Do you realize that the average American consumes an
astounding two to three pounds of sugar each week? Sugar
is disguised in many different forms such as sucrose (table
sugar), dextrose (corn sugar), and high-fructose corn
syrup. Sugar is used in many foods you wouldn't consider
to contain sugar. Sugar is added to bread, mayonnaise,
peanut butter, ketchup, spaghetti sauce, and in many
microwave meals. Some restaurants even add sugar to their
French fry batter. Sugar is used to add or enhance flavor.
In the last 20 years, we have increased our sugar
consumption in the United States to 26 pounds per person
per year! The rate of people with diabetes, cardiovascular
disease and cancer have increased as well.
Sugar is an empty-calorie food. It contains zero
nutrition. If you want to lose weight, foods containing
large amounts of sugar are detrimental to our weight loss,
maintenance, and overall health. We are eating less food
so it is important to make certain what we eat counts
nutritionally to our bodies,
Have you ever noticed that when you eat an item that
contains mostly sugar or simple carbohydrates, you want
more? You don't feel satisfied. You want more and more.
Sugar and simple carbs are not satisfying or allow you to
feel full. Eating sugar is a vicious cycle of eating and
wanting more resulting in excess calories and weight gain.
When you cut your consumption of sugar, you lose the taste
for it. Lose the habit of sugar for successful weight loss.
The "glycemic index" is a measurement of how a certain food
affects blood-glucose levels, food being assigned a
numbered rating. The lower the rating, the slower the
absorption into the digestive process. This slower
absorption provides a more gradual, healthier infusion of
sugars into our bloodstream. On the other hand, a high
rating means blood-glucose levels are dumped into our
bodies quicker. This "dump" stimulates the pancreas to
secrete insulin to drop blood-sugar levels. The drop of
blood-sugar levels results in rapid fluctuations which are
not healthy because of the stress they place on the body.
Sugar has many negative consequences to impact our health.
Some of the dramatic ones are:
* Sugar can suppress the immune system.
* Sugar can produce a significant rise in triglycerides.
* Sugar can contribute to hyperactivity, anxiety,
depression, concentration difficulties, and crankiness in
children.
* Sugar can reduce helpful high density cholesterol (HDLs).
* Sugar can promote an elevation of harmful cholesterol
(LDLs).
* Sugar can cause kidney damage.
* Sugar can increase the risk of coronary heart disease.
* Sugar interferes with absorption of calcium and magnesium.
* Sugar can increase fasting levels of blood glucose.
* Sugar can lead to tooth decay and periodontal disease.
* Sugar can speed the aging process.
* Sugar can increase total cholesterol.
* Sugar can contribute to diabetes and osteoporosis.
* Sugar can cause a decrease in insulin sensitivity.
* Sugar can increase the amount of fat in the liver.
* Sugar can cause hypertension.
* Sugar can cause hormonal imbalance.
* Sugar can cause headaches, including migraines.
* Sugar can cause an increase in delta, alpha and theta
brain waves, which can alter the mind's ability to think
clearly. Sugar may be sweet to consume but the results to
our body and health are not so sweet. The ultimate
sweetness of all is weight loss success and to enjoy our
good health.
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Cathy Wilson is a weight loss life coach. Cathy lost 147
pounds six years ago. Her passion is helping clients
achieve their weight loss and life goals. Cathy works with
clients to create a weight loss life plan that is
customized to each client. Cathy is a member of the
International Coaching Federation, International
Association of Coaches, and Obesity Action Coalition.
Visit Cathy's website:
http://www.LoseWeightFindLife.com
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