Sugar Intake Question

SteffCooley

On my food diary, it has me set to an alloted grams (or whatever) of sugar a day. Every single day, I go over. I know it's okay to go over on protein, fiber, etc., but am guessing not on sugars? It's not like I am eating candy bars and cookies all day either ..... the sugars are coming from fruit, usually - which seem to be really high in sugar numbers.

Any suggestions? Cut back my fruit intake? Or disregard the numbers??

SteffCooley

On my food diary, it has me set to an alloted grams (or whatever) of sugar a day. Every single day, I go over. I know it's okay to go over on protein, fiber, etc., but am guessing not on sugars? It's not like I am eating candy bars and cookies all day either ..... the sugars are coming from fruit, usually - which seem to be really high in sugar numbers.

Any suggestions? Cut back my fruit intake? Or disregard the numbers??

SteffCooley

I just went back and reviewed my diary for the last week, and the only things that have any substantial sugar grams are my fruits, cereals, and yogurt. Eating things like red grapes, apples, bananas, pineapple, Cheerios Oat Cluster Crunch cereal, Honey Oh's Graham cereal, Golden Puffs cereal, and Dannon Light N' Fit Vanilla Yogurt.

Should I be concerned and cut back? Or as long as it is "healthy" natural sugars (like in fruit) then it is okay?

Any advice is much appreciated! Thanks!!

mamaof2girls

Good question!! I would like to find out as well, because I have this same problem.

shorerider

If you search the forums, you'll see that lots have had this same question and there are some more in depth answers somewhere in there but the simple answer is that natural sugar from things like fruit is fine. It's refined sugar you want to avoid. HOWEVER, even too much natural sugar is not great for you--for example, I wouldn't eat a whole watermelon, or a couple pounds of apples or bananas, etc. in one day. Everything in moderation

stylistchik

I know a lot of things like granola, yogurt, and fruit is high in sugar but seem like "healthy" choices. I'd try to replace them with lower-sugar alternatives. Using raw foods is better too. There is a lot of refined sugar in things like processed granola bars making them not as good for you as they seem. :-( sorry

SteffCooley

Well I am only "allowed" 29 grams per day, and my 2 cups of grapes at lunch way exceeded that at 47 grams. I had a banana this morning for breakfast for another 14 grams. Just going waaaaay over but feel like I am eating healthy! I will just go with the idea that the "natural" sugars are okay and watch my sugar intake otherwise in the other foods.

Thanks for the info!

rlh0614

I did a boot camp about a year ago, and the nutrionist said that was the Biggest WATCH OUT. Sugar can slow your metabolism - so I would offset it with some fiber. = )

cherapple

I had this same question in the beginning. I'd eat one banana and drink a glass of milk and I'd be over in my sugar allotment for the day. Someone explained that MFP's sugar recommendation is really low for some reason. If you're not eating cake, cookies, and candy, I wouldn't worry about the sugar in fruits and other healthy foods. I've since stopped tracking it.

SteffCooley

Ah, well that helps! Phew! Thanks for the input!!

mtpage04

When you eat sugar (refined or natural) things that end with ose, it produces and insulin spike in your body. Eventually, your energy falls dramatically creating a craving for more sugar ( foods that end with ose). It becomes a wicked circle. If you limit your intake of ose foods, your body will rely on it's stores of body fat for energy rather than an intake of ose carbohydrates. I hope this helps.
Good luck!!