Have you ever wondered why you can't lose that extra five pounds? Ever asked yourself, "Why am I too exhausted to workout?", when you slept enough hours, ate healthy meals, and seemingly, did all the "right" things? Well, folks, there could be a very simple explanation for this problem--you are eating too much sugar. Just because you are eating foods that look or sound healthy does not mean they actually are; sugar is hidden in all sorts of meals nowadays, whether or not you are aware of it. Juice, yogurt, cereal, canned fruits are examples of foods that are "good" for you, but could be the very things that are keeping you from getting in shape and staying that way, if they do not have the right ingredients or you are not consuming moderate portion sizes.
While we have all heard that sugar can be detrimental to your health, have you ever asked yourself WHY? Besides the calories, of course. Well, in case you didn't know, here are a few reasons why sugar can harm your body, and effect your ability to perform your very best at the gym:
Did you know that sugar consumption....
-raises adrenaline levels, making you even more anxious and jittery than normal (maybe too anxious to get your work done or go to the gym?!)
-causes a rush in your blood sugar that leads to a subsequent "crash", making you hungrier than you started and more irritable from the blood sugar drop
-can contribute to osteoperosis and diabetes
-raises trygliceride levels, increases LDL levels (unhealthy cholesterol) and decreases HDL (healthy cholesterol)
-causes headaches and migraines
-increases water retention, making you look and feel puffier and seemingly gain weight (that is really just water)
These are just a few of many harmful things sugar can do to the body--all of which can impact your ability to work out and live a healthy, happy life. That being said, make sure you are reading labels and monitoring your sugar intake! Portion control and choosing foods that have only a few ingredients (all of whose names you can pronounce and identify) are key in keeping a healthy balance in your diet.
The next time you are craving sweets, try some of these tasty combos instead:
apples and peanut butter
raisins and almonds
greek yogurt and 1 tbs raw, pure honey
dark, sugar-free chocolate and figs
The combination of sweetness with protein and/or fiber will keep your blood sugar on an even keel and satisfy your cravings. Try it out, you'll like it!
Until next time, folks, live well, eat well and be well.
Dr. Abu
A. Baxter
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