4 sugary foods you should be avoiding
Steady blood sugar is key for a steady supply of energy—and to prevent chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome. Avoid these four sweet foods that could be sabotaging your health
By Richard Béliveau, Ph.D., and Denis Gingras, Ph.D., authors of Eating Well, Living Well
It is easy to avoid blood sugar overloads by simply modifying certain (bad) eating habits.
Drink water instead of sweet drinks and, above all, avoid soft drinks containing large amounts of sugar. Many recent studies indicate that consumption of these drinks is playing a key role in the obesity epidemic currently afflicting the population. In addition, beware of the many “energy” drinks flooding the market. They are nothing but sweetened drinks containing an astronomical amount of caffeine (almost 100 mg per can)—the equivalent of a very strong double espresso. These drinks, which have nothing energizing in them, are just stimulants!
Pay particular attention to breakfast cereals. Most cereals contain too many simple sugars and not enough complex sugars in the form of fibre. Ideally, a good cereal should have a minimum of 2 g of fibre per portion.
Avoid eating too many products from refined cereals, such as those used to make white bread or other junk food products: These starches rapidly increase the blood sugar level, producing significant amounts of insulin. A growing number of quality products made from whole grains are available in grocery stores. Legumes, still little known, are the ideal replacement solution since they contain complex carbohydrates and are rich in essential nutrients.
Eliminate diet products. Regularly consuming diet or so-called low-fat foods containing artificial sweeteners such as aspartame or sucralose does nothing to alter our habits: On the contrary, research shows that regularly eating these products stimulates the appetite and can lead to weight gain. Recent studies indicate that consuming diet soft drinks increases the risk of metabolic syndrome in the same way that consuming the sweeter versions of these products does. On top of this, a sweet tooth also encourages people to reject more bitter foods (for example, green vegetables and green tea) that in fact offer major health benefits.
Excerpted from Eating Well, Living Well Copyright © 2009 by Richard Béliveau, Ph.D., and Denis Gingras, Ph.D. Translated by Valentina Baslyk. Excerpted by permission of McClelland & Stewart. All rights reserved.
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Unfortunately, Splenda has been getting a bad rap so do some research before deciding to avoid it altogether. Unlike Sweet 'n Low which is totally chemically based, used in moderation (like most things) Splenda, derived from an actual sugar molecule, is not bad for you. I have tried Stevia, but not many people can use this product as it does require getting used to so perhaps that is why most health professionals et al are reluctant to recommend it..
Stevia is awesome and great for the arteries too, but I want to say not all stevia is equal....we use sweet leaf liquid......it does take time to adjust to the taste.....we are addicted to the TASTE of white sugar....... there are brands we have tried that are bitter and the powder has other ingredients too....we use the liquid...if you use too much it is very strong, and too little will not suffice for people with sweet tooth....learn to adjust it.....and it really does also help to keep the arteries healthy according to some research now coming out......
...I don't have diabetes, though, so I can't tell you how those ingredients affect one's blood sugar.
@ AW: Use agave nectar for sweetening; it's a lot healthier than sugar. Stevia is also a better sugar substitute.
The best thing to drink is water -plain and clear water. There are many good teas as well. A cup of coffee is better than diet soft drinks too. Artificial sweeteners are just chemicals that will never do us any good. If you have diabetes, then your body needs you to focus on making healthy choices - not finding bad substitutes for bad choices.
Eat more raw fruits and veggies and whole grains and lean meats - and drink lots of water. You'll feel like a millions bucks and look awesome! And you'll find a reduction in health related issues.
Stevia, which is a 100% natural sweetener, is the best substitute for sugar and artificial sweeteners. Unfortunately stevia is not promoted by (or even known to) most health professionals. It comes in powder or liquid form and is available in some but not all health stores.
i never eat this crap that is mentioned I eat as much organic as i can get, that is why i have never been sick fo over 50 years, how the doctors hate a guy like me but the medicare loves me.
I agree with much of what is said here but if diet drinks and sugar substitutes should be avoided ( for example, Splenda), what do you suggest Diabetics eat and drink?
Sugar and artificial sweetners are bad for you. You are an adult. Learn to like foods that are not sweet. Associate sweetness with your health problems. It works.
Have you ever heard Xylitol natural sweetener is made from pirch tree sap. It is not sugar or artificial sweetener.
You should eat and drink God given foods for the most part. Try water with unrefined celtic sea salt, herbal teas, fresh juice in moderation. Be sure to drink spring water or if you are one of the lucky ones who's water has not been contaminated with flouride you can drink filtered municipality water. Wholesome foods, nuts, seeds, fruits, vegetables, good fats, fish, poultry and meats. What did our ancestors eat before the dawn of processed foods? Whole healthy foods is what they ate and so should we. The world would be a healthier place.
also I would like to say diet drinks with aspartame has been in the news it can cause tinnitus I have this and just found out I drank diet soda for a few years and also juicy fruit chiclets oh and bottled water with a flavor ,diet cherry etc. after I stoped these I got better but not completely.
What are diabetics supposed to eat? My husband is diabetic and constantly hears how he should avoid aritifical sugar. It's easy for those who are not diabetic.
More info Ash...
GOOD STUFF !!
I agree with much of what is said here but if diet drinks and sugar substitutes should be avoided ( for example, Splenda), what do you suggest Diabetics eat and drink?