Comments on: How Much Sugar Are You Really Consuming?

By: Stephanie @ Keeper of the Home

Stephanie @ Keeper of the Home — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 16:02:11 +0000

@Julie, I haven't looked into it really deeply, but I have also read that there are issues with the processing and that it makes it not such a great choice for a natural sweetener. Personally, I don't use it.

By: Julie

Julie — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 14:20:22 +0000

I recently read that even Agave Nectar is bad for you. Something about the way it's processed makes it like High Fructose Corn Syrup or even worse. Do have any light to shed on this?

By: Lauren B

Lauren B — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 10:00:26 +0000

Great comment, Glenda! The lof fruiate great Dr. Atkins wondered how fruit got such a great reputation. Even sweet fruits and starchy veggies should be treats in our diets. Sugar is sugar, whether it's refined, comes in the form of a "natural" sweetener, or is paired with water and fiber in the form of fruit. It raises insulin (glucose) and causes your liver to produce triglycerides, triggering fat storage (fructose). Guess the vast majority of Americans have much bigger problems than overconsumption of fruit, though!

By: Melody Joy Buller

Melody Joy Buller — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 02:53:14 +0000

I think our biggest struggle is avoiding sugar when we leave our home. We've switched over to sucanat at home and it has really made a difference in how we feel. I mean, between church events, family events, work parties, and such, it can be really hard! Especially places where the water tastes less-than-filtered, but being down south the only other option is sweet tea! And then, during parts of the year when you're eating with others so much more (like months with high birthday concentrations), I just get so used to having sugar that I actually go out of my way to bring sugary things home.

But the biggest helper in avoiding sugar has been sort of a bait and switch. If I really want ice cream, I'll hit the blender with some fruits and make a smoothie instead. That has been really helpful.

By: Debra

Debra — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 22:59:38 +0000

Great post. I think we know this but visualizing it really hits home. And it never hurts to keep hearing this stuff. Thanks!

By: Glenda

Glenda — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 03:42:10 +0000

Just a word on the natural sugars in fruit and vegetables. Natural sugars and those found in honey do raise insulin levels in the body in the same way as other sugars, though as you say, not necessarily to the same degree. A more helpful way to view info on fruits and vegies may be this site (Australian Based) http://www.glycemicindex.com/ This gives a bit more of an insight into the way the body metabolises sugars.

By: Nola

Nola — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 01:51:12 +0000

Interesting. Myself, I don't eat any processed sugars at all...haven't in many years. I regained much of my health issues from eliminating it. It was really hard to do. But then I started to taste the real tastes in food...its incredible how good and sweet things like even some vegetables can be. I'm still working on switching over my husband. I provide very little that is made with processed sugar. Its harder though since he gets given a lot of sugary gifts, and there are always "goodies" around work in the lunch room. He doesn't share my ideas quite as much. I also am at the point now where my oldest is getting things offered to her without me being right there (like at church...its absolutely awful how much sugar people eat at church, especially the "coffee time".) Most people know where I stand but I need to educate her with time so that she will then make her own choices...and I will have to cope with whatever she ulimately decides. Thats a tough one.

By: Melissa Miller

Melissa Miller — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 23:21:48 +0000

~Wonderful post Stephanie.

Thank you for sharing this info.
I had no idea about yogurt. Yikes!

By: Alison @ Hospitality Haven

Alison @ Hospitality Haven — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 20:10:25 +0000

WOW! I guess I like to not think about how much sugar might be in something...thanks for sharing this link!

By: The Cottage Comtesse @ River Rock Cottage

The Cottage Comtesse @ River Rock Cottage — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 18:45:25 +0000

I love this post! A great visual for my kids regarding sugar. We quit using white table sugar several years ago, but it took about a year to wean my kids off of it. I pretty much did it cold turkey, but that was easier because I was convinced of the health benefits of not eating so much. I eased my kids off and "re-educated" them because I wanted them to buy in to it so that it was a lifestyle change that would stick with them. They still want sugary items, but now I hear things like "Mom, do I have to eat this cake? It's too sweet and sugary." Blesses my soul to hear them talk like that! Now we save sugary treats for once a week, usually on a Sunday when we are celebrating (Christ is risen!) and "eating the fat of the Land" as I like to tell my kids, or at a party on Saturdays. A thought on the "sugar" in fruits and vegetables. A friend who is a physician shared with me that apple seeds when removed are what make arsenic. But when eaten with the flesh of the apple, are harmless (please verify if you are interested). He said that God had perfectly balanced the fruits and vegetables and I am thinking that the "sugars" in them is balanced properly as well. It is a healthy sweet treat that we can enjoy!