Sugar and Why It Is Making You Fat

I have been doing some research on the subject of sugar and how it affects one's weight loss efforts and I have found that too much intake of high GI (Glycemic Index) carbohydrates such as potatoes, white rice, white breads, pastas, enriched flour, soda, candy, cakes, and cookies, etc., can put our bodies in fat storage mode, and for those of us who are trying to lose weight, this is not the goal--reducing existing fat stores is!

The glycemic index is a measure of how quickly certain carbohydrates affect your blood sugar. Low glycemic index carbohydrates result in the gradual release of glucose (sugar) into the bloodstream, where as consuming high glycemic index carbohydrates result in the quick release of glucose into the bloodstream, which is not good. This is because the cells of the body can only use so much glucose at one time, and the excess gets stored as fat. Eating low glycemic index carbohydrates reduces the body's need for insulin (also known as the "fat storage" hormone), and in turn, allows your body to use it's fat stores for energy, and thus, allows you to lose weight.

That is why it is important to eliminate high glycemic index carbohydrates from our diet if at all possible and strive to eat foods that have a lower glycemic index. One would think that eliminating carbohydrates/sugars all together from their diet would be the smart thing to do, but our bodies need carbohydrates, as it is our body's main fuel source. So, rather than eliminating all carbohydrates, it is important to choose high quality/high fiber/low GI carbohydrates such as leafy green vegetables (which have the lowest GI), fruits, whole grains, and beans. Consuming adequate amounts of protein is also important, such as lean chicken and fish, as well as healthy fats such as those found in olive oil, avocados, and almonds.

I think that it is also important to know that when one refers to sugar, it's not just table sugar, it's basically all carbohydrates, but again, it is important to consume high quality, low glycemic index carbohydrates in order to reduce (not eliminate), the body's need for insulin (the "fat storage hormone") and promote the utilization of stored fat for energy.

So, the next time you are thinking about having baked potato for dinner, consider a baked sweet potato instead, or beans, lentils or leafy greens.

Jacquelyn Hollister is a Certified Health Coach who specializes in weight loss. She has been trained in more than one hundred dietary theories and studied a variety of practical lifestyle coaching methods. Drawing on this knowledge, she helps women create a completely personalized "roadmap to health" that suits their unique body, lifestyle, preferences, and goals. Jacquelyn is currently instructor of Her Mind & Body Weight Loss 101. Registration is only $1 and you can complete the class at your own pace. Register now at https://ruzuku.com/courses/1753/about

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