Processed sugar is a refined, concentrated form of sugar with no nutritional value aside from calories. This type of sugar raises insulin levels in your blood; insulin leads to storage of fat, therefore when you eat foods high in processed sugar, you are raising your level of fat storage in your body. Not only that, but it has other adverse health effects, such as increasing tooth decay and your risk for diabetes.
The October 2011 Nutrition Challenge
Consume no processed sugars for the next 7 days
I can hear the whines and cries already 🙂 But just remember – refined sugars simply were not a part of humanity’s diet for 2.5 million years. They didn’t even exist until about 200 or so years ago.
So table sugar obviously has to go, but also keep in mind that at least two-thirds of the refined sugar in the United States is an additive in manufactured food products. It’s hidden in many of the things you purchase from the grocery store. You may find it in your salad dressing, peanut butter, or even lunch meat. So chose whole, un-processed foods, plan ahead and avoid eating out.
Good luck on this month’s Nutrition Challenge!
Forest
P.S. Want some help planning your meals? Check out the FVT Express Meal Builder (it’s free):