As a huge part of any fitness program, what we consume dictates how we look and feel. Like the old adage “You are what you eat”. Here at Fit and Psyched located in The Warehouse District of West Palm Beach, Florida, when we’re comprising nutritional programs for our clients there are two items that are avoided….bad fats and sugar. In an earlier blog I touched on fats, both good and bad. Today I want to give you my top 5 reasons to avoid sugar.
- Several calories with no essential nutrients. Empty calories. As a personal trainer in West Palm Beach one thing I preach is feeding the body frequently with small, healthy, well balanced meals. A lean protein, a complex carbohydrate and a healthy fat would be our go to choices.
- Sugar can cause insulin resistance. What can that lead to? Metabolic syndrome, obesity, cardiovascular disease and diabetes just to name a few.
- Can cause cancer. Yes cancer. Many scientists believe that having constantly elevated insulin levels (a consequence of sugar consumption) can contribute to cancer. In addition, the metabolic problems associated with sugar consumption are a known component of inflammation, which is another potential cause of cancer.
- Highly addictive. When sugar is ingested it causes the release of dopamine in the reward center of the brain, like an abusive drug will do. So if one is prone to addictive behaviors then avoiding sugar completely would be the wisest choice. Like an alcoholic, “one is too many and a thousand is not enough”.
- High cholesterol. When we think of high cholesterol we often think of fats. Studies have shown that large amounts of fructose can raise triglycerides, small, dense LDL and oxidized LDL, raise blood glucose and insulin levels and increase abdominal obesity — in as little as 10 weeks! What does that add up to? A high risk of heart disease.
To learn more about nutrition and healthy food choices please check out some of our previous blogs or give us a call at 561-223-1112 for a free consultation. I’m Dave Melnicoff owner/trainer at Fit and Psyched, along with my wife Amy Melnicoff we are here for all of your fitness needs and goals!
