Sugar Monster

Chandi Schwab


Many many people struggle with this one, me included. Sugar can be so addicting and a vicious cycle to get out of. Ever since I started marathon training, all I seem to want to eat is "The Bad Stuff" especially sugar.I know my performance is better when I eat certain healthier foods but it still seems to be a constant battle. This one is for me and all of you trying to eat less sugar.
I don't think there is any controversy about the fact that sugar is not good for you. But do you know WHY sugar is bad for you?

Sugar Basics
Most of us have seen white granulated sugar all of our lives, but what makes it bad for us? Made up of carbon, hydrogen and oxygen, sugar (or sucrose) is a carbohydrate. Sucrose is made up of two simpler sugars, fructose and glucose.

There IS a difference between naturally occurring sucrose in plants and the sucrose found in granulated sugar or the high fructose corn syrup often used to sweeten processed foods.

Both granulated sugar and high fructose corn syrup go through a refining process...they are called "empty calories" because they offer no nutritional value. In addition, they are addictive and rob your body of energy and health. Here are some good reminders to help us slim down on our sugar intake.


25 Reasons to Avoid Sugar

1.Feeds candida

2.Promotes wrinkling and aging skin

3.Makes your blood acidic

4.Can lead to osteoporosis

5.Rots your teeth

6.Raises your blood sugar level

7.Contributes to obesity

8.Is addictive (almost as much as drugs)

9.Can create the urge to binge

10.Provides 'empty calories' with no nutritional value

11.Contributes to diabetes

12.Robs your body of minerals

13.Robs you of energy

14.Contributes to heart problems

15.Can cause cancer

16.Contributes to ulcers

17.Can cause gallstones

18.Contributes to adrenal fatigue

19.Can suppress your immune system

20.Raises the level of neurotransmitters called serotonin

21.Weakens eyesight

22.Sugar can cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar levels).

23.Can cause aging

24.Can contribute to eczema

25.Can cause arthritis