|
|
Post by jasimons on Sept 19, 2024 3:50:07 GMT
This round of 7 in 7 starts on September 16 and runs through October 20.
Challengers:
Judy —Variety of vegetables
Holly — Maintain Lifetime at Goal Status
Cathy — Track everything every day
Jan — Adding more fruits and veggies into my meals, smarter after work snacking
Bev —Take good care of myself
Hosts:
September 16 through September 22 — Judy
September 23 through September 29 — Holly
September 30 through October 6 —Cathy
October 7 through October 13 —Jan
October 14 through October 20 — Beverly
|
|
|
|
Post by jasimons on Sept 19, 2024 3:52:32 GMT
health.clevelandclinic.org/best-and-worst-sugar-substitutesIntroduction:
Let’s face it: Added sugar really isn’t great for your health. (Sorry.)
An occasional indulgence is understandable. Added sugars are pervasive in our food supply, and a life of over-restriction and denial isn’t sustainable or realistic for a lot of people.
You probably already know that. And you may have thought you found a better solution. Fine, you think, if sugar isn’t all that great for my body, then I’ll get my sweet from artificial sweeteners, honey and other sugar substitutes. Problem solved.
Except, not really. (Sorry, again.)
When it comes to sweeteners, not all sugar substitutes are created equal.
"....how to go about lowering your sugar consumption in a healthy way."
Best choice: fresh and frozen fruit "Try sweetening oatmeal by mixing in a banana or applesauce. Add blueberries to plain Greek yogurt. Sweeten smoothies with frozen fruit. Or infuse your water with a handful of sliced strawberries or a few slices of limes." Limit: natural sugars "The good news is that some natural sweeteners provide a few more nutrients than table sugar. The bad news? They’re all still forms of sugar and are high in calories." Limit: refined sugar "Table sugar is inflammatory, high in calories and offers no nutritional benefit." Limit: artificial sugars "...artificial sweeteners come with concerns of their own." The article mentions cravings and health concerns. The article also includes ideas for consuming less sugar and a link to another detailed article entitled "How to Break Your Sugar Habit." Thoughts or comments? Do you try to limit your consumption of sugar or other sweeteners? Chat about anything you would like.
|
|
|
|
Post by jasimons on Sept 19, 2024 3:57:54 GMT
I've never tried to cut out sugar/sweeteners totally (or closer to totally), but I know I eat less than I used to. When I joined WW (I guess I'm still thinking about that from yesterday's post), I know that the items used to calculate the points didn't include sugar. The 100 calorie packs of cookies, etc. were very popular at that time. Now, sugar really increases the points.
The sparkling water I drink doesn't have any sweetener. If I wanted to look to lower sugar & sweeteners, I'd take a look at these things I eat - flavored yogurt, granola, fruit/nut bars and granola bars. And chocolate, of course. (and there's probably more). I use honey when I make refrigerator oatmeal. I did know before reading the article that it's not more healthful, but in that recipe, it adds a nice flavor as well as sweetness.
I understand the point the article is making about sugar & the concerns surrounding it, I now know even more about the concerns. But, at this time I'm not sure I'm ready to make more changes.
|
|
|
|
Post by cathygeha on Sept 19, 2024 9:03:57 GMT
Do you try to limit your consumption of sugar or other sweeteners? * I remember my father opting for "diet" pepsi long ago and us all following his lead. I don't know how much artificial sweetener I have eaten over the years but...not as much as some people do. One of my sister's friends actually was having so much he had stroke-like symptoms while driving and was told to cut back - he was diabetic and loved sweet tea. I don't have sweetener in the house right now and have started using a tsp real sugar in my cereal or coffee instead of sweetener.
Chat about anything you would like. * I am safe on my hilltop and we are well stocked with produce and other staples with leftovers for the next few days so only have to reheat or do minimal cooking. The potluck was cancelled for Wednesday and cards for today. I will stay home, help my husband plant a few trees, and read to review. It will be a good day.
|
|
|
|
Post by Holly Gail on Sept 19, 2024 12:49:02 GMT
I've mentioned that DM didn't buy products that were pre-sweetened (notably, no sugary cold cereals like the "frosted" ones). She did bake (and would use either white and/or brown sugar) but I learned in my late teens/early 20s that she used minimal amounts of added sugar (smart lady). I never got into the phase of preferring sweetness over less sweet (lucky me); for instance, sodas have never ever been a favorite of mine. I sweeten things with fruit, either fresh or frozen (I'll make oatmeal, for example, with a cut up banana while the oatmeal is cooking, or else frozen fruit if not a fresh banana), and a snack of plain non-fat Greek yogurt with fruit mixed in (often frozen fruit) is a favorite of mine. So yes, I limit "refined" sugar, but rarely fruit. I'm aware of the higher calories of fruit but somehow "natural" sugars are not on my list of things to limit, regardless of what the article points out.
Early this week we were asked about changes in our lives because of the beginning of fall. I said it was still hot. Boy have things changed! Monday I wore shorts and a t-shirt, but since Tuesday I've been wearing jeans with a t-shirt and yesterday I added a sweatshirt outdoors; when I came home, I swapped the t-shirt and sweatshirt for a long sleeved sweater! (I've mentioned over the years that I LOVE wearing sweaters.) It's finally the beginning of fall in San Diego!
And did I mention that the HOA hired a company to repave the roads inside the complex where I live, requiring the closing of the only entrance/exit to/from the property? My car has been in the garage since Sunday and DH's car has been parked outside of the complex since Monday (I took it from home before the closure at 7am Monday but had to park it outside when I got home around 8:30). I drive it to and from morning services and DH uses it the rest of the day. Street parking is difficult on this street, but somehow both DH and I have found parking spaces on the nearest cross street. Today at 8am (it's almost 6am now) the entrance/exit is supposed to open for traffic. That means I'll walk around the corner to get the car to drive to services (almost 2 miles away) but can drive into the complex afterwards to park in our carport (next to our garage). Can hardly wait! I'll be able to drive my own car later today! (YAY!)
|
|
|
|
Post by bmazzo on Sept 19, 2024 18:19:41 GMT
Since I have been "dieting" for as long as I can remember, I have eaten (drank) a lot of artificial sweetners in my day. I try to avoid added sugars. I try only to eat sugary treats on special occasions & when my friend & I go out for ice cream, like we did today. It was her birthday. I only had one scoop with no sprinkles.
I love all fruits & always try to keep them on hand.
Everyone, wherever you are, please try to stay safe!
DD is on her way to pick me up, I am riding with her to Nashville, she has to pick up some papers for work. Take care everyone.
|
|
