#sugar – Welcome To Mind/Body Connection Hypnosis by Janet Lynas Ph.D., N.H.D.

Weight loss is the number one topic in food circles. Actually, it’s the number one topic. Products for weight loss bring in billions of dollars each year. In addition, ads show people who have lost a lot of weight, sometimes over 100 pounds.

I’m curious about these products. Therefore, I read the labels on the bottles. Herbs are combined in various combinations and strengths. However, curiosity has made me test some of these products. A money back guarantee is a safe bet.

Testing

Ok, I admit, I ordered a product or two for testing. Each time I test a product, I get my money back! Really, no kidding. In other words, the product did nothing. The product is expensive, in addition, the ads make you think that you will lose the excessive weight rapidly.

These companies have a good marketing team. Marketing teams know how to put a good spin on a product. Remember, ads do not always tell the truth. They tell you what you want to hear.

Buyer be aware!

Therefore, let’s take a look at some facts.

You will lose weight without dieting or exercising. (Do you really believe that?)
You don’t have to watch your calorie intake to lose weight. (Yes, you do!)
This product guarantees you’ll lose weight permanently. (No one can guarantee that!)
To lose weight, all you have to do is follow this diet plan and take this product. (Not true.)
This product works for millions of people. (Oh, please! Those people lost weight because they changed their lifestyle, not because of a pill.)

Meanwhile, having said this, know that millions of people are fooled. You’re not the only one. Above all, know that there is no magic formula or pill that melts the weight off. In addition, the manufacturers are not looking out for your health. The ‘bottom line’ is their only interest.

But, on the other hand, weight loss is possible. Having said this, you have to take responsibility for your own health. Like wise, don’t blame someone else for your lack of results.

True facts

All calories are not the same! Sugar is an empty calorie. It has no nutritional value. However, calories from fats are not the same either. There are ‘good’ fats and ‘bad’ fats. Therefore, a protein calorie can increase metabolism, reduce appetite, and improve the function of weight-regulating hormones.

The fewer the calories, the better. No, that’s not true! When too few calories are taken in, the body goes into what is called ‘starvation mode’. In other words, the body thinks it’s starving and will slow metabolism to try to prevent death. Above all, you have to give your body the nutrients it needs to be healthy.

Stop lying to yourself! For instance, you’re not big boned and therefore you weight more. It’s not likely to be a thyroid problem either. Similarly, it’s hereditary doesn’t cut it either. Stop with the excuses! Yes, there are a few people who do have physical, hormonal factors, but not that many.

Bottom line

Going on a ‘diet’ is not going to work. When you say, “I’m going on a diet”, you’re telling yourself at some point you’re coming off the diet. Refer back to my article on hypnosis and weight loss.

Being healthy is not about having a skinny body. Body image is tainted by the media. Do you realize that the paintings and statues of goddesses are of woman with well rounded bodies?

However, eating a well balanced diet is what your body needs. Make friends with yourself. Stop comparing yourself with what the media tells you!

Look back on my previous article on the food pyramid. Make friends with healthy foods. Learn to eat more vegetables.

First of all, don’t get stuck in a routine of eating the same foods. For instance, we get in a rut. Food becomes boring. Be creative in meal preparation. Make meal time an event. Don’t save the good dishes for special occasions, every moment is a grand event.

Second, explore the large variety of vegetables and fruits. In addition to exploring the large choices available to us, be courageous and try something new.

However, remember to relax and enjoy life. Yes, the sugary cookies and pastries are delicious, but they are filled with empty calories. Sugar feeds cancer, not your body!

Therefore, as you change your diet, your taste buds will change. You notice that you feel better overall. After that, you will notice that your outlook on life is improved.

One feels good to be in control of their own health. Once you stop eating the foods filled with sugar, you notice that if you do eat some sugar, it makes you feel bad.

In conclusion

Healthy eating is a lifestyle choice. Similarly, as one takes control of their food choices, our confidence grows. Don’t be fooled by the ads. Turn off the TV. Go outside and connect with nature. Walk, ride a bicycle, hike, in other words, just move the body. It will thank you.

Indeed, it is your life. What kind of life do you have? What do you intend to do with you life? Get up off the couch! Turn off the computer! Stop looking at Twitter! Other people’s lives are just that. Their lives. Believe me, their life isn’t what it appears to be. Live your life to the fullest! Go cook yourself a wonderful meal. Light the candles, turn on some music and enjoy the art of creating a great meal and a great moment in time.

Remember the children’s poem about little boys being made of snails and puppy dog tails? Then little girls are sugar and spice and everything nice. Yes, sugar is sweet and taste nice! However, sugar is not necessarily nice to your body. But, I hear you say, “The body needs sugar to function properly.” You are correct! Therefore, I’m giving you a new tool, the truth about sugar.

Sugar is Sugar. Right?

I bet you don’t know there are ten different kinds of sugar. Take a look at these different sugars and keep your mind open.

Granulated Sugar: is refined, white, or table sugar, granulated sugar it’s the most common type of sugar and is used everyday.
Caster Sugar: a common baking ingredient used in the U.K and Australia, caster sugar is a white, refined sugar popularly.
Confectioners’ Sugar: known as powdered sugar, confectioners’ sugar is the type of sugar that is finely grounded into a powdered form. Confectioners’ sugar has the ability to dissolve easily which is why it is ideal for frostings and icings.
Pearl Sugar: is produced by breaking big blocks of regular sugar and is hard. It’s used for baking purposes such as sprinkling crushed pearl sugar on top of pastries.
Cane Sugar: is produced solely from sugarcane and comes from either sugar beets or sugarcane.
Demerara Sugar: demerara sugar is light brown, minimally refined, and produced from the crystallization of cane juice. The cane juice is crystallized, then the particles achieve caramel color and are known as demerara sugar. Demerara sugar is commonly produced in countries like Hawaii, India, and Mexico.
Turbinado Sugar: often referred to as raw sugar, turbinado sugar is naturally grown and possesses a caramel flavor. However, the FDA states that turbinado sugar isn’t raw because raw sugar is never intended for consumption as it contains contaminants like sand and other impurities. Therefore, turbinado sugar is refined mechanically which makes it a type of processed sugar.
Muscovado sugar: a deep brown, unrefined cane sugar that contains organic molasses.The molasses present in muscovado offer antioxidants like gallic acid and polyphenols. These antioxidants prevent cells from damage by eliminating free radicals.
Brown sugar: produced when white sugar is mixed and flavored with molasses. In light brown sugar, the quantity of molasses is less giving it a light brown color to it.
Dark brown sugar: comes in its darker version having more molasses added to it.

Our Body Knows The Difference Between Sugars. Correct?

Not really. There is two main kinds of sugar, monosaccharides and disaccharides. Monosaccharides or single sugar molecules include fructose, galactose, and glucose. This sugar takes the fast track into the bloodstream. Hence, the sugar rush!

Disaccharides are two single molecules linked together. This is known as glucose and fructose. These get broken down by the liver into single glucose molecules before entering the bloodstream. As a result, they raise your blood sugar a little more slowly. It’s known as, slow and steady.

Therefore, while the nutritional value of a peach is totally different from a piece of chocolate cake, your body can’t tell the difference between a molecule of fructose, glucose, sucrose, or any other sugar molecule. Our body will digest them all the same way.

But, What About Fruit and Vegetable Sugars?

I’m glad you asked! We just determined that your body doesn’t know the difference between sugars. So, why worry about it? I agree, we shouldn’t worry! Worry stresses the body and mind! However, having knowledge helps us make better choices.

Glucose is the primary fuel to generate energy. We need glucose for the body’s cells to carry out metabolic and biological functions. Glucose is essential for the brain, red blood cells and muscle cells during exercise.

Fruits and vegetables are a great source of providing beneficial glucose. What do you mean beneficial glucose?

Fruits and vegetables are packed with essential vitamins, minerals, fiber, and healthy sugars. When you include vegetables and fruits in your diet, you are likely to have a reduced risk of some chronic diseases.

Processed sugars provide no health benefits. In addition, they provide empty calories! Glucose from fruits and vegetables not only provides the glucose our body needs to function properly, but adds vitamins and minerals. Fiber is found in these foods as well. We know the importance of fiber in the body!

Time to wrap it up!

As, you’ve just learned, the body does need glucose to maintain health. However, the source of the sugar is important. Remember, moderation in everything! Don’t over do it on the fruits and vegetables high in natural sugar. No, I’m not going to list the foods naturally high in sugars. You need to take an active role in your health. You can research which foods need to be eaten in small amounts.

In conclusion, enjoy the holidays and family gatherings. Instead of reaching for the fourth chocolate chip cook, grab a handful of grapes.

Tag: #sugar

Let’s talk about food by Janet Lynas, Ph.D., N.H.D.