Could Sugar Really Be TOXIC?

I thought the day after Easter our collective sugar comas might be a good day to tackle this topic. I read a really interesting article on the NY Times website recently about the effect sugar has on our bodies. In particular, the effect that fructose has on our bodies. While a lot of us are aware of the negative publicity high-fructose corn sugar gets, I was certainly not aware that sucrose (table sugar) was comprised of 50% fructose. The article links to a 90 minute lecture on sugar. If you're like me, the thought of a lecture on anything science related scares the bajeezus out of you. So 90 minutes of it? This slide:

looks to me exactly like this slide:

Believe it or not, the speaker (Dr. Robert Lustig) manages to cater this lecture to even those without a shred of scientific knowledge (ME!) He discusses the impact of sugar on our country and specifically on  children. He tells of how it truly can be a poison in our body, causing metabolic syndrome which ultimately leads to heart problems, obesity, and diabetes. He also said that even those among us who are not overweight can still have a fatty liver, caused by too much sugar. This was a wake-up call for me because I tend to think that since I'm not obese I can avoid health problems. Let's be honest though, I may have a slight addiction to sugar.

A few bloggers have decided to have a sugar fast. Check them out if you want to learn more about them:

Rachelle at Running for Trevor
Stef at Run on Riot

I decided to join them for a week and see how I do. I'm realizing it's almost impossible to avoid all sugars. I will include naturally occurring sugars such as those in fruit, but only IN the fruit--not processed foods sweetened with brown rice syrup or beet sugar.  I would like to see if it makes an impact on how I feel and how my workouts go. I've already replaced my standby protein bars with a mix of shredded wheat, plain protein powder, and organic peanut butter. Topped with flax seeds, it was actually really great!

I will NOT be attempting this to lose weight. Since I'll be eating less candy and treats, I'll make sure to compensate with healthy foods instead. This may or may not be a long term plan, but I'm definitely looking at it as an experiment.

Have you ever attempted to live without sugar? Will you join me for a week?
I've tried "healthy eating" of course, but usually with the goal of fewer calories. This is the first time I'll attempt to keep my calories the same but replace sugar with healthy foods. 


Where are some surprising places you find sugar? (Check your food cabinets!)
Of course I expect it to be in a lot of things, but I'm surprised by JUST how prevalent it is in our food supply. Even in salty things (like hubby's mac and cheese--that's not sweet at all!)




***Anyone interested in the ongoing building of our house? Check out my hubby's blog on the progress being made. As of today we have a foundation, woo-hoo!***