A Nutritionist’s Balanced Perspective on ‘Quitting Sugar’ – Verily
It seems everywhere you look, someone somewhere is touting the benefits or even the necessity of quitting sugar. Sure, sugar isnt health food, but is it really so bad that it needs to be eliminated entirely from your diet?
After years in the field of nutrition and spending a few of those years working with clients who wanted to detox or quit sugar, Ive spent the last few years working to help people understand an important lesson: the all-or-nothing approach is almost always unsuccessful.
Cutting all sugar from your diet might work for a time period, say 30 days, or even a year. I spent an entire year avoiding all added sugars, sweets, homemade desserts, and anything that wasnt meat or vegetables. However, at that time I was trying to recover from Hashimotos thyroiditis, and I felt so sick that sugar wasnt even appealing. I didnt white-knuckle my way through that year. I simply didnt care.
Since then, Ive resumed eating sugar here and there. I dont eat a lot, but I dont avoid it entirely. Basically, I take one day at a time. I stay in touch with how I am feeling, and I try to minimize adding stress to my life that comes from having to follow dietary rules.
Its this outlook of balance I encourage my clients to adopt as well. What are your long-term goals? Typically when women come to me for nutrition advice, they want to balance hormones, address thyroid issues, lose weight, get pregnant after infertility or miscarriage, or feel better after chronic illness. For most, quitting sugar is not their primary health goal. Instead, quitting sugar is often viewed as a vehicle to get what you wantoften quickly. But any kind of temporary modification to achieve faster results will usually produce results that dont last.
Sadly, most people just want the quickest way to anywhere. But quick is not better than sustainable when it comes to health. I know, because most women I see now come to me with frustration that their Whole30 or avoiding sugar for three months helped a little but didnt ultimately get them to their goal.
Its worth asking yourself: would you rather have fast results or a long-lasting effect that wont need rigorous protocols to be maintained?
While sugar is a problem for some, other factors can contribute to health problems too, like inflammation, stress, poor sleep, too much processed food, and poor gut health. While sugar can be avoided and might reduce inflammation or improve gut health, true health is not just about what you take away. Its about what you give.
You can avoid all the bad stuff in the world, but if you arent filling your body with what it needs to heal, no amount of avoidance will produce health. My year of sugar avoidance did have some great results. I lost 90 pounds. However, my inflammatory markers were still off the charts, I was as tired as ever, and my thyroid antibodies had reached an all-time high. So if avoiding sugar and losing weight didnt turn me into the picture of health, what did?
When I stopped my strict sugar avoidance and started focusing on adding elements that my body needed, my energy levels improved rapidly. In less than a year, my thyroid disease was in remission. I finally felt like the picture of health that I had been aiming for.
In that time, I did gain back 10 pounds, where my body has hovered ever since. I had actually lost too much weight from my obsessive avoidance of sugar, and while I looked skinny, I was bone-tired and people kept asking if I was dying (true story). When I gained back those 10 pounds and started focusing on nourishment over avoidance, people started commenting on how happy and healthy I looked and wanted to know what my secrets were.
I can tell you that for me, it came down to a few simple things. Instead of narrowly focusing on what I could not have, I did three other things.
This meant eating more fiber, more bone broth, more fruits and vegetables, and adding in supportive supplements, like collagen and glutamine. I didnt so much care what else went in with those things, but I made sure to eat good things for my gut on a daily basis.
During the year that I lost significant weight and avoided sugar, I tracked everything. Calories, macros, grams of sugar, nutrients. It became a constant source of stress. I sometimes avoided eating because I didnt want to have to write it down. I would get meal-planning paralysis because there was no more joy in what I ate or prepared for myself.
When I started focusing on what I added, rather than what I took away, I didnt have to track anything. I just asked myself, Did I do something good for my gut today? Or, Did I do something to relieve stress? If the answer was yes, then I moved on. I even stopped counting how many ounces of water I drank. I drank water when I was thirsty and allowed myself other beverages when desired.
I have a lot of food allergies and even more sensitivities on top of those. My one rule was that I would never eat something I knew I was allergic or sensitive to. Why? This would undo the good things I was giving to my body to heal. But sugar is not something Im allergic to, so when I wanted a treat, I could indulge. Theres a big difference between following an arbitrary rule (like all sugar is bad) and following guidelines that apply directly to your body (dairy products make me sick). Instead of adhering to a specific diet, I listened to what my body told me it could and could not handle.
Ive maintained this way of eating for seven years now, and Ive never been healthier. My inflammation levels are still at an all-time low. My thyroid antibodies have not peaked since, not even in the postpartum periods after having my babies (usually a big trigger). My weight has remained stable, even though Ive not counted calories or macros, and there have definitely been seasons where Ive eaten far more comfort foods than anything else.
So no matter what your health goals are, remember: sugar isnt everything. Listening to what your body needs and recognizing what causes discomfort in your digestive tract or joints or anywhere else, is the only thing that matters. Thats not as easy to latch onto as a fad, but it will produce more lasting results that are applicable to your health needs. And Ill take my personal health over silly clickbait trends any day of the week.
Follow this link:
A Nutritionist's Balanced Perspective on 'Quitting Sugar' - Verily
- How To Lose Weight Quickly - How To Lose Stomach Fat [Last Updated On: May 7th, 2011] [Originally Added On: May 7th, 2011]
- How to lose weight quickly - Losing weight quickly is possible [Last Updated On: May 7th, 2011] [Originally Added On: May 7th, 2011]
- How To Lose Weight Fast - How To Lose Belly Fat [Last Updated On: May 10th, 2011] [Originally Added On: May 10th, 2011]
- Build Muscle Quickly with Bodyweight Exercises! [Last Updated On: May 19th, 2011] [Originally Added On: May 19th, 2011]
- How to Lose Weight Quickly and Easy [Last Updated On: May 22nd, 2011] [Originally Added On: May 22nd, 2011]
- Treadmill Workouts : How to Lose Weight Fast [Last Updated On: May 23rd, 2011] [Originally Added On: May 23rd, 2011]
- How To Lose Weight Quickly: High Intensity Exercise and Its Post-Workout Effect [Last Updated On: May 30th, 2011] [Originally Added On: May 30th, 2011]
- How to lose weight quickly, safely and easily [Last Updated On: May 31st, 2011] [Originally Added On: May 31st, 2011]
- Total Wellbeing Diet - How to lose weight quickly fast [Last Updated On: May 31st, 2011] [Originally Added On: May 31st, 2011]
- How to Lose Weight Quickly I Tips for Plan a Diet Solution [Last Updated On: June 1st, 2011] [Originally Added On: June 1st, 2011]
- How to Lose Weight Quickly - Lose 20 Pounds in 1 Month [Last Updated On: June 1st, 2011] [Originally Added On: June 1st, 2011]
- Zone Diet Menu Plan - How to lose weight quickly [Last Updated On: June 6th, 2011] [Originally Added On: June 6th, 2011]
- How to Lose Weight Quickly - Lose Weight Quickly [Last Updated On: June 7th, 2011] [Originally Added On: June 7th, 2011]
- How To Lose Weight Fast - Like 30 lbs In 4 week! [Last Updated On: June 28th, 2011] [Originally Added On: June 28th, 2011]
- Secrets Revealed: How To Lose Weight Quickly [Last Updated On: July 12th, 2011] [Originally Added On: July 12th, 2011]
- How to Lose Weight Quickly with Great Weightloss [Last Updated On: July 24th, 2011] [Originally Added On: July 24th, 2011]
- How To Lose Weight Quickly Without Going Hungry! [Last Updated On: August 9th, 2011] [Originally Added On: August 9th, 2011]
- How to Lose Weight Quickly - Using The Lunch Box Diet [Last Updated On: August 9th, 2011] [Originally Added On: August 9th, 2011]
- How To Lose Weight Quickly - Walk To Your Fitness [Last Updated On: August 14th, 2011] [Originally Added On: August 14th, 2011]
- 30-Minute Weight Loss Circuit Workout [Last Updated On: September 25th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 25th, 2011]
- How To Lose Weight With Five Secret Tips [Last Updated On: September 26th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 26th, 2011]
- My 56 Day Juice Fast Summary - How I Lost Weight Every Day! [Last Updated On: September 27th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 27th, 2011]
- Weight Loss Exercise Program Week 5 [Last Updated On: September 29th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 29th, 2011]
- Beginner Home Workout #1 - Lose Weight Fast [Last Updated On: October 1st, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 1st, 2011]
- 300 Rep - Lose Weight Fast - Fat Burning Home Workout [Last Updated On: October 6th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 6th, 2011]
- How To Lose Baby Weight FAST! [Last Updated On: October 6th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 6th, 2011]
- Lose Weight FAST - Burn Fat - Low Impact Home Interval Workout [Last Updated On: October 6th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 6th, 2011]
- My 170 Pound Weight Loss Journey and Diet - Lose Weight Fast! - Sierra Goodman [Last Updated On: October 8th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 8th, 2011]
- Exercises To Lose Weight Quickly [Last Updated On: October 8th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 8th, 2011]
- Build Muscle Fast! lose pounds! [Last Updated On: October 10th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 10th, 2011]
- How to lose weight fast and easy [Last Updated On: October 13th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 13th, 2011]
- How I lost 100% of my excess body fat! [Last Updated On: October 13th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 13th, 2011]
- WEIGHT LOSS TIPS FOR LOSING WEIGHT FAST—RAW FOOD WEIGHT LOSS—HOW TO LOSE WEIGHT FAST - Video [Last Updated On: October 14th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 14th, 2011]
- How to Lose Weight as FAST as you can Handle! - Video [Last Updated On: October 14th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 14th, 2011]
- Lose Weight Fast - Video [Last Updated On: October 15th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 15th, 2011]
- The China Study 02 of 14 ( Vegan Vegetarian Health Benefits / Lose Weight ) - Video [Last Updated On: October 15th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 15th, 2011]
- What To Do To Lose Weight Fast? Try Dr. Larry's HCG Drops! - Video [Last Updated On: October 17th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 17th, 2011]
- Burn Belly Fat - 7 Minute Home Workout - Hammer Says Lose Weight Fast - Video [Last Updated On: October 17th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 17th, 2011]
- How To Get Skinny [Last Updated On: October 17th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 17th, 2011]
- Chiseled Chair Challenge - Lose Weight Fast with this Full Body Workout - Video [Last Updated On: October 18th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 18th, 2011]
- Lose weight fast.Diet Solution Program - Why Diets Keep You Fat And Prevent Weight Loss! - Video [Last Updated On: October 18th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 18th, 2011]
- The China Study 03 of 14 ( Vegan Vegetarian Health Benefits / Lose Weight ) - Video [Last Updated On: October 20th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 20th, 2011]
- Hungry? Hunger Control, Cravings, Weight Loss, Nutrition - Video [Last Updated On: October 21st, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 21st, 2011]
- My Weight Loss Journey - How I lost Six Stone - Lose weight fast and easy? - Video [Last Updated On: October 23rd, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 23rd, 2011]
- How I lose weight Fast - Massive weight loss Tips you must know! - Video [Last Updated On: October 25th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 25th, 2011]
- How to lose weight quick..how to lose body fat - Video [Last Updated On: October 26th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 26th, 2011]
- Gain Lean Muscle Mass! Lose Weight Quick! (Brandon Carter) - Video [Last Updated On: October 26th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 26th, 2011]
- How to Lose Weight: Exercises to Lose Weight Quickly - Video [Last Updated On: October 26th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 26th, 2011]
- How to lose weight Quickly for women 😀 .mp4 - Video [Last Updated On: October 27th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 27th, 2011]
- How to lose weight fast, and tone your legs today - Video [Last Updated On: October 27th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 27th, 2011]
- Lose Weight Fast on A Treadmill Using This - Video [Last Updated On: October 27th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 27th, 2011]
- Exercises to Lose Weight Fast #1: Squats Workout - Video [Last Updated On: October 27th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 27th, 2011]
- How to Lose Weight in a Week - The Weight Loss Diet Bully - Video [Last Updated On: October 27th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 27th, 2011]
- SUPERFOOD GREEN DRINK - LOSE WEIGHT FAST - RAW FOOD - Video [Last Updated On: October 29th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 29th, 2011]
- How to lose weight fast now! - Video [Last Updated On: October 30th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 30th, 2011]
- How To Lose Weight Fast - Weight Loss Pills - Alli Diet Pills Reviewed - Appetite Suppressant - Video [Last Updated On: October 31st, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 31st, 2011]
- Lose Weight Fast (Lose 40 pounds in 60 Days!) - Video [Last Updated On: October 31st, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 31st, 2011]
- How To Lose Weight Fast, Exercise - Video [Last Updated On: October 31st, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 31st, 2011]
- How to Lose Weight Fast and Easy on The Saturday Morning Diet - Video [Last Updated On: November 1st, 2011] [Originally Added On: November 1st, 2011]
- How Stars Lose Weight Quickly - Video [Last Updated On: November 1st, 2011] [Originally Added On: November 1st, 2011]
- How To Lose Weight Fast and Easy - WOMAN - Video [Last Updated On: November 1st, 2011] [Originally Added On: November 1st, 2011]
- Fast Muscle Gain! Lose Weight Quick! - Video [Last Updated On: November 12th, 2011] [Originally Added On: November 12th, 2011]
- How to Lose Weight FAST exercises - Video [Last Updated On: November 17th, 2011] [Originally Added On: November 17th, 2011]
- Ways to Lose Weight Fast! Burn Body Fat! - Video [Last Updated On: November 17th, 2011] [Originally Added On: November 17th, 2011]
- How To Lose Weight FAST! (How To Lose Weight) - Video [Last Updated On: November 30th, 2011] [Originally Added On: November 30th, 2011]
- How To Get Ripped Abs / Get Rid Of Belly Fat / burn the fat - Video [Last Updated On: November 30th, 2011] [Originally Added On: November 30th, 2011]
- Weight Loss Plans to Lose Weight Quickly Weight Tips For a Healthy Life - Video [Last Updated On: November 30th, 2011] [Originally Added On: November 30th, 2011]
- Healthy Eating : How Can I Lose Weight Quickly? - Video [Last Updated On: December 2nd, 2011] [Originally Added On: December 2nd, 2011]
- Lose Weight Quick! muscle burn fat! - Video [Last Updated On: December 5th, 2011] [Originally Added On: December 5th, 2011]
- How To Lose Weight Fast - How To Reduce Body Fat - Video [Last Updated On: December 8th, 2011] [Originally Added On: December 8th, 2011]
- (How to lose weight fast) Transformation Month 3 - Video [Last Updated On: December 13th, 2011] [Originally Added On: December 13th, 2011]
- How to lose Weight Fast - Stop Dieting + (Top Reviews) - Video [Last Updated On: December 18th, 2011] [Originally Added On: December 18th, 2011]
- HoneyCups How To: Lose Weight Fast! - Video [Last Updated On: December 18th, 2011] [Originally Added On: December 18th, 2011]
- 16 minute Extreme Fat Loss Home Workout - Video [Last Updated On: December 18th, 2011] [Originally Added On: December 18th, 2011]
- Watch 30 Pounds Lost! 165 Pounds. Weight Loss! - 30 Pounds Lost! 165 Pounds. Weight Loss! - Video [Last Updated On: December 21st, 2011] [Originally Added On: December 21st, 2011]
- Lose Weight Fast Morning Bedroom Workout - Video [Last Updated On: December 21st, 2011] [Originally Added On: December 21st, 2011]
- Watch My 170 Pound Weight Loss Journey And Diet - Lose Weight Fast! - Video [Last Updated On: December 21st, 2011] [Originally Added On: December 21st, 2011]
- How to Lose Weight: Quick Weight-Loss Workout to Lose 15 Pounds Fast - Video [Last Updated On: December 23rd, 2011] [Originally Added On: December 23rd, 2011]
- How To Lose Your Belly Fat - Video [Last Updated On: December 29th, 2011] [Originally Added On: December 29th, 2011]
- HCG Lose Weight Fast Like 40 pounds in 2 weeks - Video [Last Updated On: January 10th, 2012] [Originally Added On: January 10th, 2012]