlethings.blogspot.com/

Jane {In The Pink & Green} said...

I totally agree, it's so hard to cut it out but you feel so much better when you do! My hubby and I have been eating the Paleo diet for the past 2 months (so basically just fruits, veggies, nuts, and lean proteins...no grains or dairy!) and we feel SO great! We've both lost weight and just all around feel much better!

P!nky said...

Thanks for the tips. I know sugar isn't good for me, but it is so hard to give up. I'm trying to cute sugar out one thing at a time, but thanks for showing me the huge danger!

xoxo

Mrs. Classic said...

I did a very strict no sugar diet for 11 weeks and I swear it helped us get pregnant after 5 years of trying.

Becca said...

You are right sugar consumption is a huge problem! People need to focus on a healthy diet and less on the junk food. I love myfitnesspal.com. I used it for a while to track my eating, it's a great health tool.