Why Sugar is the 51st Shade of Grey

50 shades of sugar

We all know that we shouldn’t eat too much sweets but the realities of this notion are generally overlooked. Just like the many shades of Christian Grey in the romance novel 50 shades of grey, sugar has more twists than you may be aware. But unlike the romantic twists of this movie, you probably don’t want them.

Consider this: The average American consumes 130 pounds of sugar annually!

It is important to recognize that there are two different types of sugar:

  1. Naturally occurring sugars– found in fruit and milk (these are okay!)
  2. Added sugars– white sugar, brown sugar, high fructose corn syrup, etc.

There is a common misconception that all sugars are bad sugars. Truth is any food eaten in excess can lead to weight gain. Simple sugars such as cookies and candy may not be the best food choice when trying to start a weight loss program, however, complex sugar such as whole wheats and whole grains can actually promote weight loss and can boost mood.

By replacing simple sugary snacks with complex carbs you can actually decrease belly fat and trim your waist line. Diets high in dietary fibers can promote heart health by decreasing bad cholesterol.

Slow release carbs such as oatmeal and bran cereals when eaten for breakfast can help to prevent blood sugar spikes allowing your body to burn more fat.