Getting Down and Dirty with Sugar
SO WHAT'S THE DEAL WITH SUGAR? Here goes!
Total sugar intake has skyrocketed in the last 160 years…..
People have started drinking soda/ energy drinks/juices
Using processed vegetable oils instead of traditional fats
Stopped using heart healthy butter for trans-fat margarine
Soybean oil is being added to everything because it’s cheaper
Wheat is no longer full of nutrients but instead full of toxins that are causing people to have allergies or sensitivities
The low fat epidemic caused major hormonal problems
People are eating more processed foods then ever
The population is becoming obese
Children’s health is in trouble
People are developing medical problems due to too much sugar
Diabetes
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
Heart disease
Cancer
Disrupts the balance of our hormones causing obesity
Then why is everyone consuming so much sugar????
The food industry hides it in our food!
It’s HIGHLY addictive!!
It’s more addictive then COCAINE! WHAT?!?!
Ok BUT some natural sugars aren’t all that bad for us if it’s consumed conservatively
Here’s a list of healthy alternatives to white refined sugar
Raw honey (used sparingly, buy organic)
Pure maple syrup (used sparingly)
Stevia
Vanilla extract
Cinnamon
Coconut Sugar
Dates
LIST OF "BAD" SUGARS:
Table Sugar (white sugar)
Anything containing the ingredient ‘high fructose corn sugar/syrup’
Cane and Corn Sugar/Syrup (still industrially produced)
Highly refined sweeteners, i.e. Aspartame (NutraSweet, Sweet-n-Low), Sucralose (Splenda)
Agave Nectar (it has been found that agave spikes blood sugar just as much as white sugar)
Sugar alcohols, i.e. xylitol, sorbitol, malitol etc (basically anything ending with -tol)
Plus much more……. DO YOUR OWN RESEARCH!!
AND to top it off its hidden in all our food!! White bread, white rice (anything white), tomato sauces, canned soups, virtually anything packaged and canned. It’s in EVERYTHING!
I will try my best not to bore you with this physiology lesson…
We consume white refined sugar
It breaks down too fast
A “spike” is created in blood sugar levels
Pancreas produces insulin but is working extra extra hard
It then plummets…..
Leaving the body exhausted
Creates a “fight or flight” reaction
Too much stimulation of adrenal glands
Adrenal releases the hormone “cortisol” and “adrenalin” in attempt to replenish sugar levels
The adrenal glands weaken
Leads to hormonal imbalance
Endocrine System becomes broken
Repeated adrenal stimulation affects hormones
Estrogen, progesterone, androgens, DHEA and testosterone weakend
We become “ADDICTED”
Our bodies NEED the sugar
SIDE EFFECTS:
Insulin resistance
PMS
Lowered immunity
Vitamin & mineral deficiency
So why just WHY are we eating so much sugar?? Oh that’s right….. it’s extremely addicting and hidden in all of our food.
TIPS:
Use sugar alternatives where possible. Try out new recipes using one of the natural sugar substitutes above. Make desserts with them and take to holiday gatherings.
Use whole grains rather than white grains. Limit white flour consumption. Choose gluten free whole grain flours as a substitute. Amaranth, buckwheat, quinoa, millet or brown rice.
Avoid alcoholic beverages.
Choose fresh fruits or high protein foods instead of sweets. When you get a craving for sweets choose fresh fruit or a high-protein snack instead. Or have a couple pieces of dark chocolate for a treat
Drink 1 green smoothie or fresh juice a day!
Times have changed and we HAVE to take responsibility for our own health. We can’t just trust that things are good for us anymore. You have to be your own label detective.
Let’s fight against the food industry and refuse to buy these sugar filled products that are literally slowly killing us.
Always buy fresh, use healthier alternatives and always check your labels! Maybe if we all start doing this they will eventually be forced to remove these toxins from our food!
Love Angie ♥
Mind Body Women’s Hormonal Health Coach
