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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????

  1. The food industry hides it in our food!

  2. 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.