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Sugar


All types of sugar demarera, caster, brown etc contains only empty calories, with no vitamins, minerals or fibre for your health. Cravings for sweet foods are often caused by low blood sugar. Responding by eating a lot of sugary foods causes a rapid rise in blood sugar followed by a rapid drop. This is often accompanied by low mood. If you experience these cravings it is better to go for a starchy carbohydrate (such as bread) or a starchy fruit (such as a banana) which will release energy slowly and help to stabalise your blood sugar level.

TOP TIP
Have hot drinks with no sugar or try a zero calorie sweetener Hot drink
You will save about 80kcal per spoon of sugar.

Sugary Drinks

Instead of sugary drinks choose water, fruit juices diluted with water, a sugar free squash or slim line mixers where possible.

Fruit Juices and Smoothies

Fruit juice contributes towards your five a day only once (no matter how much you drink). Most fruit juices contain lots of natural sugar, even the unsweetened varieties, this is particularly important if you have diabetes. Limit yourself to one glass a day or dilute with water. Most fruit juices contain about 50 kcal in a small glass and smoothies between 120 and 200kcal in a small bottle (250ml) so choose a low kcal alternative such as a sugar free squash or water.

Energy Drinks

If you are trying to lose weight or maintain weight loss avoid high energy drinks such as Lucozade, Red Bull and malt drinks.

Links: Fats  Good fat vs bad fat?

     Did you know?
Fruit juice drinks can contain as little as 5% juice and often have lots of added sugar too
juice drink
"Juice Drinks" do not count towards your 5 a day.

©Weight Concern 2007