No more added or artificial sugar: who's with me?

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Replies

  • tigersword
    tigersword Posts: 8,059 Member
    have you seen how many athletes that have severe health problems in later life?
    they also use , steriods, betablockers, and an awful lot of other unhealthy drugs . should i start using them too?

    Really, which ones have you seen? Name me an athlete with severe health problems due to fructose ingestion...

    knowledgeable "real" athletes know the dangers of excess sugar consumption, I would think... They eat "real" food, not fake food
    :laugh:

    "Real" athletes (I'm assuming as opposed to cardboard athletes?) usually eat mostly fast food, because they are on the road and traveling on a constant basis. Look at, for example, WWE wrestlers. They are all in fantastic shape, and perform at a very high level physically. They spend about 300 days a year traveling on the road. They don't eat home cooked meals. They eat fast food and 24 hour diners. Same can be said for baseball players, basketball players, and football players. When I was in fast food management in Massachusetts, I regularly got Patriots players in my restaurant, unless it was an away game week.
  • jonnythan
    jonnythan Posts: 10,161 Member
    Who remembers the stories of the Red Sox players eating Popeye's in the clubhouse during games a year or two ago?
  • Mcgrawhaha
    Mcgrawhaha Posts: 1,596 Member
    NOT ME!!! i love evil food, id rather chop off all my limbs, than give up sugar...
  • RllyGudTweetr
    RllyGudTweetr Posts: 2,019 Member
    Who remembers the stories of the Red Sox players eating Popeye's in the clubhouse during games a year or two ago?
    They even had - gasp! - beer in the clubhouse.
  • jonnythan
    jonnythan Posts: 10,161 Member
    I changed from the other garbage sweeteners to having stevia for my sweet tooth after my GP told me about it and i've lost over 50lbs. I no longer have migraine and i'm happy and healthy...Why don't people like stevia? =(

    I don't like stevia because it tastes like poison. The first time I tried stevia in my coffee I literally spit it out because I thought it had clearly gone rancid.
  • Mcgrawhaha
    Mcgrawhaha Posts: 1,596 Member
    Who remembers the stories of the Red Sox players eating Popeye's in the clubhouse during games a year or two ago?
    They even had - gasp! - beer in the clubhouse.

    yeah, but that was before everyone got so sensitive...






















    thanks alot bin laden...
  • jonnythan
    jonnythan Posts: 10,161 Member
    Who remembers the stories of the Red Sox players eating Popeye's in the clubhouse during games a year or two ago?
    They even had - gasp! - beer in the clubhouse.

    Popeye's and beer. Livin the dream, man.
  • Mcgrawhaha
    Mcgrawhaha Posts: 1,596 Member
    Unfortunately, I cannot go along with that either. I used to try diets that eliminated certain foods like carbs, fat or something specific like sugar and it was never a sustainable plan for me. Once I found MFP, i realized that I could still have all the foods I love, just in moderation. It has been a revelation and has kept me from falling off the wagon this time. I have lost 126lbs in 17 months and have ice cream everyday. This is an excellent thread if you want to give it a read.
    http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/1080242-a-guide-to-get-you-started-on-your-path-to-sexypants

    ^^^yep^^^, this!!! smart girl up there! i too lost 100 pounds in 1 year, and did it while still eating skittles, donuts, ice cream... and flaming hot cheetos!
  • EvgeniZyntx
    EvgeniZyntx Posts: 24,208 Member
    have you seen how many athletes that have severe health problems in later life?
    they also use , steriods, betablockers, and an awful lot of other unhealthy drugs . should i start using them too?

    Really, which ones have you seen? Name me an athlete with severe health problems due to fructose ingestion...

    knowledgeable "real" athletes know the dangers of excess sugar consumption, I would think... They eat "real" food, not fake food

    Is "real" mean not real. I'm confused. Are these fake athletes eating fake foods?

    Dr-Evil-Air-Quotes.gif

    I don't even know what fake food means. Is an apple a fake food? You criticize them up-thread.
  • tigersword
    tigersword Posts: 8,059 Member
    I changed from the other garbage sweeteners to having stevia for my sweet tooth after my GP told me about it and i've lost over 50lbs. I no longer have migraine and i'm happy and healthy...Why don't people like stevia? =(

    Also if i gave up 100% cold turkey on sugar and sweeteners i think i'd go on a binging rampage of terror destroying city's, eating all their donuts and such. I've tried it before and it was scary. Like something out of a Steven King Novel.
    For the same reason people don't like sucralose or aspartame. It's just another option in the list of artificial sweeteners.
  • krawhitham
    krawhitham Posts: 831 Member
    I only realized that I don't eat much sugar after starting MFP 10 days ago. I don't like the taste of artificial sweeteners, and the only sugar I get is usually from alcohol.

    My bf is a *huge* candy nut, but I just don't have a sweet tooth! I prefer salty, like salted sunflower seeds to quell snack cravings.

    I think I could do no added sugar pretty easily, but I am against elimination diets. I'm so close to zero on no added sugar or artificial sugar that I don't believe I have to track it. But I do believe that if you want to get as close to zero on those things as possible, maybe tracking for a few months is a good idea.
  • GingerLolita
    GingerLolita Posts: 738 Member
    I really can't understand all the negativity here (and in other threads about reducing/eliminating sugar). If someone wants to eat less sugar, it's a perfectly healthy goal. Of course, when people start talking about cutting out fruit, that's when they'll be missing important nutrients. But sugars added to processed foods, baked goods, and drinks aren't good for your health, although they may not be bad in moderation. Also, there's nothing wrong with avoiding artificial sugars, whether it's because you want to eat "cleaner", less processed foods or because you want to reduce sugar cravings.

    Also, I'd like to point out that this is posted in "Food and Nutrition", so I don't know why everyone is talking about their weight losses, gains, etc. I'm trying to get my boyfriend (who is borderline underweight) to reduce his sugar intake because he eats way too many sweets and often has trouble sleeping and/or crashes, which is likely due to frequent sugar rushes, especially because he is prone to binge-eating.

    I'm trying to reduce my sugar intake due to health reasons. I've already cut out artificial sweeteners because I'm trying to eat less processed food, another goal that is unfairly, unreasonably demonized on here. It's obviously healthier to eat less processed food, regardless of weight. Yes, you can get fat eating clean, whole foods, but you don't need to eat processed, sugary, artificial crap to be skinny and healthy. If you want to, that is your choice, but don't demonize the healthy choices of others.

    So, OP, I say go for it! I'm glad that you said "added and artificial", not all sugars, and you recognize that you won't really be able to cut out all added sugars. I'm started making more things at home, such as muffins, granola, cereal bars, etc., so that I have more control over the amount of sugar. I'm trying to adhere to MFP's sugar goal to see if I get any health benefits from it. I still have plenty of fruit each day because I love fruit, although I don't drink juice because I want to save my calories for eating and there's too much sugar without many other nutrients from fruit. I don't think your goal sounds like an elimination diet, because you'll still have naturally-occurring and a small amount of added sugars. Good luck and I hope you achieve whatever nutrition goals you have.
  • tigersword
    tigersword Posts: 8,059 Member
    I really can't understand all the negativity here (and in other threads about reducing/eliminating sugar). If someone wants to eat less sugar, it's a perfectly healthy goal. Of course, when people start talking about cutting out fruit, that's when they'll be missing important nutrients. But sugars added to processed foods, baked goods, and drinks aren't good for your health, although they may not be bad in moderation. Also, there's nothing wrong with avoiding artificial sugars, whether it's because you want to eat "cleaner", less processed foods or because you want to reduce sugar cravings.

    Also, I'd like to point out that this is posted in "Food and Nutrition", so I don't know why everyone is talking about their weight losses, gains, etc. I'm trying to get my boyfriend (who is borderline underweight) to reduce his sugar intake because he eats way too many sweets and often has trouble sleeping and/or crashes, which is likely due to frequent sugar rushes, especially because he is prone to binge-eating.

    I'm trying to reduce my sugar intake due to health reasons. I've already cut out artificial sweeteners because I'm trying to eat less processed food, another goal that is unfairly, unreasonably demonized on here. It's obviously healthier to eat less processed food, regardless of weight. Yes, you can get fat eating clean, whole foods, but you don't need to eat processed, sugary, artificial crap to be skinny and healthy. If you want to, that is your choice, but don't demonize the healthy choices of others.

    So, OP, I say go for it! I'm glad that you said "added and artificial", not all sugars, and you recognize that you won't really be able to cut out all added sugars. I'm started making more things at home, such as muffins, granola, cereal bars, etc., so that I have more control over the amount of sugar. I'm trying to adhere to MFP's sugar goal to see if I get any health benefits from it. I still have plenty of fruit each day because I love fruit, although I don't drink juice because I want to save my calories for eating and there's too much sugar without many other nutrients from fruit. I don't think your goal sounds like an elimination diet, because you'll still have naturally-occurring and a small amount of added sugars. Good luck and I hope you achieve whatever nutrition goals you have.
    This is exactly why there are so many people speaking out about not needing to reduce these things. I've bolded the parts of your post I'm referring to. It's actually NOT "healthier" to eat less processed foods. From a health standpoint it doesn't matter, provided you are meeting your calorie, macro, and micronutrient goals. Also, added sugar in foods has no impact on health, either, again, so long as you are meeting your overall nutritional goals. For many people, restricting specific foods leads to failure, because they are foods they enjoy, and they don't negatively impact health when eaten as part of an overall food plan. Unless something specifically damages a person's health due to a disease or allergy, then there is no reason to arbitrarily eliminate it. When people don't arbitrarily eliminate foods that other people tell them to, they succeed more often.

    As for your boyfriend, if he's near underweight, I'd say his crashes have way more to do with not eating enough calories, and have nothing at all to do with eating sugar.
  • J72FIT
    J72FIT Posts: 6,002 Member
    have you seen how many athletes that have severe health problems in later life?
    they also use , steriods, betablockers, and an awful lot of other unhealthy drugs . should i start using them too?

    Really, which ones have you seen? Name me an athlete with severe health problems due to fructose ingestion...

    knowledgeable "real" athletes know the dangers of excess sugar consumption, I would think... They eat "real" food, not fake food

    Still waiting for someone to name an athlete with severe health problems later in life from fructose/sugar intake...
  • RllyGudTweetr
    RllyGudTweetr Posts: 2,019 Member
    have you seen how many athletes that have severe health problems in later life?
    they also use , steriods, betablockers, and an awful lot of other unhealthy drugs . should i start using them too?

    Really, which ones have you seen? Name me an athlete with severe health problems due to fructose ingestion...

    knowledgeable "real" athletes know the dangers of excess sugar consumption, I would think... They eat "real" food, not fake food

    Is "real" mean not real. I'm confused. Are these fake athletes eating fake foods?

    Dr-Evil-Air-Quotes.gif

    I don't even know what fake food means. Is an apple a fake food? You criticize them up-thread.
    Is Michael Phelps not a "real" athlete? Please clarify.
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  • Jlan11
    Jlan11 Posts: 61 Member
    I am with you on this! I see people complaining about totally cutting a certain food out of a diet but for some personalities, this is the best way to go. If I allow a little, the little becomes a little more, then a little more and so on. Cold turkey is the way to go for me. We are not all alike.

    I agree. Some people are better with complete avoidance of trigger foods like sugar. I think it's a great goal to try to have natural sweeteners. You can still treat yourself to something sweet, but it doesn't have to include the artificial or processed sugars.
  • RllyGudTweetr
    RllyGudTweetr Posts: 2,019 Member
    I am with you on this! I see people complaining about totally cutting a certain food out of a diet but for some personalities, this is the best way to go. If I allow a little, the little becomes a little more, then a little more and so on. Cold turkey is the way to go for me. We are not all alike.

    I agree. Some people are better with complete avoidance of trigger foods like sugar. I think it's a great goal to try to have natural sweeteners. You can still treat yourself to something sweet, but it doesn't have to include the artificial or processed sugars.
    Sugar's not natural?
  • J72FIT
    J72FIT Posts: 6,002 Member
    I am with you on this! I see people complaining about totally cutting a certain food out of a diet but for some personalities, this is the best way to go. If I allow a little, the little becomes a little more, then a little more and so on. Cold turkey is the way to go for me. We are not all alike.

    I agree. Some people are better with complete avoidance of trigger foods like sugar. I think it's a great goal to try to have natural sweeteners. You can still treat yourself to something sweet, but it doesn't have to include the artificial or processed sugars.

    That statement is true. The issue is labeling the food in and of itself as bad. If added processed sugar causes a person to over consume then by all means avoid it. That does not mean though that added processed sugars are bad in and of themselves. If you have had success by avoiding added processed sugars more power to you. Just don't demonized the food and or the people who are doing well consuming it.
  • Cindyinpg
    Cindyinpg Posts: 3,902 Member
    have you seen how many athletes that have severe health problems in later life?
    they also use , steriods, betablockers, and an awful lot of other unhealthy drugs . should i start using them too?

    Really, which ones have you seen? Name me an athlete with severe health problems due to fructose ingestion...

    knowledgeable "real" athletes know the dangers of excess sugar consumption, I would think... They eat "real" food, not fake food

    Still waiting for someone to name an athlete with severe health problems later in life from fructose/sugar intake...
    Good luck. We'll get the answer to this the same day we get the answer to what toxins are removed with a cleanse.
    waiting_gif_zps5d726a83.jpg
  • GingerLolita
    GingerLolita Posts: 738 Member
    I wasn't even asserting that added sugar is bad for your health; I was saying that it isn't really beneficial.

    Also, if you'd like to consume endless amounts of processed foods with artificial crap, preservatives, and tons of sugar and salt, go ahead. I prefer to steer clear of ingredients I can't pronounce or wouldn't have in my own kitchen. There's no reason to hate on those of us who prefer to avoid processed food. I'm not telling you what to do, just offering another point of view.
  • stumblinthrulife
    stumblinthrulife Posts: 2,558 Member
    I wasn't even asserting that added sugar is bad for your health; I was saying that it isn't really beneficial.

    Also, if you'd like to consume endless amounts of processed foods with artificial crap, preservatives, and tons of sugar and salt, go ahead. I prefer to steer clear of ingredients I can't pronounce or wouldn't have in my own kitchen. There's no reason to hate on those of us who prefer to avoid processed food. I'm not telling you what to do, just offering another point of view.

    The problem isn't what you choose to do. Eat however you want.

    The problem is when people say it's essential for good health and then make baseless claims that they repeatedly fail to substantiate.
  • tedrickp
    tedrickp Posts: 1,229 Member


    knowledgeable "real" athletes know the dangers of excess sugar consumption, I would think... They eat "real" food, not fake food

    My guess is you have never met a real athlete then...

    I know high level athletes who eat plenty of sugar - and even gasp - drink alcohol. Sometimes...to excess :O
  • tedrickp
    tedrickp Posts: 1,229 Member
    I wasn't even asserting that added sugar is bad for your health; I was saying that it isn't really beneficial.

    Also, if you'd like to consume endless amounts of processed foods with artificial crap, preservatives, and tons of sugar and salt, go ahead. I prefer to steer clear of ingredients I can't pronounce or wouldn't have in my own kitchen. There's no reason to hate on those of us who prefer to avoid processed food. I'm not telling you what to do, just offering another point of view.

    Sure it is beneficial, it is energy for your body to use.

    And I don't think anyone is saying you should eat an endless amounts of that stuff. I'd also respectfully point out that attitude is why people jump down the throats of the clean eating brigade. No one is "hating" on anyone. No one is saying eat nothing but processed foods and sugar.

    People are just combatting misinformation, scare mongering and promoting a more healthy relationship with food.

    For someone who almost died because of his relationship with food, and who failed many diets due to misinformation (like fear mongering of certain foods/macros) I feel strongly that people should hear both sides of the story.

    At the end of the day we all have to do what works for us. I don't think anyone has any problem with people "eating clean". The problem is when people like Joanne_Moniz spread misinformation that is not only wrong but from a quick view of her group - dangerous.

    I am happy there are realistic, rational people who can answer her with researched, science backed evidence. It saved my life, so maybe it will save someone elses.
  • tigersword
    tigersword Posts: 8,059 Member
    I wasn't even asserting that added sugar is bad for your health; I was saying that it isn't really beneficial.

    Also, if you'd like to consume endless amounts of processed foods with artificial crap, preservatives, and tons of sugar and salt, go ahead. I prefer to steer clear of ingredients I can't pronounce or wouldn't have in my own kitchen. There's no reason to hate on those of us who prefer to avoid processed food. I'm not telling you what to do, just offering another point of view.
    If you don't eat things you can't pronounce, how do you ever eat vitamins? The real names for vitamins are incredibly long, complex chemical names that make ingredients lists in processed food look like first grade reading level. Seriously, so if they just gave the preservatives easy to pronounce nicknames like they do with vitamins you'd eat them?

    What exactly is unhealthy to the human body about any of the food additives used today, specifically?
  • J72FIT
    J72FIT Posts: 6,002 Member
    Also, if you'd like to consume endless amounts of processed foods with artificial crap, preservatives, and tons of sugar and salt, go ahead.

    1. This is what gets the snarky comments going... it is an elitist attitude towards people who have found a way to include all types of food in their diet with no negative consequences.
    2. Why do you assume it is, "endless amounts"?
  • AlabasterVerve
    AlabasterVerve Posts: 3,171 Member
    I think sugar is bad for your health -- or at least the amount of sugar we're consuming today is. I would say good job cutting it out but frankly, OP, if your diary is accurate and you're eating 20g - 30g now with occasional high days of 50g-60g. I don't think that level of total sugar a day is an issue and I wonder if reducing your sugar anymore -- even if it's added sugar -- would have any benefit for you?

    Maybe a better goal would be to eat as much whole food as possible while still enjoying everything you eat? The only reason I suggest that is because all or nothing goals you have to sych yourself up for are hard to stick with when the motivation wears off. Best wishes. :smile:
  • KnM0107
    KnM0107 Posts: 355 Member
    Also, if you'd like to consume endless amounts of processed foods with artificial crap, preservatives, and tons of sugar and salt, go ahead.

    1. This is what gets the snarky comments going... it is an elitist attitude towards people who have found a way to include all types of food in their diet with no negative consequences.
    2. Why do you assume it is, "endless amounts"?

    QFT! There is a middle ground between eating no sugar and eating endless amounts. Let's be real here...

    Personally I eat an overall nutritious diet which includes all kinds of foods, even sugar (but I know how to moderate).
  • rondaj05
    rondaj05 Posts: 497 Member
    i'll take the artificial sugars and forfeit the calories. lol

    Exactly! I like that I can go to Starbucks and get a Venti Iced Green Tea with 3 equals and it's a big fat ZERO. A nice treat at less than $3 on a Friday afternoon or whenever really!
  • Joanne_Moniz
    Joanne_Moniz Posts: 347 Member
    I think sugar is bad for your health -- or at least the amount of sugar we're consuming today is. I would say good job cutting it out but frankly, OP, if your diary is accurate and you're eating 20g - 30g now with occasional high days of 50g-60g. I don't think that level of total sugar a day is an issue and I wonder if reducing your sugar anymore -- even if it's added sugar -- would have any benefit for you?

    Maybe a better goal would be to eat as much whole food as possible while still enjoying everything you eat? The only reason I suggest that is because all or nothing goals you have to sych yourself up for are hard to stick with when the motivation wears off. Best wishes. :smile:

    On the days you go over, you could up the exercise... it will balance it out.. Let me know if you want to know the science of how that works

    Cheers!!

    Joanne Moniz
    The Skinny on Obesity Group