Sugar and Weight Loss – My personal experience

I've never been a fan of any type of diet and somehow I have managed to keep my weight pretty consistent over many years. In fact, I believe often times diets create more problems then solutions. From the Atkins diet to the South Beach diet, people need realistic, livable solutions in order to set them on the path for healthy living.

However, diets like these have a cult following because for better or worse they yield results. We all know resulta matter. This "low-carb" lifestyle is promising for some because if you cut sugar, refined sugar from your diet, you will see a drastic improvement in your appearance. The weight falls right off of you, especially around the midsection. The bad news is, once you eat anything with sugar, guess what? The old familiar gut reappears in a matter of minutes.

Sugar in various forms, the drug of choice for some, is often responsible for excessive weight gain. Because of sugar and its addictive nature, most things we reach for that are detrimental to our health are laden with sugar. Think about it; when you hear the food journal of the obese man who can't get out of his bed, seldom do you hear of someone ingesting 25 salads. I have heard of people being "addicted" to potato chips but rarely if ever will we hear of someone who just can't stop eating apples.

Because refined sugar in the form of cakes, doughnuts, pies and the like absorb into the blood stream faster than any other food, the end result is a rise in blood sugar levels which triggers extreme levels of insulin release in our bodies.

I try to avoid sugar as often as I can but I also try to treat myself on occasion. But, I have noticed, the more sugar I allow myself to have, the harder it is to back away from it. Once you know about the damaging effects of sugar, you should use discretion before making it a major component of your food pyramid.

How I avoid sugar

• Don't buy it. It sounds strangely simplistic but I have found it to be quite helpful. If your candy bar stash you reach for in the middle of the night vanished, you will be forced to cope without your drug of choice.
• Find alternatives. Sugar makes me crave other foods. When I have a sugar craving I reach for healthy proteins like almonds, boiled eggs, and salmon. These have a better chance of tackling hunger cravings unlike sugary treats which rarely satisfy.
• Nature's Sweetness. All the sweetness we crave can be found in nature. In the height of spring and summer, take advantage of fresh fruits found in your local fruit markets. Your body will appreciate your new replacements. If fruits are not your fave, try smoothies mixed with lowfat yogurt. Before you know it, you'll be on your way to a healthier you.