Should I cut sugar out of my life to lose weight?

Question

I used to smoke and have an addictive personality. Either I go hard or I go home.

In light of that, I'm a shameless binge drinker who usually puts away 25-30 pints a week (Thurs/Fri/Sat). I love Sour Kids at the movies (I'll go through a bag and we go on Tuesday nights). And I believe that tea should have 2 teaspoons of sugar per cup (I have at least three cups a day). I don't drink pop but I love fruit juice.

I do moderate exercise (bike ride on regular basis, jog 10k twice a week, and box once a week incl. heavy bag, skipping, speed bag, and shadow for an intense 1 hr workout).

My brother has suggested that I change my sugar habit and try to drink at least eight pints of water per day. He's my height at 6' 2 but weighs 50 pounds less (I weigh 210 lbs).

Answer 1

Everything you have listed in your question will make you gain weight. If you don't burn off the sugar, it will be stored as fat as well as spike your insulin levels. High insulin levels also make it difficult for your body to burn off stored fat when it needs to.

So yes, cut sugar out of your diet. Things may not taste as nice at first, but if you stick to it you'll find that you'll learn to taste the more subtle flavours that sugar covers up.

25 - 30 pints a week is a huge amount of simple carbs and sugars that you are unlikely to burn off.

Listen to your brother, cut sugar, drink only water and exercise. Watch out that you don't simply exchange high sugar food for high salt and high fat foods.

Answer 2

1

Answer 3

Absolutely!!!

The 2 easiest ways are to eliminate soda and if you drink coffee, start drinking it "milk-no sugar". It may take a while to get used to the coffee. As for the soda, substitute it with water, lots of water.

Between doing the above 2 things and working out 2-3 times a week, I have lost 30 lbs. since October 2006.

Answer 4

While sugar intake in excess can cause problems with glucose levels, the overall caloric intake is what causes weight gain. Certainly, you need to reduce your sugar intake. But all of that beer is full of sugar, and other carbohydrates which convert to sugar. Any unused sugars processed by your body are changed to fat, and stored. So cut back where you can or have the willpower to do it. The older you get, the slower your metabolism. Good that you are exercising, keep that up, and keep stuff out of your mouth and you will see results.

Answer 5

The problem with sugar, and all other carbohydrates (including alcohol) is that your body immediately breaks them down to glucose (sugar your body uses as fuel)... and what doesn't get used immediately gets stored as fat. This is also true with fats, only they take longer to digest. Proteins get broken down into amino acids which are used to rebuild body tissue.

So if you are consuming large quantities of sugar (fruit juice, alcohol, table sugar, sweets, breads, etc), it probably is contributing to your weight problem. You need carbs for energy, but try to eat healthier ones, like whole grains. And as for the simpler sugars, try to limit them to every once in a while.

Losing weight is like balancing a check book... only you want to spend (burn) more calories than your taking in. Hope this helps and good luck!

Answer 6

Eat in front of a person rather than a screen. It cuts down on mindless eating and makes you more accountable for each bite.

Answer 7

Walk to your co-worker's desk to chat instead of instant messaging.

Answer 8

In the mood for any hot meal? Make a big pot of veggie bean soup, divide into two-cup containers, and store in the freezer. Before bed, place a container in the fridge, then grab it before heading out the door every day.

Answer 9

Don’t focus on your weaknesses, spotlight your best bits. Little waist? Belt it in. Beautiful bust? Lower the neckline. Well toned butt? Rock tight jeans. Attractive legs? Show ‘em off. It’s really that easy.

Answer 10

Cut out sugar, rice, and anything made from white flour. The pounds will roll off!!

Chow!!