total sugar vs added sugar

KrisJ125
KrisJ125 Posts: 93 Member
in Health and Weight Loss
I am a bit confused as to how to track sugar. Current guidelines are that women should have no more than 25g (about 6 teaspoons) of added sugar per day. I have read that this does not include naturally occurring sugar like the lactose in unsweetened milk/plain yogurt or the sugar of raw fruits/veggies. But the MFP calorie tracker just lumps together both the naturally occurring and added sugar (such as what I put in my coffee or what's in cereals). I can separate them easily enough, but should I?

Replies

  • lemurcat12
    lemurcat12 Posts: 30,886 Member
    edited October 2016
    MFP can't separate them as they aren't separated on labels currently. I personally think total sugar is irrelevant--I've yet to see any recommendations that make sense about total sugar (vs. added sugar). The deal with added sugar is that it's mostly tied to high cal, low nutrient foods so keeping it reasonably low is a good way to help have a balanced, nutrient dense diet.

    My approach is that if you know you have a good diet otherwise (enough protein, enough healthy fats, enough fiber, plenty of vegetables, just use common sense) and don't overdo sugary treats, you aren't going to have an issue with sugar. During the summer I eat a lot more sugar than winter (solely because I eat lots more fruit in the summer when the ones I love are in season) but since I also eat plenty of protein and healthy fats and well over the recommended number of vegetables most days I see no reason why this would be problematic.

    Many will say as a result just track fiber (instead of sugar) and carbs, protein, fat, to ensure balance. I'd look over sources of sugar just to make sure you aren't surprised too and of course (again) use common sense to see if you are eating an overall nutrient dense diet.

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