Can you Lose Belly Fat if you Eat THIS?
There are over 30 names for sugar…
…turbinado sugar, raw sugar, agave syrup, fruit paste, raw honey, malt syrup and many more.
Of course we have our organic sugars too. Are these any better if we’re trying to lose weight? Ray from train2befit asked a question on the blog about the healthiest sugar options.
Is there such a thing? A "healthy" sugar?
Clearly, when burning belly fat is a goal, sugar (all forms) need to take a back seat. But let’s put a few of these under the microscope to see if there’s a best of the worst. Afterall, with teens eating nearly 100 lbs of sugar per person, per year, we have some headway to make. It should be no surprise that research shows belly fat has skyrocketed in this age group.
But adults aren’t much behind. And the obesity epidemic we’re facing around the world is a tell tale sign that we’re overfed, yet undernourished.
Let’s get to the good stuff.
First, just because something is organic, doesn’t mean it’s healthy. Organic sugar isn’t a magical health food like it’s often considered. It increases belly fat just like plain old table sugar.
Let’s cover a few of the most commonly questioned poisins in the fight against belly fat.
High Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS)
This one was invented in the 1970′s. It’s in nearly every food and beverage in the super market — from breads to ketchup, fruit juice to cereals. Some have claimed it’s caused obesity saying, this one sweetener is preventing us from losing belly fat permanently. Interestingly, its use has skyrocketed the same way the obesity epidemic has over the last few decades. And research has suggested there is a correlation. This caused a negative spiral of media ads pointing the finger at this one ingredient.
And the Corn Refiners Association fought back. They created commercials saying that HFCS is no worse than sugar. What they didn’t say is both are junk, why eat them at all?
My first "problem’ with HFCS is that it was "invented." I don’t want to eat anything that was "invented." I want to eat foods as close to the ground as possible. You can avoid HFCS, just like you can avoid other sugars. Sure, it is metabolized a bit differently than sugar, but you know what, the foods that are loaded with HFCS are junk — regardless of the form of sugar. Soda = junk. Fruit juice cocktails = junk. Popsicles = junk. If you buy organic options of these same foods, they’re all junk and will prevent you from losing belly fat, put a halt to losing fat from your hips and thighs, or getting into your skinny jeans.
Agave Syrup
This natural sweetener recently became popular. Agave nectar is produced from a plant and is popular in organic markets and with vegans. It is touted for its low glycemic index, meaning it won’t cause much of a spike in blood sugar. But no studies are available showing how it compares to other sugars in terms of blood sugar control. It is primarily made up of fructose, which is in fact lower on the glycemic index. One important note – if you try this, look for USDA-certified organic products. Most agave comes from Mexico and there have been issues with recalls because of excessive pesticides in the products.
Raw Honey
Often sold at Farmer’s Markets, supporters of this sweetener love that it’s not processed. Me too. And because it’s not processed, it IS higher in a few nutrients (mainly B vitamins). With that said, honey wouldn’t be my first choice for getting in any vitamins and minerals. I DO like that you can use less of it than table sugar because teaspoon for teaspoon, it’s sweeter. There’s also some very interesting data showing eating local honey may reduce allergies, it can be used as an anticeptic, and much more. (NOTE: I don’t recommend pouring it on an open wound).
But in the end, will too much honey prevent you from getting the body of your dreams and slashing belly fat? Sure, it’s still empty calories when you compare it side by side with fruit, for example (which also is high in a form of sugar, but nothing I’d worry about).
Where does that leave us?
All sugars have relatively the same number of calories per gram.
Organic sugars will still prevent you from losing belly fat. Non organic sugars will prevent you from losing belly fat.
If you are going to use a sweetener, opt for local honey and use it sparingly. Still, the best way to eat foods is in their natural state — fruit is sweet, enjoy that as dessert. Grill it to bring out the sweetness. Add balsamic vinegar to a pan and heat it up to create a calorie free "syrup" that’s great with fruit. Avoid foods with ingredients that have been "invented" — the closer to the ground they are, the better off you will be.
In the end, burn belly fat by eating foods with few ingredients and training right.
What do you think? Leave your thoughts in the comment section.
August 16th, 2009 at 4:21 am
What about stevia?
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August 16th, 2009 at 5:06 am
Your articles are really increasing my awareness of processed foods vs. non-processed foods. Thank you!
BTW: I’m a coffee purist, but if I do get a latte, I favor Starbuck’s soy latte sweetened with two honeys. Now, I seriously doubt their honey is farmer’s market honey, but it’s better than 2 Equal. And honey and soy are a delicious combination. Just thought I’d share. : )
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August 16th, 2009 at 5:28 am
Great insight, Chris.
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August 16th, 2009 at 5:49 am
I was surprised not to find Stevia on the list. I used to use the powder in pouches, and had one pouch per cup of coffee, then reduced it to half per cup and found even that too much after a few months. As a result I now use just one or max two drops of liquid Stevia per mug; hardly enough to spike anything.
From what I’ve read though, Stevia does not provoke any spikes in insulin nor affect blood sugar; which is why I opted for this sweetener at all.
Unfortunately, the EU has banned Stevia altogether, it’s not sold in Norway either (they are not in the EU but follow many of the guidelines). I just hope it stays available here in Canada (and the US) or I’ll have to get used to unsweetened coffee :S
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nyx Reply:
May 28th, 2011 at 6:25 pm
Maybe you should inquire about WHY it was banned…it maybe slowly killing you.
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August 16th, 2009 at 6:12 am
Thanks for your informative articles. What is your take on stevia. I find it excellent but still encourages me to have a sweet tooth. Peter
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August 16th, 2009 at 6:31 am
I stick with the most natural sweeteners what little i use. If I am making a fruit crisp or something i add either a smidge of honey or agave or sometimes will use all natural maple syrup too. In baking for my kids I will sub the sugar with agave or many times use stevia or xylitol to cut the calories and carbs.
I do cook down balsamic all the time…….love how it gets sweet and syrupy ……my kids love it for their salads and especially with tomato basil salad.
Good over strawberries too!
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August 16th, 2009 at 8:09 pm
Interesting article. So what would be your opinion on sweeteners such as splenda???
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August 17th, 2009 at 10:35 am
Thanks for this information, as it was helpful and interesting. I don’t use sweeteners for my green tea, cereal, etc., but I do know that you have to really read the labels to look for artificial sweeteners, as it turns up in unexpected places sometimes. Keep up the great work!
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August 17th, 2009 at 3:35 pm
I have found local honey has helped with my allergies and I love it in black & green tea. I\\\’m interested in trying the honey/soy latte – I do prefer my coffee with milk and little sweetness. I let bananas get pretty ripe, then peel and freeze them to sweeten smoothies for my kids – it only takes about a 1/4-1/3 banana.
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August 17th, 2009 at 5:17 pm
It is important to keep in mind that excessive amounts of fructose can affect TG levels, especially in diabetics.
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August 19th, 2009 at 12:02 pm
I try not to add sweateners to anything. Lord knows there is usually enough already added. Fruits prove to be great additions to sweeten foods. I like to put some chucky applesause in my oatmeal to give it a little sweetness.
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November 29th, 2009 at 12:01 pm
stevia is healthy and 15 time sweeter than ordinary sugar!
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February 10th, 2010 at 10:27 pm
Thanks for the interesting website. This is what most people are not aware of. I love your perspective. Well researched and quite an eye opener! …
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April 8th, 2010 at 11:12 am
Oh but you really must pour, well dab it on open wounds. Dr Peter Molam from New Zealand has dedicated almost his entire working life discovering the medical benefits of honey and wound healing he has proved.
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August 12th, 2011 at 6:00 pm
If you are looking for a product that is Sugar Free then you should check out Yoli. Here is my website http://ugolf.goyoli.com. Yoli has No artificial colors, No chemicals, No fillers, No pasteurization, No preservatives, and No Sugar: Yoli Offers Alkalete – Acid Neutrlizer pH health and body recovery, Live Active ingredients, Low calorie products, Sweetened with Stevia, Naturally derived ingredients, and Preserved nutrients.
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March 24th, 2012 at 1:56 am
Here’s one: One should eat to live not live to eat!
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