Sugar: so sweet but not so innocent

We need sugar to function. The problem is that refined sugars are hidden everywhere in processed foods and drinks.

Sugar is our fuel. We need sugar to function because our body converts all food into glucose - a form of sugar that our body burns efficiently for energy. Without glucose, our body could not survive. Although we need it, the problem comes when we have too much sugar and of the wrong kind. When this happens the "life supporting" fuel turns into a heavy weight.

When we have too much sugar, relative to our energy requirements, our body stores it, as fat. Too much sugar in your diet will do more damage to your waistline than eating fats themselves, especially when it comes to things like nuts and avocados, the good fats. In fact, the good fats help you to lose weight by allowing an easier transition of fat to fuel when your body resorts to fat stores for energy after all the glucose is used up.

The problem is that refined sugars are hidden everywhere in processed foods, as well as being abundant in the more obvious ones like sweets, cakes and sodas. Diet foods and low fat foods are often the worst offenders. You should always check the ingredients label and if sugar is anywhere in the first five items listed, avoid that food.

Adding sugar to drinks needs to stop. Buy fresh juices that are sugar free. Fruit has natural sugars that are not bad by themselves, but when combined with refined sugars, it becomes a diabetic nightmare! It's always better to eat the whole fruit as the extra fibre helps balance the effect of the sugar.

Corn syrup and artificial sweeteners also need to be avoided as studies have shown links between these and diabetes, obesity and ADHD.

So if you want to feel a little lighter then lighten up on the sugar. This white stuff may be sweet but where weight is concerned it's certainly not innocent!

Laura Holland is a well-being consultant and nutritional therapist. For more information, go to www.BeUtifulYou.co.uk