Of all the many unhealthy ingredients lingering in our food items, sugar is the number one culprit when it comes to weight gain. When consumed in excess, sugar is dangerous for your health. The best way to enjoy sugar is in moderation with a custom nutrition plan.  

Sugar Produces Energy

When you consume sugar, its molecules enter the mitochondria of your cells and are burned to produce energy. This process of converting sugar into energy produces carbon molecules, which are the building blocks of cholesterol and fatty acids. 

If too much sugar is consumed, extra carbon molecules are produced. A surplus of carbon molecules is harmful to your body’s metabolic processes and ends up being stored as fat or cholesterol in your bloodstream.

When these fat reserves are not utilized, they continue to accumulate over time which leads to excess fat and obesity. With the sedentary lifestyle of most Americans and an average sugar intake of 130 pounds per year, it’s easy to understand the cause of this obesity epidemic. By following a weight loss program, you can monitor your sugar consumption and jump-start your wellness journey.

Side Effects of Added Sugar

Added sugars can have an alarming impact on your blood sugar and hormone levels and may lead to long-term issues. Increased blood sugar levels can cause weight gain and insulin resistance, possibly leading to diabetes along with other conditions. Excess sugar intake can also lead to mild and chronic health disorders, like inflammation, high blood pressure, fatty liver disease, and acne.

Avoid Eating Excessive Amounts of Sugar

It’s unrealistic to completely avoid eating sugar since it’s present in almost everything we eat. In its whole form, sugar is even found in fruit. However, it is important to avoid consuming excess sugar in food with low nutritional benefits. This includes packaged and processed foods like barbeque sauce, ketchup, pasta sauce, sports drinks, protein bars, etc. The solution? Read food labels. Sugar is often hiding in plain sight and can be listed as honey, agave nectar, fruit juice concentrate, high-fructose corn syrup, molasses, malt syrup, or HFCS.

Excess sugar in your diet could be sabotaging your weight loss goals. Weight gain and other chronic health disorders are directly linked to consuming too much sugar, but there are ways to improve your nutritional behaviors and be proactive with your health and wellness. 

At Revitalize Weight Loss & Wellness, our team wants to help you put your nutritional goals first. If you are looking for a nutritionist near you to help you begin your wellness journey, contact Revitalize Weight Loss & Wellness for a consultation today.