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Thursday, 10 April 2014

#58 - Challenge Yourself! Say No to Added Sugar

If you are serious about trying to lose weight and live healthy,
I dare you to take up this challenge for 1 month

Obesity is majorly contributed by over consumption of sugar, not fat

Why?
Because we are taking in huge amounts of sugar without realizing it
There are hidden traces of sugar in many foods we eat
Sugars are added to Low-fat foods to make them taste good,
to keep foods cheap and long lasting

Added sugar can have severe harmful effects on metabolism,
promotes inflammation and  building up of visceral fats 
that is fat that collects in the liver and around the organs,
much worse that fats that build up under the skin
This is why you can't judge that a skinny person is healthy 
Added sugars are sugars and syrups that are added to foods or beverages when they are processed or prepared
This does not include naturally occurring sugars 
such as those in milk and fruits

Reading the ingredient label on processed foods can help to identify added sugars. 
Names for added sugars on food labels include: 

anhydrous dextrose, brown sugar, confectioner's powdered sugar, corn syrup, corn syrup solids, dextrose, fructose, high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS), honeyinvert sugar, lactose, malt syrup, maltose, maple syrup, molasses, nectars (e.g., peach nectar, pear nectar), pancake syrup, raw sugar, sucrose, sugar, white granulated sugar

soda
major food and beverage sources of added sugars for Americans are:
Candy - duh
drinks - commercial coffee/tea, soymilk,
regular soft drinks, energy drinks, and sports drinks
baked food - cakes, cookies, pies, pastries, and donuts
donuts
fruit drinks - fruit juices, fruit punchdairy desserts - ice cream flavored yogurtsauces - barbeque, salad, thousand island, mayonnaise, pasta sauce, ketchup
jelly, fruit jams, peanut butter
supposedly healthy foods - energy bar, granola, instant oatmeal, dried fruit
Cold cuts - ham, bacon, smoked salmon, canned tuna
I simply can't list all the benefits of not having added sugar in your diet
but here are a few:
- Healthy Weight Loss, Maintenance
-Better energy levels
-Better complexion
-Improved Moods
-Stronger resistance to viruses

Warning:
At the start you may feel really down and deprived from all your sweet indulgences
HAVE A FRUIT, maybe something really sweet like watermelon
or just freeze an overly ripe papaya ^^
we are blessed in Singapore to have fresh fruits all year round

 But I hope you persevere on, stay on for 1 month
& I ensure you that you will feel the benefits of this new lifestyle

I personally have stayed off added sugar for 3 years, nearly 4
and witnessed this benefits myself
better complexion, energy, rarely ill
Now, regular sweet desserts are too sweet for my taste buds
I no longer crave such foods :)
tried a chocolate cake once and simply couldn't take it 

I would love to hear responses from those who really want this
and are determined enough to complete this challenge 

Till next time, Take care!