Going over on sugar...

I keep going over on my sugar level because I eat a banana every morning, usually have carrots and maybe an apple throughout the day. With that on top of my regular foods (not high in sugar), my sugar level doubles or triples what my diary suggests.

How will this affect me?

Thanks!

Replies

  • Pearsquared
    Pearsquared Posts: 1,656 Member
    It won't. Unless you have blood sugar problems, sugar is just a carb.
  • BarackMeLikeAHurricane
    BarackMeLikeAHurricane Posts: 3,400 Member
    Sugar is just a carb. As long as you're eating enough fats and protein, your carbs/sugar aren't particularly important unless you have a medical issue that requires carbs/sugar to be monitored.

    However, it should be noted that fructose and sucrose can only be stored as liver glycogen and not muscle glycogen. The liver can hold 100-120g glycogen so anything more than that will be converted to triglycerides. As long as you still have a calorie deficit this will even out. Just try to make most of your carbs glucose and not sucrose or fructose. Fructose in particular has been shown to decrease exercise performance, increased likelihood of gastrointestinal distress, and increase perception of exertion.

    Here are some studies:
    http://www.setantacollege.com/wp-content/uploads/Journal_db/the effects of glucose....pdf

    http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/3592616


    As long as you're under your calorie goal, you'll lose weight. Some people find that sugar (even from fruit) causes them to have more sugar/carb cravings so keep that in mind.

    For information on setting your macro target, read this: http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/911011-calculating-calorie-macronutrient-needs?page=1#posts-13821336
  • Will it affect muscle gain/tone any?

    Thanks for the help ladies!
  • BarackMeLikeAHurricane
    BarackMeLikeAHurricane Posts: 3,400 Member
    Will it affect muscle gain/tone any?

    Thanks for the help ladies!
    As long as you meet your fat and protein targets, then no.
  • ngyoung
    ngyoung Posts: 311 Member
    Will it affect muscle gain/tone any?

    Thanks for the help ladies!

    Getting proper protein is typically the significant macro for fueling muscle. I wouldn't be too concerned based on what you say you're eating. Maybe swap out the banana 3 days a week for some berries or other low glycemic/high fiber fruit. Try mixing in more leafy greens or broccoli instead of carrots all the time. The variety will be beneficial regardless of your sugar concerns.
  • Mariposa_Lily
    Mariposa_Lily Posts: 38 Member
    I make a green smoothie (half fruit, half veggie, and usually around 150 calories) almost every day, and it by itself usually makes me hit or exceed my sugar number. BUT, I'm still generally well under my total carb number, and at or above my protein and fat numbers for the day. So, I don't worry about sugar from natural sources....
  • Okay, well that makes me feel better! I love smoothies but I quit drinking them because they had like 3x my sugar level in them!