Natural vs. Processed Sugar

Have you been enjoying the change of seasons? It is finally starting to cool down and though I prefer the warmer weather I am grateful for the change.

With this season comes all sorts of opportunity for us to wavier in our focus when it comes to our health. I have said it multiple times, ENJOY a treat, but don’t turn your treat into an everyday habit. I have definitely fallen for the extra chai-lattes this month and warm (gluten free of course) baked goods. Wether gluten free or not, these treats still represent potential added calories to your daily allowance, but most of all SUGARS.

Over the past few years I have had several conversations with people who follow diets that eliminate sugars almost completely and if not completely they consume very little. They don’t just avoid processed sugars but also beneficial natural sugars that are found in our whole food sources like fruit, vegetables and grains. Some have opted for low-calorie or low-sugar alternatives as well in their pursuit to lessen it from their diet.

I want to shed a little light on this. Whole food carbohydrates have a natural source of sugar, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and fibers that DO NOT process the same way as your boxed and bagged “bad” carbohydrates do. These sources are known to have all sorts of added sugar in them, which we should avoid!

Good naturally occuring sugars digest more slowly and offer a steady supply of energy to your cells. Yes, starchier vegetables that don’t have a high content of fiber will burn through your system more quickly and should be eaten with a protein and/or another high fiber vegetable to help keep insulin levels in check.

ADDED SUGAR is what needs to be avoided. There is so much processed and even gluten free products we eat & drink that we think are better for us, but most are not without some sort of added sugar. Even the low-calorie, sugar replacements are not good and according to some studies people who have opted for diet drinks and low calorie processed foods are more prone to gain weight because of the added sugar contained in these items.

A SIDE NOTE: Excess consumption of sugar, especially in sugary beverages, also contributes to weight gain by tricking your body into turning off its appetite-control system because liquid calories are not as satisfying as calories from solid foods. This is why it is easier for people to add more calories to their regular diet when consuming sugary beverages. ( https://www.health.harvard.edu/heart-health/the-sweet-danger-of-sugar )

Please! Don’t cut out whole food carbohydrates from your diet because you are afraid of the sugars they contain. Let your body use what they contain for the purposes your body needs them. Keep them in right portion: up to 5 servings a day (eat some with every meal)! 1 cup of vegetables and fruit ; 1/2 cup for more starchy vegetables (these measurements vary base on a few things, but this is a general rule to follow).