Sugar has become one of the main talking points of our society in terms of health, with the prevalence of obesity related diseases, such as diabetes and metabolic syndrome increasing all the time. Glucose (also known as sugar or carbohydrates) is what the brain uses for energy. Consequently, we cannot take sugar out of our diet.
The Atkins Diet is a diet based on eliminating sugar from the diet.It popularity grew due to the fact that it promoted weight loss. Unfortunately, this phenomenon was short lived, as the weight loss was only sustainable in the short term and the stress on the body and brain caused many to revert back to their previous eating patterns.
By removing sugar out of our diet we move into a state of hypoglycaemia (low blood glucose levels). Although this term is commonly associated with diabetes, anyone that breathes experiences hypoglycaemia to a certain degree.
Like body temperature our blood glucose levels need to be at a homeostatic level (between 4.4mmol/L to 6.1mmol/L).
Skipping meals is the main reason one might find themselves in a hypoglycaemic state. This triggers hunger as our body needs glucose for the brain to function. Consequently, the likelihood of over consuming sugar and fat during your next meal increases, resulting in the formation of fat.
The overconsumption of sugar causes the body to move into a hyperglycaemic state (high blood glucose levels). This causes the body release insulin to lower blood glucose levels back to a homeostatic state.
What many people don’t understand is that when insulin is released from the beta cells in the pancreas, sugar is taken from the blood to lower blood glucose levels and is stored in our fat cells. Sadly, there comes a stage where the constant activation of insulin causes the beta cells to break, which transpires to the disease we now know as diabetes.
For many trying to lose weight this is a common problem to overcome, as counting calories is the heavily advertised method to reduce the over consumption of sugar. Restricting calories by the day will reduce over consumption of sugar, however we must be mindful of including a small amount of sugar in each meal to keep our blood sugar levels happy.
What many dieting fads fail to grasp is that balance is the key to a healthy lifestyle, and any diet based on eliminating any food group is not sustainable. We forget that health management is a skill that needs to be practiced every day, there is never a quick fix. Don’t get sucked in to the latest fashion diet, just enjoy all foods in moderation and keep in mind every day to make a few conscious healthy choices.
Healthy Identity advocates healthy communities. For that reason, if you, your business or your network needs a program to reach a healthier status, please do not hesitate to get in touch on 0423 366 014 or robbie. [email protected].
Healthy Identity looks forward to supporting and guiding you.
