Rarely, do I write about health concerns. But over the last few months, I have been watching what I eat in an attempt to lose weight. I’m not grossly overweight but weigh more than I’d like to and certainly far more than the 96 pounds I weighed most of my life. Then, middle age hit, and the pounds go on and do not come off. I am trying to exercise by walking three times a week for an hour during each outing that covers 3-4 miles. I am not snacking. I am not a soda drinker, but rather prefer water or black tea (plain). Still, the scale reads the same day after day. Of course it fluctuates 1-2 pounds, but I do not seem to make progress towards loosing the five to ten pounds I want to be rid of.
But, this past week, I have done quite a bit of reading about sugar. Sugar is bad! Wow! I had no idea how much of it we consume daily, how many foods it has been added to, and just how much it contributes to gaining weight. I was reaching for “cereal” bars, and yogurt for breakfast. What a no-no! Tons of sugar! That one little cup of Oikos Raspberry yogurt I felt so good about having has 17 grams of sugar in it! And, the cereal bars….tons of added sugar in various forms….including corn syrup, which seems to be added to just about everything now.
The trouble with all this is finding a reliable source for information. Every site out there proclaiming to help you lose weight seems like a gimmick or way for some “doctor” to sell his book on the subject. I am a firm believer in two things, 1) knowledge is power, and 2) everything in moderation. So, I will keep reading – perhaps starting a digital file of sites I think are straightforward in their approach or their advice, and I will do a better job of watching how much sugar I take in through my diet.
My fitness pal is an app I use on occasion to track my calories and exercise levels. I was using my phone to do this but yesterday started tracking my progress on my computer. It was easier, so I will probably switch to that. I wear my Fitbit and strive for my 10,000 steps a day. I am making progress, but have not had a whole week of reaching the 10K mark consistently. I will strive for having seven straight days of 10K.
With this post I am giving myself two weeks to see how I do with the sugar cutbacks. This means more attention to diet, grocery shopping and food prep but I think I am up to the challenge. Armed with a little bit of information, I am on my way!
I am participating in the Slice of Life Story Challenge hosted by TwoWritingTeachers. This challenge involves blogging daily in the month of March, as well as commenting on the posts of other bloggers. It is my second year of participation. Thank you for the opportunity to connect with others through this supportive community!
The Apples in My Orchard 
Sugar is ubiquitous and artificial substitutes are bad, too. I often tell students we have a food manufacturing problem Morse than an overheating problem. Good luck in giving sugar a kick to the curb.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks! Yes, I agree about the substitutes. Early on – as an adolescent I got bad headaches from aspartame and never ate any more sugar substitutes again. As you can tell, I am also one that tries to listen to her body. The marketing of food as “healthy” is certainly something that has contributed to the problem of obesity in the U.S..
LikeLike
I’ve been working on cutting back on sugar, too. I’m not ready to say for sure yet, but I think it might be reducing inflammation. I would be interested in reading more about what you find out.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks. Maybe I will post an update after my two weeks. I am sure I’ll come across some interesting things! I appreciate your comments.
LikeLike
Yes! Me too! I read an article in the NY Times just last week which was VERY informative and helpful. I’m trying to cut back. I had no idea how much sugar I was eating.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ah, you did? Maybe it was the same article. The article was in the New York Magazine and in an interview format. I found it reposted on GrubStreet yesterday. It seemed to take a no-nonsense approach to healthy eating. The person being interviewed was a doctor and a book author but it seemed to be more about the information than selling the book.
LikeLike
I agree there is too much sugar added to everything. Thanks for the article Carol.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for stopping by my blog and for your comments, Linda! All my best to you!
LikeLike
I became aware of the health risks of sugar 2 or 3 years ago, and made a lot of little changes. I now only have marmalade on one slice of toast (rather than 2), and avoid anything with hidden sugar. I do eat dark chocolate most days, but in moderation. I also enjoy home baking, but again in moderation. I think before that I was probably a type 2 diabetes risk because I always assumed that fat was the enemy. It really bothers me how much sugar children eat; there are so many sugary cereals, drinks and snacks, far too easily available. I am relieved that they cover this now in secondary school, so the message is getting out, slowly.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I read your comments earlier, but did not have time to reply. However, during the course of today, I though of the way you cut back your marmalade to just one slice! I think that was ingenious! You still have some but less. I thought it was a great example of what people can do. Thanks!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Carol,
Best wishes on your journey to cut down sugar. One of the thing we need to remember that our genetics plays role on how we carry weight. In my family, girls can eat a horse and polish it off ; once the 30 year mark pass, they start putting on weight and have to work to keep a healthy weight.
My sister does not it too much sugar either. Instead of morning coffee or tea, she drinks warm water with ginger (or ginger powder) and sometimes dash of honey. Were you talking about this sight to calculate the sugar intake?
https://www.webmd.com/diet/healthtool-food-calorie-counter
Thanks to you, after reading your post, I came across Lisa Glison, a RDN’s site.
I am looking forward to learning with you.
Best wishes.
Purviben
http://trivediziemba.edublogs.org
@TrivediZiemba
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for stopping by again and for your research and comments. I’ll have to go check out the site you linked. And, you’re right – genetics does play a part in how we all carry our weight as we grow older.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I have also been trying to cut down on my sugar intake, which has been challenging given my addiction to sweet tea. Like you, trying to find information that is reliable can be difficult.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for stopping by. Yes, the information and mis-information is a problem. I was looking at some nutrition books on Amazon today – not really looking for a “diet” just healthier eating tips. Good luck!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m a sugar addict, I admit it. I know it’s terrible and I need to cut down, so I appreciate your post. I have quit soda pop altogether about two months ago, which makes a difference, but all this easter candy calls my name. And I’m ok with my yogurt having sugar at the moment because it also has the protein. Your slice has sort of inspired me to try to think a little more deeply about cutting back, though
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks! I am glad you could relate. I love candy – always have – and I love to snack. So, this will be hard for me as well. I will give it a good shot – just stopping the snacking did not work, so I thought I’d try concentrating on one aspect of unhealthy eating – the sugar! I hope you do well in your quest to cut back as well! Thanks, again!
LikeLike
Sugar does seem to be a culprit, and I think I’m addicted to it. If I don’t have any, I am fine. If I start eating it, then, well, the results are bad. It sounds like you have a healthy relationship with food and a realistic plan to be more healthy. Good for you. I have Fitbit, and I love it. If you find not reaching a 10,000 step goal, why not change the goal to a lower daily number? Then, if you meet that consistently, raise the goal. That might be more encouraging. Good luck.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You have a good suggestion about the steps. I do reach 10,000 several days a week. But, I’d like it to be more consistent….right now it depends on how much school work I have to do (I’m in grad school through a distance learning platform)……lots of sitting at the computer.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I understand the sitting part. Lately, I’ve had so many meetings and not much energy at the end of the day to finish up my steps. I haven’t been reaching the 10,000 step goal everyday. For a while a was really discouraged so I moved back the step goal to 8,000. That made the difference for me. Now I’m back and 10,000, but not discouraged. Have a steppin’day!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks!
LikeLike