If there is one thing you could change in your diet that would help you excel with your exercise and workout activities, it would be to limit your daily intake of sugar. Numerous studies have determined that on average, we consume from 40 to 50 teaspoons of sugar per day. So I measured out 45 teaspoons of sugar and was blown away by the size of the pile on the plate. I also went a step further and weighed that pile of sugar and it was 12.2 oz. (approximately 350 grams for my Canadian friends). In a month that would be 22.9 pounds of sugar. In a year that would be 274.8 pounds. I can't imagine what that pile would look like.
As I understand when we consume sugar, our pancreas produces insulin that breaks it down so it is adsorbed into the bloodstream and helps produce energy in our bodies. Two much sugar and our insulin levels escalate and that extra sugar becomes fat. Our bodies then say - we can't burn off this excess fat so we are going to have to store it. Around the waist looks like a good place. Once that fat is stored, we all know how hard it is to get rid of it.
Sugar is in almost everything we eat in some form or another. From ketchup to bread to milk, sugar is present under different names. It may be fructose, sucrose, high-fructose corn syrup, glucose or lactose in milk. It's all sugar.
Some foods that are high with sugar content are concentrated fruit juices, with orange near the top of the list. Also BBQ sauce, cookies and cakes, and fruit flavored yogurt. One of the worst foods, especially for children is raisins. They not only have a very high sugar content but they stick between the teeth and can cause cavities. A 12 oz. can of soda can have up to 40 grams of sugar. I know someone is saying that they only drink diet sodas. That is even worse. But that's another discussion.
Become aware of your daily intake of sugar. One teaspoon of sugar is about 4 grams. Read food labels as to how many grams of sugar is in that product. You are better to drink water to stay hydrated than go for one of those sports drinks. If you can burn up your sugar intake through your exercises and workouts, you will realize faster results in achieving your fitness goals and your pancreas will thank you.
Vic Smith is part owner of a web site that features exercise apparel, equipment and accessories for men and women at all fitness levels. Shop their selections at http://yourfitnessplace.com
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