What's Up With Sugar?

Is sugar really that bad? 🍬

Sugar often has a bad reputation for causing weight gain.

But is it really fattening?

Well yes and no.

Sugar may contribute to weight gain; however, it has no magical properties that cause you to gain weight.

Sugar usually leads to weight gain because of the additional calories consumed. Not because it itself is fattening.

Why would I eat additional calories?

1. Most foods add in additional sugars to make it taste better (adding additional calories).

and

2. Typically people eat more food because it tastes better. 🤷🏼‍♀️

People often over consume more sugar when it is added into foods. By itself people do not usually over consume sugar.

If you were to consume the same amount of calories with different amounts of sugar in your diet, there will be NO real difference in weight gain or weight loss. ⚖️

Why does it really matter?

An increase in weight and body fat also increases your risk of diabetes, heart disease, and many forms of cancer. 🦠

Sugar alone is not necessarily associated with health risks. However, people who consume large amounts of sugar tend to have other unhealthy behaviors (eg. drinking, smoking, being overweight, low physical activity, and high blood pressure). 🩸

The recommended added sugar for men is 36g per day and for women 25g a day.

I hope you found this helpful!

-Sarah