Sugar intake

[dulaney0330]

How often do you eat sugary foods?

It's been a challenge to avoid pastries, cookies, cakes, donuts, and anything sweet. So far, I am doing pretty well with cutting out that junk and I am now on a mission to cut sugar from condiments, PJ (going to buy organic without added sugar or salt), fruit bars, spaghetti sauce, and jam.

It's really hard to do this! Sugar is in a lot of things!

But, I have cravings all the time for sweets. I make the most delicious chocolate chip cookies, with sour cream, and I want one every night after dinner.

While I don't give in, it's so hard to not crave it. On average, whats a good range for intake of sweets, like cookies? I feel like I cannot control myself when I have a cookie...especially when I make a dozen or so.

How do you limit your sugar intake?

[secrets0stolen]

I used to crave refined sugar all the time, but then I went raw and started eating lots of fruit. The fruit sugar does not give the same "high" as sugar, but it does satisfy our instinct for sweetness!

[dulaney0330]

Originally Posted by secrets0stolen

I used to crave refined sugar all the time, but then I went raw and started eating lots of fruit. The fruit sugar does not give the same "high" as sugar, but it does satisfy our instinct for sweetness!

Thanks. I am eating a lot more fruit and it does help with the cravings.

How often do you have refined sugar?

[secrets0stolen]

Originally Posted by dulaney0330

Thanks. I am eating a lot more fruit and it does help with the cravings.

How often do you have refined sugar?

I think the last time I had it was six months ago at Christmas? I really don't remember, maybe I put it on oatmeal around the same time.

[dulaney0330]

Originally Posted by secrets0stolen

I think the last time I had it was six months ago at Christmas? I really don't remember, maybe I put it on oatmeal around the same time.

That's awesome! Are there any foods you have eliminated due to sugar, like ketchup?

[Andrew Brunelle]

I cut out almost all sugar (aside from fruits) probably 4 years ago. I took in maybe 25g a day from then on. That is, besides fruit. Sugar was and still is very addictive for me. But I have limited it significantly. I eat the darkest chocolate available, with hardly any sugar, I eat low sugar cereals without succumbing to artificial sweeteners. I don't indulge in HFCS either as it is far worse than sugar and don't get me started on agave nectar.

Sugar is not bad or good. It is the refinement of sugar that makes it bad. In its natural state, sugar is a healthy food. I've heard blackstrap molasses is a good source of sugar, but in moderation of course. If you are going to have sugar, get it from fruits, but don't go overboard there either. Two to three servings of fruit a day is plenty to get your sugar fix and also get plenty of nutrients. And it's healing sugar, not refined, dead sugar.

I lost 10 lbs after giving up sugar. I went from 6'0" 185 lbs to 6'0" 170-175 lbs. I do indulge a bit more than I used to, but compared to the SAD, I'm doing really well when it comes to sugar.

[secrets0stolen]

Originally Posted by dulaney0330

That's awesome! Are there any foods you have eliminated due to sugar, like ketchup?

Well, I don't eat ketchup, but I didn't stop eating it do to sugar specifically. I just rarely eat things ketchup would normally go on, so I don't think to use it.

[Greek Dog]

Someone here told me about apple cidar vinegar about a year ago. Particularly the brand Bragg. I don't know how it works but it does. I really cuts the sweet tooth. Takes some courage but after about a week it becomes absurdly easy to take a tablespoon.

Apple Cider Vinegar Health Benefits

[secrets0stolen]

Originally Posted by Greek Dog

Someone here told me about apple cidar vinegar about a year ago. Particularly the brand Bragg. I don't know how it works but it does. I really cuts the sweet tooth. Takes some courage but after about a week it becomes absurdly easy to take a tablespoon.

Apple Cider Vinegar Health Benefits

Personally, I'd rather just eat the apple

[russianrocket]

Originally Posted by Andrew Brunelle

I cut out almost all sugar (aside from fruits) probably 4 years ago. I took in maybe 25g a day from then on. That is, besides fruit. Sugar was and still is very addictive for me. But I have limited it significantly. I eat the darkest chocolate available, with hardly any sugar, I eat low sugar cereals without succumbing to artificial sweeteners. I don't indulge in HFCS either as it is far worse than sugar and don't get me started on agave nectar.

Sugar is not bad or good. It is the refinement of sugar that makes it bad. In its natural state, sugar is a healthy food. I've heard blackstrap molasses is a good source of sugar, but in moderation of course. If you are going to have sugar, get it from fruits, but don't go overboard there either. Two to three servings of fruit a day is plenty to get your sugar fix and also get plenty of nutrients. And it's healing sugar, not refined, dead sugar.

I lost 10 lbs after giving up sugar. I went from 6'0" 185 lbs to 6'0" 170-175 lbs. I do indulge a bit more than I used to, but compared to the SAD, I'm doing really well when it comes to sugar.

What's wrong with over doing fruits? I eat like 1000 calories of fruit a day

[3afash]

I walk around with a bag full of fresh fruits and superfoods and I just eat something whenever temptation kicks in

But seriously if you're looking for something to really help solve this problem, consume Cacao and AFA Live Blue-Green Algae. They are two superfoods that have tremendous benefits and I found that consuming the Cacao before I sleep or both of them at the beginning of the day suppresses my appetite (in a good way), makes me eat less and have less craving. You can get both of them from Whole Foods or online in powder form. I would get the Blue-Green Algae in it's live form though. Google E3Live AFA.

[anghel]

I'm in the wrong thread
I'm the opposite. I crave for salty foods. Then I read something about salt makes you have belly fats. Is that true? But I still crave for it.
I think its easier to stop craving for sugary foods because you can eat fruits as a substitute. I'm wondering if there's a fruit that can help me stop craving for salty foods.

[dulaney0330]

Originally Posted by Andrew Brunelle

I cut out almost all sugar (aside from fruits) probably 4 years ago. I took in maybe 25g a day from then on. That is, besides fruit. Sugar was and still is very addictive for me. But I have limited it significantly. I eat the darkest chocolate available, with hardly any sugar, I eat low sugar cereals without succumbing to artificial sweeteners. I don't indulge in HFCS either as it is far worse than sugar and don't get me started on agave nectar.

Sugar is not bad or good. It is the refinement of sugar that makes it bad. In its natural state, sugar is a healthy food. I've heard blackstrap molasses is a good source of sugar, but in moderation of course. If you are going to have sugar, get it from fruits, but don't go overboard there either. Two to three servings of fruit a day is plenty to get your sugar fix and also get plenty of nutrients. And it's healing sugar, not refined, dead sugar.

I lost 10 lbs after giving up sugar. I went from 6'0" 185 lbs to 6'0" 170-175 lbs. I do indulge a bit more than I used to, but compared to the SAD, I'm doing really well when it comes to sugar.

Thanks for the detailed post. I have to admit that I look at sugar as a bad thing. Its so hard not to, especially in the organic/health mindset.

I was eating a raw fruit bar with agave nectar. Could you tell me more about it? Is it worse than HFCS?

Last night, I had the worst cravings! Luckily, I did not have any sweets in the apartment or it would have been ugly!

[dulaney0330]

Originally Posted by anghel

I'm in the wrong thread
I'm the opposite. I crave for salty foods. Then I read something about salt makes you have belly fats. Is that true? But I still crave for it.
I think its easier to stop craving for sugary foods because you can eat fruits as a substitute. I'm wondering if there's a fruit that can help me stop craving for salty foods.

I crave salty foods, too!

I would estimate that out of my food cravings, sweets is about 70%, salty foods 20% and fatty foods like a cheeseburger, 10%.

Its true that eating fruit does help.

I found this:


"While absorbed sodium is not directly converted to fat, its salty nature causes the body to surround each sodium particle with water, exponentially inflating the fat cells where the sodium is stored. Very high sodium foods can cause consumers to become bloated, and the water-filled areas around the belly appear puffy and fat. While a typical consumer needs only 500-1,000 milligrams of sodium per day, many individuals consume up to six times that much, resulting in large amounts of excess belly fat."

Read more: What Foods Cause Belly Fat? | eHow.com What Foods Cause Belly Fat? | eHow.com

[dulaney0330]

Originally Posted by 3afash

I walk around with a bag full of fresh fruits and superfoods and I just eat something whenever temptation kicks in

But seriously if you're looking for something to really help solve this problem, consume Cacao and AFA Live Blue-Green Algae. They are two superfoods that have tremendous benefits and I found that consuming the Cacao before I sleep or both of them at the beginning of the day suppresses my appetite (in a good way), makes me eat less and have less craving. You can get both of them from Whole Foods or online in powder form. I would get the Blue-Green Algae in it's live form though. Google E3Live AFA.

Thanks! I will look into that.

[joelr]

Right now, never. Except for a cheat meal. Before I was dieting though the addiction was really getting me.

If I ate candy (usually Skittles) one evening then the next evening I would feel an irresistible urge to eat more. Same with dessert after an evening meal.
I would almost feel depressed without eating Oreo's after supper and getting that sugar high. I couldn't fight it.

One I started a diet cycle and cut out all sugar I felt fine and the cravings went away. The only thing I use now is about 1/4 cup skim milk mixed with water to have a bowl of cheerios now and then.
When I'm hungry I feel a sub-conscious urge to have cheerios because of the sugar in the milk. It's so sneaky like that.

It's why people love yogurt and Activia and that stuff. They get marketed as diet food but they are loaded with sugar. If you want healthy bacteria there are acidophillus and other capsules to take that provide them. By weight they are probably 700% cheaper and sugar free.

I know aspartame is controversial for some folks but I use Trident bubble-gum flavor gum, just when I'm dieting. There is much less aspartame than before actually, they use mostly sorbitol, sugar alcohol and A. Potassium for sweetness now.


Another good trick is when your in the mood for a sugar snack have some baby carrots. If their glycemic index is too high for you try raw green beans. Both make a good snack once you get over the sugar thing.

Luckily there are almost no withdrawls and the cravings fade quickly. Somewhat.

[dulaney0330]

Originally Posted by joelr

Right now, never. Except for a cheat meal. Before I was dieting though the addiction was really getting me.

If I ate candy (usually Skittles) one evening then the next evening I would feel an irresistible urge to eat more. Same with dessert after an evening meal.
I would almost feel depressed without eating Oreo's after supper and getting that sugar high. I couldn't fight it.

One I started a diet cycle and cut out all sugar I felt fine and the cravings went away. The only thing I use now is about 1/4 cup skim milk mixed with water to have a bowl of cheerios now and then.
When I'm hungry I feel a sub-conscious urge to have cheerios because of the sugar in the milk. It's so sneaky like that.

It's why people love yogurt and Activia and that stuff. They get marketed as diet food but they are loaded with sugar. If you want healthy bacteria there are acidophillus and other capsules to take that provide them. By weight they are probably 700% cheaper and sugar free.

I know aspartame is controversial for some folks but I use Trident bubble-gum flavor gum, just when I'm dieting. There is much less aspartame than before actually, they use mostly sorbitol, sugar alcohol and A. Potassium for sweetness now.


Another good trick is when your in the mood for a sugar snack have some baby carrots. If their glycemic index is too high for you try raw green beans. Both make a good snack once you get over the sugar thing.

Luckily there are almost no withdrawls and the cravings fade quickly. Somewhat.

Thanks for the post.

I admire anyone who cuts sugar from their diet..its very difficult to do!

Growing up, I ate so much sugar. So many chocolate cereals, hottess products, and canned foods.

For a while, I bought Activa yogurt until I noticed it had 18 grams of sugar! I have found yogurt with 7-8 grams and I buy that sometimes.

I was never in the mood for sweets like Skittles or a Snickers bar. It was more like a piece of blueberry pie or a sour cream chocolate chip cookie. So many people snack on Reese' cups and drink pop. It's nice to know I am not on that level.

But as an idealistic, I can always improve and that is my goal.

Today, my cravings have been less and it feels good to not down so much sugar. leaving out sodium is a challenge too, since they seem to be connected.

[anghel]

Originally Posted by dulaney0330

"While absorbed sodium is not directly converted to fat, its salty nature causes the body to surround each sodium particle with water, exponentially inflating the fat cells where the sodium is stored. Very high sodium foods can cause consumers to become bloated, and the water-filled areas around the belly appear puffy and fat. While a typical consumer needs only 500-1,000 milligrams of sodium per day, many individuals consume up to six times that much, resulting in large amounts of excess belly fat."

This is my problem.
I'm already light weight, my only problem is getting rid of belly fats. So I guess it's really because of the sodium.

I read this in the article you shared:

"To help reduce the effects of salty foods like peanuts, french fries and pickles, consumers may consider lower salt alternatives like natural fruits and vegetables. In addition, drinking substantial amounts of water after eating sodium-rich foods can help improve water circulation, reducing the stored water and fatty appearance in the belly."

I think it's really helpful. Thank you for sharing the article.

[dulaney0330]

What about fruit bars?

I like to buy these at whole foods and the one bar has 20 grams of sugar but the ingredients are banannas, walnuts and almonds.

While fruit is ideal, what about organic fruit bars?

[joelr]

Usually fruit bars have a lot more that just fruit sugar but maybe there us some all-fruit sugar brand.

Check ingredients. High fructose corn syrup, sugar, sugar syrup, malitol, sucrose, stuff like that are added sugar.


Try freezing 1 or 2 cut up bannannas and lots of watermellon squares, a bowl full at least. Then blend them in a blender with a little ice, it comes out like ice cream. I add 2 scoops of low sugar protein powder also.

I start out by blending 3 ice cubes for a little moisture. Then start adding frozen fruit pieces. It's tricky to get it all blended, it takes some poking with a knife also (turn off blender first!). But don't add any extra liquid and it will solidify like ice cream.

My dinner every night is really just 2 bannanas and about 1/8 watermellon with protein powder but it's more like eatin a huge blender full of ice cream!

Freezing the fruit is the key.

[russianrocket]

Originally Posted by joelr

Usually fruit bars have a lot more that just fruit sugar but maybe there us some all-fruit sugar brand.

Check ingredients. High fructose corn syrup, sugar, sugar syrup, malitol, sucrose, stuff like that are added sugar.


Try freezing 1 or 2 cut up bannannas and lots of watermellon squares, a bowl full at least. Then blend them in a blender with a little ice, it comes out like ice cream. I add 2 scoops of low sugar protein powder also.

I start out by blending 3 ice cubes for a little moisture. Then start adding frozen fruit pieces. It's tricky to get it all blended, it takes some poking with a knife also (turn off blender first!). But don't add any extra liquid and it will solidify like ice cream.

My dinner every night is really just 2 bannanas and about 1/8 watermellon with protein powder but it's more like eatin a huge blender full of ice cream!

Freezing the fruit is the key.

How ripe of bananas?

[MightySunTzu]

Originally Posted by joelr

Usually fruit bars have a lot more that just fruit sugar...

Check ingredients. High fructose corn syrup, sugar, sugar syrup, malitol, sucrose, stuff like that are added sugar.

Try freezing 1 or 2 cut up bannannas and lots of watermellon squares, a bowl full at least. Then blend them in a blender with a little ice, it comes out like ice cream. I add 2 scoops of low sugar protein powder also.

I completely agree . When we want something done right (as in healthy), it's important to understand that usually we can't count on the food manufacturers to do it for us. Blending and freezing our own fruit (especially banana based) is a great way to go and i agree it tastes like ice cream.

I feel the same way about making my own soups instead of buying them in cans or packages. By having total control over what goes in we can dictate how healthy it will be and this includes using the best water, the best (organic) and properly cleaned produce, and not adding any salt, msg or other artificial and otherwise harmful ingredients.

[joelr]

Originally Posted by russianrocket

How ripe of bananas?

Very ripe. If they are green-ish you can taste it in the shake. They produce more fructose when fully ripened. As in no green.

[joelr]

Originally Posted by MightySunTzu

I completely agree . When we want something done right (as in healthy), it's important to understand that usually we can't count on the food manufacturers to do it for us. Blending and freezing our own fruit (especially banana based) is a great way to go and i agree it tastes like ice cream.

I feel the same way about making my own soups instead of buying them in cans or packages. By having total control over what goes in we can dictate how healthy it will be and this includes using the best water, the best (organic) and properly cleaned produce, and not adding any salt, msg or other artificial and otherwise harmful ingredients.

Yes definitely!

It's cheap also. There is a place in Boston called Haymarket where they set up tents and sell fruit, vegetables and stuff on Fri/Sat.
The fruit is unbelievably cheap but it doesn't last long so I just freeze everything and use it in shakes throughout the week.

For $9 bucks I get so much plant food it's almost impossible to carry it all home.
That's not organic though I guess. Better than junk food anyway. Or those $4 Natures Balance drinks that are orange juice with a splash of other fruits.

I used to waste $ on those.

[dulaney0330]

Anyone care to share what they eat for breakfast/lunch/dinner?

I am trying to cut back on sugar and sodium. I found that my current peanut butter has 190mg of sodium and the bread has 160mg. I didn't realize that the mg of sodium should be less than the calories of the food item. I really have to crack down on sodium too.

It's kind of annoying to have to be so "ocd" about food.

i am thinking of having an organic apple/organic PJ for breakfast.

veggies, hard boiled eggs for lunch and fruit--tuna with crackers, tomatoes

For dinner, meat,veggies, bread, milk,

snack: more fruit, veggies, oatmeal

Limit fruit juice, canned foods, and flour

I just want to make sure I am getting enough calories.

*I don't like smoothies. They are so thick!

[3afash]

Dulaney,

try doing a water fast for 5-7 days. Here is a quote from Gabriel Cousens book, Conscious Eating: "Fasting is an excellent method of helping people overcome addictions to food, cigarettes and other drugs. Fasting helps because what is sometimes metaphorically called “cell memory craving” for the addictive substance is erased when toxins are removed. It usually takes five to seven days to eliminate these strong cell memory cravings. The elimination of these toxins from the body during the fast makes it increasingly easier for people to overcome their addiction to poisonous substance. After the fast, it seems to be easier for them to eat foods that are closer to their original bio-physiological needs, namely fruits, vegetables, sprouts, seeds and grains, etcetera.
With the toxic cell memory diminished or removed by the fasting process, one is able to get in touch with real dietary needs. The end of the fast provides a special opportunity to reorganize one’s habits around a higher–quality diet. Fasting helps erase past deleterious habits and serves as an opportunity to begin a dietary program and lifestyle that is more conducive to optimal health."

So although it may sound tough, a 7-day water fast may well solve your problem.

[joelr]

Originally Posted by dulaney0330

Anyone care to share what they eat for breakfast/lunch/dinner?

I am trying to cut back on sugar and sodium. I found that my current peanut butter has 190mg of sodium and the bread has 160mg. I didn't realize that the mg of sodium should be less than the calories of the food item. I really have to crack down on sodium too.

It's kind of annoying to have to be so "ocd" about food.

i am thinking of having an organic apple/organic PJ for breakfast.

veggies, hard boiled eggs for lunch and fruit--tuna with crackers, tomatoes

For dinner, meat,veggies, bread, milk,

snack: more fruit, veggies, oatmeal

Limit fruit juice, canned foods, and flour

I just want to make sure I am getting enough calories.

*I don't like smoothies. They are so thick!

My Doctor advises me to get up to 1200mg sodium daily.

Watch out for crackers they contain trans-fatty acids, the worst food of all.
They can now say 0mg if there is .5 or less. If the ingredients say partially hydrogenated oil then there are trans-fat. That stuff sticks to arteries. It's in the not-natural creamy peanut butter also.

[dulaney0330]

Originally Posted by joelr

My Doctor advises me to get up to 1200mg sodium daily.

Watch out for crackers they contain trans-fatty acids, the worst food of all.
They can now say 0mg if there is .5 or less. If the ingredients say partially hydrogenated oil then there are trans-fat. That stuff sticks to arteries. It's in the not-natural creamy peanut butter also.

Thanks! Today, I bought crackers with only 50 grams of sodium and without trans fat. I bought no sodium organic PB, which takes some getting used to. I was on a low salt food plan to begin with but eliminating even more takes work!

But, I hope I reap the benefits.

[betlamed]

Originally Posted by joelr

It's why people love yogurt and Activia and that stuff. They get marketed as diet food but they are loaded with sugar. If you want healthy bacteria there are acidophillus and other capsules to take that provide them. By weight they are probably 700% cheaper and sugar free.

You're talking about fruit yogurt, I presume? Because pure yogurt is just fermented milk - the bacteria eat lactose and create a sour aroma instead, so it should have less sugar than pure milk.

[joelr]

Originally Posted by betlamed

You're talking about fruit yogurt, I presume? Because pure yogurt is just fermented milk - the bacteria eat lactose and create a sour aroma instead, so it should have less sugar than pure milk.

Yes, fruit and "flavored" yogurt is highest in sugar. Yoplait vanilla flavored fat free yogurt is a cup of sugar.
But the "plain yogurt" of a lot of brands still has a fair amount of sugar. I used to look for low sugar yogurt in the supermarket but could not find any.
The sugar content of milk is too high also (for a low sugar diet).