How Much Sugar Do You Eat?

[Max I]

Good Moning Everyone (I'm in southern California):  I'm brand new to this site and wanted to offer my thoughts on obtaining and keeping good health. Although I am not celiac, I cannot eat anything containing gluten since it will set off stomach cramps and bind me for a couple of days.

Beside avoiding gluten containing foods, I have given up sugar as much as possible.  Found I definitely do not need any dessert unless it's along the lines of fresh fruit.  This is not at all difficult to do and the rewards are amazing as pertains to my feeling so  energetic and healthy.  I realize sugar is all around us and is included in foods that do not need any sweetening  such as peanut butter!  I strictly follow a Mediterranean style regimen of eating and am always finding excellent satisfying recipes.

I am curious how many are avoiding sugar, and if so, how it has impacted your general health.

To better health,

Max I

[plumbago]

Hi Max,

In my research I have found that avoiding sugar is a fast-track way to improve health. And I've found this to be true for me personally. The key is staying away from it for the long term. I find I can do it for 2-3 months at a time. Which is not bad, and not to be dismissed. But then I will eat it (attempt moderation) for the next few months before giving it up again. I've found the less I drink latte and coffee, the less I want sugar.

Sugar is one of the most addictive substances in the world, so quitting forever is going to be hard. Not only that, but our economy subsists on it. It's insidious!

Giving up sugar is no doubt the lowest hanging fruit to achieving good health, IMHO.

Plumbago

[cristiana]

My answer:  Too much!

So I'm trying to cut back radically for health reasons,  and I'd like to be slimmer than I was last summer.  Finding it incredibly difficult, though.   

Interesting about the coffee link @plumbago, I've read that before somewhere.

At the moment I feel hungry and have a bit of a headache.  I can't say I've ever felt fantastic when I've tried giving up before and I think that is why it hasn't lasted.  But maybe I went the wrong way about it. 

I do have a theory which is probably total nonsense that there's a sweet tooth gene.  My unscientific theory is solely based on the fact that I have friends who have shared a similar upbringing yet aren't remotely interested in cakes, biscuits and chocolates. And that my children have had all the same food put before them when growing up and yet one has a sweet tooth like me, the other not.

Part of the difficulty in cutting back is noticing just how much sweet stuff there is on TV, it's everywhere.  And in books, and magazines.  I think that is half the problem in the UK.

Great topic, @Max I!

 

Edited January 24, 2023 by cristiana

[Max I]

On 1/24/2023 at 9:53 AM, cristiana said:

My answer:  Too much!

So I'm trying to cut back radically for health reasons,  and I'd like to be slimmer than I was last summer.  Finding it incredibly difficult, though.   

Interesting about the coffee link @plumbago, I've read that before somewhere.

At the moment I feel hungry and have a bit of a headache.  I can't say I've ever felt fantastic when I've tried giving up before and I think that is why it hasn't lasted.  But maybe I went the wrong way about it. 

I do have a theory which is probably total nonsense that there's a sweet tooth gene.  My unscientific theory is solely based on the fact that I have friends who have shared a similar upbringing yet aren't remotely interested in cakes, biscuits and chocolates. And that my children have had all the same food put before them when growing up and yet one has a sweet tooth like me, the other not.

Part of the difficulty in cutting back is noticing just how much sweet stuff there is on TV, it's everywhere.  And in books, and magazines.  I think that is half the problem in the UK.

Great topic, @Max I!

 

Couple of comments here.  Not sure about a sweet tooth gene, but just know that the brain loves sugar since it's a "sweet spot" and it will absolutely fight you to keep you on sugar items.  So you have that to put up with.  I believe it just might take you and  your child more time and effort to rid your body of the cravings.  Another thought is that do not use sugar in any baking or cooking - use instead things like raisins or dates to sweeten things.  And no desserts ever unless it's something like fruit.  I find if I make healthy main dishes, there's really no need for sugar or desserts.  So good luck with your quest for avoiding sugar and the longer you do it, the easier it gets.  In fact, you'll eventually never even think about sugar!  And you'll feel better!