Is Sugar Evil or Just Getting a Bad Rap?
Unrefined or unprocessed sugar is a simple carbohydrate that occurs naturally in food such as grains, beans, vegetables, and fruit. When unprocessed, it contains minerals, enzymes, and proteins which are great for the body.
Unfortunately, refined (processed) sugar lacks these same nutrients, which makes it hard for the body to digest. It also enters swiftly into the blood stream creating a spike in blood sugar and then a severe drop. This can cause excitability and hyperactivity and then is followed by fatigue and depression. BOOM. You crash.
When you consume a lot of sugar and stop eating it suddenly, you may suffer from withdrawal symptoms. Yep, I’m talking real live withdrawal symptoms — like headaches, mood swings, cravings, and fatigue. Sugar can be problematic because eating the smallest amount leaves you wanting more. Ah, the endless cycle awaits us!
Here is the real truth: sugar is in so many foods that people aren’t aware of. We all know that refined sugar is in foods like cakes, candy and cookies. Part of the problem is we are unaware of how much is in other foods we eat or drink.
For example, a lemon poppy Cliff bar has 21 grams of sugar (5 teaspoons).
A chocolate glazed donut from Dunkin Donuts has 14 grams of sugar (3 teaspoons).
A 6 oz. Frappuccino from Starbucks has 44 grams of sugar (10 teaspoons). That’s the equivalent of eating 3 donuts!!
Let’s check the numbers for what is actually recommended.
WAY LOWER: the American Heart Association recommends a daily intake of 9 teaspoons for men, 6 for women and 3-8 for children.
Guess what that means? If you have a lemon poppy cliff bar, for the women out there you’ve pretty much maxed out your recommended sugar intake for the day.
Do you look at the labels of the food you eat? If you don’t, this is a good time to start! Start by looking at the sugar content per serving. It may be eye opening to you.
Have you thought about your relationship with sugar? Are you concerned that it’s hiding in too many foods you eat? Or are you looking to cut some of it out? If you are interested in individual coaching or would like to join my next group session let me know!
To Your Amazing Health,
Kendra
* This information should not be seen as medical advice and is not meant to take the place of seeing a licensed health professional. You should discuss any dietary supplement use and should not discontinue any prescription medication without first consulting your doctor.