All sugars the same

I am looking into doing a low GI diet and wanted to see where my average sugar intake is and I am shocked how high it is. I am shocked that I am over my allotted sugar intake after breakfast! Most of my sugar does come from fruits and vegetable. So my question is does natural sugar count differently then refined sugar? Or is all sugar just sugar?

Replies

  • BuckeyeLife
    BuckeyeLife Posts: 313 Member
    Sugar is sugar no matter the source. That being said, natural sources bring other benefits to the table. (Fiber, vitamins, etc)
  • coastiebride1120
    coastiebride1120 Posts: 51 Member
    Thank you. I love my Odwalla green juice in the morning and sometimes it's the only thing i have time for. I also usually have it again in the evening as a snack since it curbs my disire to eat chocolate late at night. Those two glasses end up putting my sugar intake at 50g not including anything else I consumed throught the day. :(
  • sosubblime
    sosubblime Posts: 20 Member
    I would need to do more research but I don't think all sugars are the same. Sugar from fruit is less easier to store as fat than refined sugars or even Splenda.
  • Merrysix
    Merrysix Posts: 336 Member
    I eat a low carb/high protein food plan, and most of my carbs come from the natural sugars in fruits and vegies and milk. My nutritionist suggested 1500 calories per day (unless I exercise more than one hour) and no more than twice as many grams of carb as grams of protein. I feel better when I eat this way, but everyone has a different metabolism and what works for me may not work for you. I stopped craving sugar after about 30 days. I try to stay away from high carb fruits like pineapple, grapes etc. because they have the same effect on me as sugar.
  • thelovelyLIZ
    thelovelyLIZ Posts: 1,227 Member
    Sugar is sugar no matter the source. That being said, natural sources bring other benefits to the table. (Fiber, vitamins, etc)

    This is a good way to look at it.

    It's also worth mentioning the FDA has a recommended limit for added sugar (40g for most people) but no recommended limit for naturally occurring sugars like fructose and glucose. I generally don't worry about my sugar if it's coming from naturally occurring sources.
  • taunto
    taunto Posts: 6,420 Member
    I don't know what low GI diet is however I do know that sugar is sugar. That being said, fruit is AMAZING for you and unless you have medical reasons to stay away from sugar, you shouldn't avoid fruits. Chow down as much fruit as you wish.

    I eat fruits, pasta, rice, bread, meats, veggies you name it (except sea food. I hate sea food!) and I am losing at a decent rate. Just watch out the calories and you're fine
  • RebelliousRibbons
    RebelliousRibbons Posts: 391 Member
    Fructose (as in fruit, as in high fructose corn syrup) is actually THE WORST and most likely to be converted into fat, than say, glucose. Table sugar is part glucose/part fructose.

    The benefit from fruit is that the FIBER in it tells the brain your full and is very good. The brain does NOT understand fructose, like it does glucose.

    Just avoid refined sugar as much as possible and take whatever sugars from fruits and veggies because fiber is good for you.

    Processed foods have NO fiber, so the brain doesn't think you're full with them.

    Avoid processed carbs like pasta (whole grain is OK--fiber!) Eat fresh foods as much as possible.
  • LesterBlackstone
    LesterBlackstone Posts: 291 Member
    Fructose (as in fruit, as in high fructose corn syrup) is actually THE WORST and most likely to be converted into fat, than say, glucose.

    Please describe, in detail, the metabolic pathway that allows fructose to be converted to fat in a caloric deficit.

    Table sugar is part glucose/part fructose.

    Are you trying to imply that HCFS isn't ?
  • Sidesteal
    Sidesteal Posts: 5,510 Member
    Fiber-one bars are processed.
  • taunto
    taunto Posts: 6,420 Member
    Why are people bashing on ma fruits? :(

    The banana I eat daily think you're meany for making him feel bad
  • lkcuts
    lkcuts Posts: 224
    Bump am interested in comments also
  • CoryIda
    CoryIda Posts: 7,870 Member
    Technically, sugar is sugar is sugar...

    That being said, fruits and veggies (like carrots) have sugars in them but also have excellent nutritional benefits such as high fiber and a great source of vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.

    Personally, I never tracked sugar since about 90% of the sugar I consume is from natural sources like fruits and veggies and I regularly get over 100 g/day; however, if you have diabetes, are at risk of developing diabetes, or have other health issues that can be impacted by your sugar intake, you should take to your doctor.
  • Sidesteal
    Sidesteal Posts: 5,510 Member
    Please describe, in detail, the metabolic pathway that allows fructose to be converted to fat in a caloric deficit.

    Lustigenesis.

    lulzy.
  • dinosnopro
    dinosnopro Posts: 2,177 Member
    in b4 all this.

    Sugar_Bad.png
  • LesterBlackstone
    LesterBlackstone Posts: 291 Member

    Lustigenesis.


    LOL, I'm totally stealing that.
  • Sidesteal
    Sidesteal Posts: 5,510 Member

    Lustigenesis.


    LOL, I'm totally stealing that.

    negged.

    ( have at it)

    =)
  • tsh0ck
    tsh0ck Posts: 1,970 Member
    Fructose (as in fruit, as in high fructose corn syrup) is actually THE WORST and most likely to be converted into fat, than say, glucose. Table sugar is part glucose/part fructose.

    The benefit from fruit is that the FIBER in it tells the brain your full and is very good. The brain does NOT understand fructose, like it does glucose.

    Just avoid refined sugar as much as possible and take whatever sugars from fruits and veggies because fiber is good for you.

    Processed foods have NO fiber, so the brain doesn't think you're full with them.

    Avoid processed carbs like pasta (whole grain is OK--fiber!) Eat fresh foods as much as possible.

    tumblr_m3ql58WWgi1r1el6a.jpg
  • RuthSweetTooth
    RuthSweetTooth Posts: 461 Member
    What's better for you? 50 calories of straight sugar from a soda, or 50 calories of kiwi fruit that supplies 100% of your vitamin C and fiber?

    They are the same calories true, but the kiwi is clearly the better choice, and it is real food that will fill you up and deliver more nutrition. It's fine and necessary to eat a couple of fruits, a great source of antioxidants. Dairy products and vegetables also contain okay fruits. Even lima beans are a source of sugar, but they are good carbs. They make a difference when it comes to avoiding blood sugar spikes. A nutrionist on here says that the sugar amount is too low if your sugar is coming from good foods such as the ones you are eating. Enjoy.

    Ruth
    I am looking into doing a low GI diet and wanted to see where my average sugar intake is and I am shocked how high it is. I am shocked that I am over my allotted sugar intake after breakfast! Most of my sugar does come from fruits and vegetable. So my question is does natural sugar count differently then refined sugar? Or is all sugar just sugar?
  • BuckeyeLife
    BuckeyeLife Posts: 313 Member
    I find it amusing how there must be expansion on the "KISS" answer I provided. :D This site has a lot of people who make things far more cerebral than they need to be. :D
  • wackyfunster
    wackyfunster Posts: 944 Member
    I find it amusing how there must be expansion on the "KISS" answer I provided. :D This site has a lot of people who make things far more cerebral than they need to be. :D
    Quoted for truth.
  • TheVimFuego
    TheVimFuego Posts: 2,412 Member
    Please describe, in detail, the metabolic pathway that allows fructose to be converted to fat in a caloric deficit.

    No Google in your part of the world then?

    Yudkin had it right all those years ago, one day we will all catch on.
  • Sidesteal
    Sidesteal Posts: 5,510 Member
    Please describe, in detail, the metabolic pathway that allows fructose to be converted to fat in a caloric deficit.

    No Google in your part of the world then?

    Yudkin had it right all those years ago, one day we will all catch on.

    Familiar with this by chance?
    http://www.alanaragonblog.com/2010/01/29/the-bitter-truth-about-fructose-alarmism/
  • vfnmoody
    vfnmoody Posts: 271 Member
    I am looking into doing a low GI diet and wanted to see where my average sugar intake is and I am shocked how high it is. I am shocked that I am over my allotted sugar intake after breakfast! Most of my sugar does come from fruits and vegetable. So my question is does natural sugar count differently then refined sugar? Or is all sugar just sugar?


    is this a Troll post ?
    Why do you want to go on a low GI diet?
    So if you want to get on a low GI (glycemic index) diet you might want to read "the Zone Diet" it explains the thoughts behind the diet. The sugars in different foods enter the blood at different rates. The slower you can get the sugar to enter the blood stream the more evenly the body can dispense insulin in to the blood stream. This should stabilize the energy swings that through the day.
    You might also want to look up the terms polysaccharides, di-saccharide and mono-sacharide.
  • yarwell
    yarwell Posts: 10,477 Member
    I would need to do more research but I don't think all sugars are the same. Sugar from fruit is less easier to store as fat than refined sugars or even Splenda.
    You definitely need to do more research.

    The sucrose in refined sugar, which itself grows in plants, is the same sucrose as you find in an orange.

    Split the sucrose in two (and add a water molecule, a process that happens in the acid of your stomach) and you get glucose and fructose - the same glucose and fructose as you find in a soda from HFCS, the same glucose as appears in glucose syrup or dextrose, the same glucose and fructose as appears in an orange.

    Now we all love fruit, and were told by our mothers and countless others how wonderful it is, but let's not invent crazy theories as to why the sugar in fruit is different to other sugars. Sure, it looks and tastes appealing, and there's the odd vitamin and bit of fibre provided with it, but unsweetened orange juice and coca cola have similar sugar content and an orange is just orange juice soaked into some animal feed (citrus pulp). So let's not get all religious about fruit, and treat it for what it is.
  • coastiebride1120
    coastiebride1120 Posts: 51 Member
    Ok first off NO I am not a troll but thank you for thinking that I am, thank you for assuming that I have all night to spend on here and that i do not have to wake up to feed another human every 3-4 hours. Now with that being said.

    No I do not have diabetes, however, I do have PCOS, polycystic ovarian syndrome and it does affect my insulin resistance and makes it harder for me to drop any weight and be able to keep it off. PCOS also put me at a greater risk for developing type 2 diabetes, heart disease and high blood pressure then the average woman; not to mention a long list of other issues associated with it. Most women with pcos do end up on metformin to aid in their weight loss, however, i prefer to do this without the aid of medcations since it only appears to be a short term fix for a long term problem. So please bear with me as I figure all of this out since I am just now trying to get this disease under control and get my weight under control. I was only just informed about a low GI diet and I am still in the beginning stages of understanding this lifestyle. I was hoping someone who follows a low GI lifestyle could help me out on how sugar is counted and where my numbers should be falling daily, if there is even a set limit.
  • rachylouise87
    rachylouise87 Posts: 367 Member
    Ok first off NO I am not a troll but thank you for thinking that I am, thank you for assuming that I have all night to spend on here and that i do not have to wake up to feed another human every 3-4 hours. Now with that being said.

    No I do not have diabetes, however, I do have PCOS, polycystic ovarian syndrome and it does affect my insulin resistance and makes it harder for me to drop any weight and be able to keep it off. PCOS also put me at a greater risk for developing type 2 diabetes, heart disease and high blood pressure then the average woman; not to mention a long list of other issues associated with it. Most women with pcos do end up on metformin to aid in their weight loss, however, i prefer to do this without the aid of medcations since it only appears to be a short term fix for a long term problem. So please bear with me as I figure all of this out since I am just now trying to get this disease under control and get my weight under control. I was only just informed about a low GI diet and I am still in the beginning stages of understanding this lifestyle. I was hoping someone who follows a low GI lifestyle could help me out on how sugar is counted and where my numbers should be falling daily, if there is even a set limit.


    AMEN!
  • upnorthtim
    upnorthtim Posts: 376 Member
    Technically sugar is NOT sugar. Naturally occurring sugars include glucose, galactose, fructose, sucrose, maltose, and lactose...among others. In addition to those there are the sugar alcohols and maltodextrin. Maltodextrin is a "sneaky" sugar in that it is used as a sweetener, has loads of calories, yet food producers are not required to call it sugar. Each of them has a different glycemic index Fructose actually has one of the lowest glycemic indices. That being said, there are claims that fructose is bad for you (in excess) because it must be processed in the liver before being metabolized and excess fructose is easily converted into triglycerides. Here is a nice link to impartial info about glycemic index diets.....

    http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/glycemic-index-diet/MY00770

    Sorry for any typos....I typed this without wearing my glasses.....lol
  • LesterBlackstone
    LesterBlackstone Posts: 291 Member
    Please describe, in detail, the metabolic pathway that allows fructose to be converted to fat in a caloric deficit.

    No Google in your part of the world then?

    Yudkin had it right all those years ago, one day we will all catch on.

    TROLOL.

    No PubMed or GoogleScholar in yours?

    http://www.ajcn.org/content/74/6/737.full

    http://www.ajcn.org/content/74/6/707.full


    If DNL doesn't occur to a significant degree during overfeeding, what makes you believe that it can occur in a deficit.
    Maltodextrin is a "sneaky" sugar in that it is used as a sweetener, has loads of calories,

    By "loads", I assume you mean the same 4cal/g as every other carbohydrate.

    That being said, there are claims that fructose is bad for you (in excess) because it must be processed in the liver before being metabolized

    Better steer clear of protein then too.
  • vfnmoody
    vfnmoody Posts: 271 Member
    Ok first off NO I am not a troll but thank you for thinking that I am, thank you for assuming that I have all night to spend on here and that i do not have to wake up to feed another human every 3-4 hours.


    That is good to hear about the Troll thing.
    There are a few on the site who would make postings just to stir things up. That s why I asked.
    I see you have a vested interest in the GI diet. As this is something that you will hopefully be following for a long time I do suggest you learn as much as you can about it from a number of different sources. Seems anything you get told here will also be contradicted here or run off into theory that is not what you need today.


    So please bear with me as I figure all of this out since I am just now trying to get this disease under control and get my weight under control. I was only just informed about a low GI diet and I am still in the beginning stages of understanding this lifestyle. I was hoping someone who follows a low GI lifestyle could help me out on how sugar is counted and where my numbers should be falling daily, if there is even a set limit.
  • AZKristi
    AZKristi Posts: 1,801 Member
    There are lots of charts online that show the glycemic index of various fruits and other foods. If you have a medical reason that makes very careful glycemic control a necessity, you need to follow the charts and there may be some fruits you have to avoid. For most people, sugar from fruit is fine as long as you don't go over your calorie goal.