Sugar is the problem Folks

jez_4ever
jez_4ever Posts: 68 Member
edited November 8 in Health and Weight Loss
I have hit the "plateau" many times. What I have found out is it usually has something to do with your diet. Even when you think you're eating healthier, you actually may not really be. My daily sugar intake was the problem. After losing weight with Insanity, I couldn't keep losing, and even worse - I was having trouble maintaining. As a guy, I now try to stay between 15 and 25 g of sugar a day (much easier said than done), but if you want to get off the plateau, it is a must...

According to the American Heart Association (AHA), the maximum amount of added sugars you should eat in a day are (7):

Men: 150 calories per day (37.5 grams or 9 teaspoons).
Women: 100 calories per day (25 grams or 6 teaspoons).

Replies

  • jez_4ever
    jez_4ever Posts: 68 Member
    KylaDenay wrote: »
    No. The answer is eating less. A plateau means you are eating at maintenance.

    Sorry, I should've mentioned. Calorie intake and overall eating less is key! Of course eating less sugar would pretty much force you to eat less food...there really is no way around that.
  • jez_4ever
    jez_4ever Posts: 68 Member
    Francl27 wrote: »
    No.

    No? is that your only response? What is your advice.
  • jez_4ever
    jez_4ever Posts: 68 Member
    sodakat wrote: »
    What the American Heart Association specifically says about sugar is this:

    "Added sugars contribute zero nutrients but many added calories that can lead to extra pounds or even obesity, thereby reducing heart health."

    I cut and pasted my quote straight from the American Heart Association website.
  • jez_4ever
    jez_4ever Posts: 68 Member
    I pretty much subscribe to the following (see real life woman - who hit a wall and the response on how to fix it):

    http://www.rachaelrayshow.com/tips/10040_Jorge_Cruise_Weight_Loss_Secrets/
  • jez_4ever
    jez_4ever Posts: 68 Member
    Well, it looks like most are in disagreeance with my take. Perhaps all :) Well, it worked for me...Many of you had great advice and good feedback. Its sad that a lot of you are just here to bash others and hate on their posts. Thanks for those of you with honest non-degrading comments!
  • jez_4ever
    jez_4ever Posts: 68 Member
    KylaDenay wrote: »
    jez_4ever wrote: »
    I pretty much subscribe to the following (see real life woman - who hit a wall and the response on how to fix it):

    http://www.rachaelrayshow.com/tips/10040_Jorge_Cruise_Weight_Loss_Secrets/
    LOL he said that banana and apples are good if you have kids at home trying to gain weight or grow, but if you want to lose weight or get smaller than eat only berries. So bananas and apples make you gain weight, cause they are higher in sugar.

    That is great advice. Yeah OK. This guy is giving the same commercialized information that is a constant on TV, books and in magazines.

    Yeah, there is a lot of truth in that for sure... I found that odd too.
  • jez_4ever
    jez_4ever Posts: 68 Member
    jez_4ever wrote: »
    I have hit the "plateau" many times. What I have found out is it usually has something to do with your diet. Even when you think you're eating healthier, you actually may not really be. My daily sugar intake was the problem. After losing weight with Insanity, I couldn't keep losing, and even worse - I was having trouble maintaining. As a guy, I now try to stay between 15 and 25 g of sugar a day (much easier said than done), but if you want to get off the plateau, it is a must...

    According to the American Heart Association (AHA), the maximum amount of added sugars you should eat in a day are (7):

    Men: 150 calories per day (37.5 grams or 9 teaspoons).
    Women: 100 calories per day (25 grams or 6 teaspoons).
    For reference how much is that in honey packets? That's how I consume most of my added sugar. Also, are you referring to added sugar or sugar contained in foods overall? Finally, if the latter do you find yourself rejecting entire foods outright to reach this sugar goal? Like fruits, pastries, and certain vegetables?

    For me, I will not reject vegetables, most fruits, nuts, etc. If and when this is an issue, then I just go over my goal.

  • jez_4ever
    jez_4ever Posts: 68 Member
    Kruggeri wrote: »
    Wow!!!! Just Wow!!!! OP, I am on your side (apparently one of the few)...First the soup thread and now this!!!! People need to take their heads out of their butts!!! Really!! So if I consume 1200 calories a day of just skittles, and have a 300 calorie deficit, I'm going to be super healthy?!?! Oh, and thin.....Well maybe I have to re-think this whole weight loss journey...

    Wait, so are you saying you agreed with the logic presented in the soup thread, that soup with water is bad for your health?

    Also, where did anyone here say that someone should eat 1200 calories of skittles? No one said that. No one has ever said that, in any of these threads. What people have said is that if you have met your other nutritional requirements for the day, there is nothing wrong with eating a handful of skittles, if you have room in your calories that day for them.

    There are some people who have medical reasons why they should limit sugar or carbohydrates. If you do not have one of those medical reasons, then you do not necessarily need to limit sugars.

    Still waiting on scientific explanation for how limiting sugars breaks through plateaus.

    I don't know if there is science to show how limiting sugar breaks through plateaus. I am sure you can google it. However, there is a ton of scientific evidence that excess sugar is bad for you...not just those with medical conditions like diabetes. I am just saying that "For Me" it helped me get over my plateau.
  • jez_4ever
    jez_4ever Posts: 68 Member
    arditarose wrote: »
    ay ay ay.

    Also, OP... I don't think anyone WANTS to be rude, but when you start a thread by stating a fact like that, that is just not true..We're going to say "no". Because...false.

    True. I definitely see that now. :) However, how can anyone truly argue that excess sugar is good for you?
  • jez_4ever
    jez_4ever Posts: 68 Member
    Question? Have most of you replying on here been in decent shape your whole lives? If so, then you probably have no basis for your negative replies. People in better shape or those that are working out like beasts definitely can take in a lot more sugar and still lose weight. It baffles me that most of your arguments are pretty much the same...less calorie intake = lose weight. I guess you would not agree that there are bad calories and good? Yes, if 1200 cal's a day helps you lose weight even if a large portion is from sugar you will still lose weight. But, imagine if your 1200 cal's didn't come from a large portion of sugar? And duh, obviously it boils down to how much food you consume. It is a fact that eating sugar is addictive and it can be hard to stop once you start- causing you to go over your calorie limit.

    The fact still remains... It worked for me! I'm 37, needed to change it up a bit and counting calories wasn't working. Once I started counting sugar grams instead - woah, I lost 17 lbs in two months.

    At least I am talking from experience instead of pretending be a know it all chemist, doctor, trainer, coach, blah blah blah
  • jez_4ever
    jez_4ever Posts: 68 Member
    malibu927 wrote: »
    jez_4ever wrote: »
    Question? Have most of you replying on here been in decent shape your whole lives? If so, then you probably have no basis for your negative replies. People in better shape or those that are working out like beasts definitely can take in a lot more sugar and still lose weight. It baffles me that most of your arguments are pretty much the same...less calorie intake = lose weight. I guess you would not agree that there are bad calories and good? Yes, if 1200 cal's a day helps you lose weight even if a large portion is from sugar you will still lose weight. But, imagine if your 1200 cal's didn't come from a large portion of sugar? And duh, obviously it boils down to how much food you consume. It is a fact that eating sugar is addictive and it can be hard to stop once you start- causing you to go over your calorie limit.

    The fact still remains... It worked for me! I'm 37, needed to change it up a bit and counting calories wasn't working. Once I started counting sugar grams instead - woah, I lost 17 lbs in two months.

    At least I am talking from experience instead of pretending be a know it all chemist, doctor, trainer, coach, blah blah blah

    No, there aren't "bad" calories or "good" calories. There are just calories.

    I eat sugar. I go over my limit every day, because I have a cup of Greek yogurt and ice cream almost every day. But I keep to my calorie allowance and lose weight.

    Yeah, I guess that is why people (including myself) feel like crap after eating a bunch of junk food, but don't when eating a bunch of healthy food = same amount of calories?

    Sorry, but life experience trumps your statement.
  • jez_4ever
    jez_4ever Posts: 68 Member
    Hornsby wrote: »
    jez_4ever wrote: »
    Question? Have most of you replying on here been in decent shape your whole lives? If so, then you probably have no basis for your negative replies. People in better shape or those that are working out like beasts definitely can take in a lot more sugar and still lose weight. It baffles me that most of your arguments are pretty much the same...less calorie intake = lose weight. I guess you would not agree that there are bad calories and good? Yes, if 1200 cal's a day helps you lose weight even if a large portion is from sugar you will still lose weight. But, imagine if your 1200 cal's didn't come from a large portion of sugar? And duh, obviously it boils down to how much food you consume. It is a fact that eating sugar is addictive and it can be hard to stop once you start- causing you to go over your calorie limit.

    The fact still remains... It worked for me! I'm 37, needed to change it up a bit and counting calories wasn't working. Once I started counting sugar grams instead - woah, I lost 17 lbs in two months.

    At least I am talking from experience instead of pretending be a know it all chemist, doctor, trainer, coach, blah blah blah

    No, I have not been in shape my whole life. I was 255lbs in April 2013 (175 in October 2013).

    And no, there are no such thing as good and bad calories. A calorie is a calorie when it comes to weight loss.

    And sugar isn't addictive. That is far from a fact.


    Okay, whatever!!! you're right
  • jez_4ever
    jez_4ever Posts: 68 Member
    Hornsby wrote: »
    RGv2 wrote: »
    Hornsby wrote: »
    RGv2 wrote: »
    ohboy.gif

    It's getting harder and harder to take these "sugar is the devil" threads seriously, isn't it? lol.

    Can't wait till sugar is no longer the scapegoat and everyone moves to something else.

    Like personal responsibility?

    That's too easy and won't sell any books...

    lol, awesome!! So true
  • jez_4ever
    jez_4ever Posts: 68 Member
    RGv2 wrote: »
    jez_4ever wrote: »
    malibu927 wrote: »
    jez_4ever wrote: »
    Question? Have most of you replying on here been in decent shape your whole lives? If so, then you probably have no basis for your negative replies. People in better shape or those that are working out like beasts definitely can take in a lot more sugar and still lose weight. It baffles me that most of your arguments are pretty much the same...less calorie intake = lose weight. I guess you would not agree that there are bad calories and good? Yes, if 1200 cal's a day helps you lose weight even if a large portion is from sugar you will still lose weight. But, imagine if your 1200 cal's didn't come from a large portion of sugar? And duh, obviously it boils down to how much food you consume. It is a fact that eating sugar is addictive and it can be hard to stop once you start- causing you to go over your calorie limit.

    The fact still remains... It worked for me! I'm 37, needed to change it up a bit and counting calories wasn't working. Once I started counting sugar grams instead - woah, I lost 17 lbs in two months.

    At least I am talking from experience instead of pretending be a know it all chemist, doctor, trainer, coach, blah blah blah

    No, there aren't "bad" calories or "good" calories. There are just calories.

    I eat sugar. I go over my limit every day, because I have a cup of Greek yogurt and ice cream almost every day. But I keep to my calorie allowance and lose weight.

    Yeah, I guess that is why people (including myself) feel like crap after eating a bunch of junk food, but don't when eating a bunch of healthy food = same amount of calories?

    Sorry, but life experience trumps your statement.

    What does that have to do with weight loss again?

    No one on here has ever said......get all of your caloires from "junk food", moderation and caloric deficit is the pretty overwhelming sentiment.

    i know, its too much to comprehend isn't it? i never said you can't lose weight, but in my experience its way easier with less sugar consumption. Y'all this isn't rocket science. Do I really need to post "evidence" of the negative effects of sugar calories vs. "other" calories? You're all on the internet...look it up.

    I am not saying "sugar is evil" or whatever posts have been done in the past. Lowering my sugar intake/counting sugar grams in my diet has helped me more than counting calories have as it relates to weight loss. Take it or leave it. I don't care. Your minds are already made up.
  • jez_4ever
    jez_4ever Posts: 68 Member
    fausta421 wrote: »
    what is going on here??

    Mostly just a bunch of OP bashing. I forgot why its been 6 months since I was on this site. Don't worry I wont make the mistake again. So many negative responses. Its sad when you can't post things that have worked for you without getting a bunch of nasty arguments telling you why your comments are unsound. I thought Doctors and Scientist had to work in a lab or hospital somewhere. I didn't realize they were all on myfitness pal and trolling the internet...geez!
  • jez_4ever
    jez_4ever Posts: 68 Member
    Dave198lbs wrote: »
    fausta421 wrote: »
    what is going on here??

    the cool kids found another dead horse and despite everything, are beating it once again

    Yeah, well this cool kid has never once looked at a thread on sugar. I just wanted everyone to know what worked for me.

    Obviously, you all are already pro's and have nothing better to do but make snide remarks. Congrats You're awesome!
  • jez_4ever
    jez_4ever Posts: 68 Member
    Hornsby wrote: »
    jez_4ever wrote: »
    fausta421 wrote: »
    what is going on here??

    Mostly just a bunch of OP bashing. I forgot why its been 6 months since I was on this site. Don't worry I wont make the mistake again. So many negative responses. Its sad when you can't post things that have worked for you without getting a bunch of nasty arguments telling you why your comments are unsound. I thought Doctors and Scientist had to work in a lab or hospital somewhere. I didn't realize they were all on myfitness pal and trolling the internet...geez!

    Maybe next time don't tell everyone that "Sugar is the problem" in the title of the thread when it isn't next time? When you present opinions as facts, of course people are going to rebut.

    Yeah, and how many responses might I get? I doubt anyone would've even looked at my post. I meant for it to grab attention...just didn't realize a bunch of aholes would be on here stating a bunch of unsound advice...mixed with a little science/truth
  • jez_4ever
    jez_4ever Posts: 68 Member
    Dave198lbs wrote: »
    jez_4ever wrote: »
    Dave198lbs wrote: »
    fausta421 wrote: »
    what is going on here??

    the cool kids found another dead horse and despite everything, are beating it once again

    Yeah, well this cool kid has never once looked at a thread on sugar. I just wanted everyone to know what worked for me.

    Obviously, you all are already pro's and have nothing better to do but make snide remarks. Congrats You're awesome!

    i was referring to those who are attacking you.

    No worries, I wasn't directing my response at you, just the majority of those posting negative remarks.
  • jez_4ever
    jez_4ever Posts: 68 Member
    edited November 2014
    jez_4ever wrote: »
    Question? Have most of you replying on here been in decent shape your whole lives? If so, then you probably have no basis for your negative replies. People in better shape or those that are working out like beasts definitely can take in a lot more sugar and still lose weight. It baffles me that most of your arguments are pretty much the same...less calorie intake = lose weight. I guess you would not agree that there are bad calories and good? Yes, if 1200 cal's a day helps you lose weight even if a large portion is from sugar you will still lose weight. But, imagine if your 1200 cal's didn't come from a large portion of sugar? And duh, obviously it boils down to how much food you consume. It is a fact that eating sugar is addictive and it can be hard to stop once you start- causing you to go over your calorie limit.

    The fact still remains... It worked for me! I'm 37, needed to change it up a bit and counting calories wasn't working. Once I started counting sugar grams instead - woah, I lost 17 lbs in two months.

    At least I am talking from experience instead of pretending be a know it all chemist, doctor, trainer, coach, blah blah blah

    It's calories in vs out, no matter where you started, it doesn't matter if someone has been "fit their whole life"..

    6k4h560215xc.jpg

    First picture was pretty much years of being around that weight. I've been overweight my entire adult life. Hit obese even after losing 20 lbs after pregnancy.

    Here's what I think is important:

    Picking a way of eating that is sustainable long term. This means getting proper nutrition and proper caloric amount for your goals. Finding a method that keeps you satiated and happy is important, too.

    However, the blanket statement that sugar is the problem is ridiculous.

    I ate 75g+ sugar (honestly never paid attention but between fruit and ice cream every day). I don't exactly "train like a beast". I do 3x a week weightlifting and take care of my kids. I lost 53 lbs by eating at a deficit. I paid attention to my macros for body composition and getting micros for health.

    It is about moderation with all things.

    Great post, Thank you. my subject line was a little misleading. If you've read through my comments you'd see that I realize sugar is not the "blanket" problem. But, it was a problem for me and for many others. Any ways, great post - I agree with the whole of it!!
  • jez_4ever
    jez_4ever Posts: 68 Member
    [/quote]
    Bolded gives the impression that the only way for everyone to get off a plateau is to limit sugar. Many people, myself included, can eat sugar and lose weight. How come you can state that (everyone) needs to limit sugar in order to lose weight when I (and others) say (everyone) doesn't have to limit sugar (except for medical reasons) and can still lose weight the latter are considered know-it-all trolls?[/quote]

    Good point. I guess I meant for me and many people that I know. Many who are in amazing shape due to this concept.

  • jez_4ever
    jez_4ever Posts: 68 Member
    I have to agree with the OP to a point...however people are going to do what they want and that includes eating sugar lol regardless of any scientific proof you could lay before them stating how "bad" it is. Someone is going to always say how great they did doing the total opposite........

    Yes, I am SO seeing that is true.
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