What's wrong with "added sugar"?
Kotuliak
Posts: 259 Member
This is a question for those who believe there is something wrong with "added sugar," and who are trying to cut it from their diet.
About half of my sugar comes from ~5 servings of fruit a day, and half from "added sugar," e.g. soda, ice cream, brown sugar in my oatmeal, etc.
How is the "added sugar" any different (i.e. worse) than the non-added sugar coming from the fruits? Personally, I cannot think of a reason, or a rational argument, that supports that view. So, if there is one, I'd like to hear it.
About half of my sugar comes from ~5 servings of fruit a day, and half from "added sugar," e.g. soda, ice cream, brown sugar in my oatmeal, etc.
How is the "added sugar" any different (i.e. worse) than the non-added sugar coming from the fruits? Personally, I cannot think of a reason, or a rational argument, that supports that view. So, if there is one, I'd like to hear it.
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The only thing wrong with "added sugar" is when you don't know it's there. If you add it yourself and log it--no problem. For people that are trying to control their sugar intake, they have to rigorously control everything, since sometimes it's "snuck in" under different names and forms.
By the way--great profile pic!
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I limit sugar because I have PCOS and it kicks off some crazy cravings in me that cause me to really struggle not to go over my calories. But unless it's a very low sugar fruit such as strawberries or blueberries...... fruit also can kick off my cravings.
I love bananas but within 10 minutes of eating one I want a chocolate bar or 10 and find it hard to think of anything else.
If I wasn't insulin resistant I would love to eat sweets every day! I tried it with limiting things like that is harder than cutting it out for me.
I think the only benefit of natural occuring sugars in fruits over candy is the additional benefits from fruits such as fibre which you are unlikely to get with chocolate or icecream. But as far as the sugar is concerned....from what I have read I believe your body treats the sugar in fruits exactly the same as it treats the sugar in a candy bar.0 -
inb4sugarfearmongering0
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This is a question for those who believe there is something wrong with "added sugar," and who are trying to cut it from their diet.
About half of my sugar comes from ~5 servings of fruit a day, and half from "added sugar," e.g. soda, ice cream, brown sugar in my oatmeal, etc.
How is the "added sugar" any different (i.e. worse) than the non-added sugar coming from the fruits? Personally, I cannot think of a reason, or a rational argument, that supports that view. So, if there is one, I'd like to hear it.
There's nothing right about sugar either.
Simple sugars are empty calories and non essential and if you are looking to reduce your calorie intake so you can be in a calorie deficit to drop weight, then they are an easy option - the low hanging fruit!
Most people will look to cut back on sugar in candy, soda's and other junk food. I should think most people who embark on the sugar cutting journey will not reduce it much from fruit and veggies, as those offer vitamins and fibre in more substantial quantities than junk food (based on nutrient to calories ratio).0 -
In for "trigger foods" and sugar toxins0
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I know there are days where I am going to burn a lot of calories and I depend on high fat sugary foods to help me meet my calorie goal and for the energy. I know I will make my protein macro later in the day by eating a lot of chicken and a shake. Hasn't hurt my weight loss and it's not a daily thing.0
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In for science and gifs.0
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In for science and gifs.
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There is a difference between fruit and soda. While sugar is, in fact, sugar, the nutritional content and fiber in a food does make a difference. That isn't to say that there is anything "wrong" or "right" with added sugar. I enjoy foods with added sugar daily.
I think putting a moral value on food is odd. Eat what you enjoy, in moderation, and be sure it fits into your own goals. Some people (myself included) choose to limit the added sugar in our diets. Mine is for a medical reason. For others, it might just be because their body feels better that way, or just because they want to. In reality, the important thing is achieving your goals. If you can do that while having ice cream and cookies, then have them! But there isn't anything "wrong" with choosing to limit or avoid those foods either.0 -
Yea, what's up with all the cupcake shaming! Think of the cupcakes, people!!!I think putting a moral value on food is odd. Eat what you enjoy, in moderation, and be sure it fits into your own goals.0 -
IMO, added sugar is only an issue if it comes at the expense of other vital macros and micros. This all depends on your own personal goals. If you have met your requirement and want food with added sugar I see no issue.0
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There's nothing "wrong" with it.0
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It's tasty.There's nothing right about sugar either.
No food is 'essential'.
As I believe you're agreed before - it's not really a case of ensuring ALL your food has a high ratio of micro nutrients to calories, but that you get an appropriate range of micronutrients from the foods you eat.0 -
There's nothing "wrong" with it.
In moderation.
Some of the best nutritionists agree that a limited intake of sugar and junk food in general is advised.
But in moderation sugar is sugar - it's neutral.0 -
It's tasty.There's nothing right about sugar either.
No food is 'essential'.
As I believe you're agreed before - it's not really a case of ensuring ALL your food has a high ratio of micro nutrients to calories, but that you get an appropriate range of micronutrients from the foods you eat.
Agreed, I was just making the point that a lot of people cut sugar to get into a calorie deficit, which we all agree is what the goal is weight loss.
If someone has hit their macros and micros and there's still calories left, then why not enjoy a junk food - I would.0 -
This is a question for those who believe there is something wrong with "added sugar," and who are trying to cut it from their diet.
About half of my sugar comes from ~5 servings of fruit a day, and half from "added sugar," e.g. soda, ice cream, brown sugar in my oatmeal, etc.
How is the "added sugar" any different (i.e. worse) than the non-added sugar coming from the fruits? Personally, I cannot think of a reason, or a rational argument, that supports that view. So, if there is one, I'd like to hear it.
There's nothing right about sugar either.
Simple sugars are empty calories and non essential and if you are looking to reduce your calorie intake so you can be in a calorie deficit to drop weight, then they are an easy option - the low hanging fruit!
Most people will look to cut back on sugar in candy, soda's and other junk food. I should think most people who embark on the sugar cutting journey will not reduce it much from fruit and veggies, as those offer vitamins and fibre in more substantial quantities than junk food (based on nutrient to calories ratio).
"empty calories" ain't no such animal.
If it has calories, it provides energy, it it provides energy it isn't empty.
Within a reasonably balanced diet there is NO NEED to cut back on sugars.
moderation...
ETA: I see you agree with this anyhow.0 -
The "added sugar" I take issue with is where it's not necessary. I've got a 3 and 9 year old that love applesauce. Healthy right? It's fruit you say. The calories difference between "applesauce" and "no sugar added" applesauce is 110kcal vs 60kcal. You know what "no sugar added" applesauce tastes like? Apples. Shocking I know.
Adding sugar to fruit juices, applesauce, bread, etc is where I draw the line. Adding sugar (yourself) to oatmeal, coffee, etc - as other said: log it and know what you're doing and it's your business not mine.0 -
This is a question for those who believe there is something wrong with "added sugar," and who are trying to cut it from their diet.
About half of my sugar comes from ~5 servings of fruit a day, and half from "added sugar," e.g. soda, ice cream, brown sugar in my oatmeal, etc.
How is the "added sugar" any different (i.e. worse) than the non-added sugar coming from the fruits? Personally, I cannot think of a reason, or a rational argument, that supports that view. So, if there is one, I'd like to hear it.
There's nothing right about sugar either.
Simple sugars are empty calories and non essential and if you are looking to reduce your calorie intake so you can be in a calorie deficit to drop weight, then they are an easy option - the low hanging fruit!
Most people will look to cut back on sugar in candy, soda's and other junk food. I should think most people who embark on the sugar cutting journey will not reduce it much from fruit and veggies, as those offer vitamins and fibre in more substantial quantities than junk food (based on nutrient to calories ratio).
"empty calories" ain't no such animal.
If it has calories, it provides energy, it it provides energy it isn't empty.
Within a reasonably balanced diet there is NO NEED to cut back on sugars.
moderation...
Empty, as in mainly void of micro nutrients - it's a term I got from Alan Aragon. 0 -
+1inb4sugarfearmongering
There's a lot of it today.... Just waiting on Joanne to turn up...:flowerforyou:0 -
The "added sugar" I take issue with is where it's not necessary. I've got a 3 and 9 year old that love applesauce. Healthy right? It's fruit you say. The calories difference between "applesauce" and "no sugar added" applesauce is 110kcal vs 60kcal. You know what "no sugar added" applesauce tastes like? Apples. Shocking I know.
Adding sugar to fruit juices, applesauce, bread, etc is where I draw the line. Adding sugar (yourself) to oatmeal, coffee, etc - as other said: log it and know what you're doing and it's your business not mine.
50 extra cals in the applesauce?
My 9 year-old burns that ish off in negative seconds.
Having said that, it can add up and there is no need for extra sugar in apple sauce. Up to you to buy what you like.
Shocking, I know.0 -
I hate when people use the "there's no nutritional benefit to added sugar" argument. It's like saying you shouldn't play video games unless you work in that field because it doesn't directly benefit your life or career. If it makes you happy and isn't hurting you, there's nothing wrong with enjoying it every now and then.0
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Do your own research. Interpret it as you will and apply your findings as necessary to your diet.
It basic business. Americans overwhelmingly gravitate toward sweeter foods, whether they know it or not.. So by adding sugar the companies feed that proclivity. It matters not that it's unnecessary in nearly everything they add it too. I agree about the applesauce. I don't even purchase "fruit juice" since most of it is actually sugared up water.The "added sugar" I take issue with is where it's not necessary.0 -
This is a question for those who believe there is something wrong with "added sugar," and who are trying to cut it from their diet.
About half of my sugar comes from ~5 servings of fruit a day, and half from "added sugar," e.g. soda, ice cream, brown sugar in my oatmeal, etc.
How is the "added sugar" any different (i.e. worse) than the non-added sugar coming from the fruits? Personally, I cannot think of a reason, or a rational argument, that supports that view. So, if there is one, I'd like to hear it.
There's nothing right about sugar either.
Simple sugars are empty calories and non essential and if you are looking to reduce your calorie intake so you can be in a calorie deficit to drop weight, then they are an easy option - the low hanging fruit!
Most people will look to cut back on sugar in candy, soda's and other junk food. I should think most people who embark on the sugar cutting journey will not reduce it much from fruit and veggies, as those offer vitamins and fibre in more substantial quantities than junk food (based on nutrient to calories ratio).
"empty calories" ain't no such animal.
If it has calories, it provides energy, it it provides energy it isn't empty.
Within a reasonably balanced diet there is NO NEED to cut back on sugars.
moderation...
Empty, as in mainly void of micro nutrients - it's a term I got from Alan Aragon.
It certainly isn't a term he invented.
But Alan will also tell you that there is no need to eliminate added sugar in a balanced diet. I believe he's into the 20% discretionary value of macros from "whatever you like" if you meet the macros.
Most food is void of a few micros (or even macros) - variety covers this.
I mean we could eliminate added
- oil
- water
- salt
- spices
- greens
they are all void of some macros or micros.....0 -
In general, the thing wrong with added sugar is the amount eaten in the average diet. On a personal level, it may or may not be a problem, depending on your genetics, medical history and the amount in your diet.
For diabetics or those with hormonal disorders, added sugar can be a very big problem. Even for those without disease, the cravings triggered by the sharp rise and fall in blood sugar can be problematic when trying to control weight.
For weight control, added sugar can also be problematic because it can make it harder to get proper nutrition without eating too many carbs or calories. Carbs sources such as vegetables, fruit, legumes and whole grains are key sources of micronutrients. If you've used up all your calories or carbs eating added sugar, you may find yourself lacking in key nutrients. Or even lacking in macronutrients if you choose sweets over protein or fat.
While on a conceptual level there is nothing wrong with added sugar, on a practical level there is something wrong with it for many people.0 -
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I hate when people use the "there's no nutritional benefit to added sugar" argument. It's like saying you shouldn't play video games unless you work in that field because it doesn't directly benefit your life or career. If it makes you happy and isn't hurting you, there's nothing wrong with enjoying it every now and then.
I think most people point out the nutritional insignificance of sugar to explain why they are cutting it back. Also most people doing this are struggling with keeping there calories in a deficit and see sugar as an easy option to achieve their calorie deficit.
I'm not sure many people are arguing that if you have calories to spare and micros covered that you shouldn't indulge every now and then.0 -
I like added sugar in my dark chocolate because it makes the bitter (but healthful) cocoa palatable.0
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