But in the heyday of mydieting, my mantra was, If its fat-free, its for me!
Back then, fat was enemy number one.
It was a line of cookies that wasmarketed as healthierbecause they were fat-free.
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But while they had none of the fat, they had lots of theadded sugar.
When I raise this point, Im usually met with but…health!
and the food environment!
But these naysayers have never met my sugar-phobic, guilt-ridden clients.
But does that mean that eatinganyadded sugar will take years off your life?
Theres no indication of that that Ive seen.
Keep in mind that any substance, even water, can be dangerous in excessive amounts.
In addition, calling sugar addictive seems to be a stretch, considering what the research tells us.
A2016 literature reviewin theEuropean Journal of Nutritionfound little evidence to support sugar addiction in either human or animal studies.
In other words, dont take researchers claims or stories about their claims as doctrine.
Instead, think about how that information might help you make more informed choices day to day.
I tell them not every meal has to be eaten with health in mind.
Sometimes, its just food with friends.
If youd like to get over your sugar guilt, heres where gaining perspective helps.
In my opinion, thats just another sign to stay far away from these and other ultra restrictive diets.
Research consistently shows that the vitamins, fiber, and nutrients in fruits and vegetables are health-promoting.
In my experience, any diet that’s that restrictive and unsustainable isnot a life change worth making.)
The American Heart Association’s recommended daily limit for added sugar issix teaspoons for women and nine for men.
My take on this?
Whether or not a dietary modification would be helpful is highly individual and based on eating patterns.
The higher your pleasure, the more likely you will be satisfied and eat with joy, not shame.
If youre having a hard time finding freedom and flexibility with food, its not just you.
Remember, wellbeing does not grow from fearing whats on your fork.
It grows from thinking about reasonable changes that still allow you to experience pleasure and birthday cake.
Rebecca Scritchfield is a Washington, D.C.based dietitian, certified exercise physiologist, and author of the bookBody Kindness.
