Sugar target

mjk43
mjk43 Posts: 2 Member
edited February 19 in Food and Nutrition
I've been using this super tool for a week now. I can see that generally I am eating healthily, within calorie goal, also within fat and carb targets. But I am over for sugar every day and I wondered why the sugar target is so low ? It does not allow really even for "5 a day" never mind the much larger amount of fruit and veg which I eat. It seems strange to be over when I don't eat cakes or biscuits, don't add sugar to drinks etc etc

Replies

  • neanderthin
    neanderthin Posts: 10,792 Member
    It's for added sugars.....not sugars naturally found within the matrix of the foods we eat.
  • martyqueen52
    martyqueen52 Posts: 1,120 Member
    I don't even track sugar. Unless you have a medical, doctor diagnosed issue where sugar intake needs to be limited or set to a certain level, don't worry about it. Just track your three major macros (protein/fat/carbs) and fiber.
  • raggiemom
    raggiemom Posts: 139 Member
    I like keeping track of the sugars because I am diabetic. It is low but it's good for keeping me in check, especially on days I indulge in a treat. I don't worry so much about the fruit source of sugar as I do refined sugar. I usually manage 2, maybe 3, fruits a day (not the 5!!). I fill up on veggies! If watching your sugars isn't a big deal for health reasons, I wouldn't worry too much about it.
  • asciiqwerty
    asciiqwerty Posts: 565 Member
    sugar is sugar is a carb
    It does not allow really even for "5 a day" never mind the much larger amount of fruit and veg which I eat.

    not quite true
    i usually manage to stay under and eat 5+ fruit and veg (4-8) though i don't always track it seperately
    i've been over my sugar target 13 times in hte last 90 days including eating lots of chocolate over easter

    the thing with the 5 a day is that different countries have different goals but usually they recognise that most of them should be veg rather than fruit some countries even split them : 5+2

    i find that when i'm high on carbs and sugar i'm more tired and grumpy

    if you're focusing on macros then the sugars will be included in the carbs and managing your sugar intake is a relatively easy way to reduce your carb contributions if you want/need to
  • tennisdude2004
    tennisdude2004 Posts: 5,609 Member
    If you are within your overall target for calories, don't worry about it.
  • mjk43
    mjk43 Posts: 2 Member
    Thank you all for your advice - much appreciated !
  • TeaBea
    TeaBea Posts: 14,517 Member
    I don't even track sugar. Unless you have a medical, doctor diagnosed issue where sugar intake needs to be limited or set to a certain level, don't worry about it. Just track your three major macros (protein/fat/carbs) and fiber.

    This!^

    MFP doesn't distinguish between added sugar....and sugar that occurs naturally. Fiber is on my tracker too.....more important to me than sugar.
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