Navigating Sugar: A Personal Journey to Sweet Freedom
My Sugar-Free Quest
Purely anecdotal, but even the beef jerky I sampled recently had a sweet aftertaste. However, I am more aware than ever of what I put into my body. Years ago, I made a conscientious choice to cut refined sugars out of my life.
As close to zero as possible, most days it's exactly zero. This commitment extends to added sugars, which I try to avoid. When I need to sweeten things like ketchup, I opt for alternatives like stevia, monk fruit, or erythritol. On rare occasions, I might have a homemade salad dressing with a small amount of sweet pickle relish made with sugar.
The Sweet Taste of Berries and Fruits
Despite my low sugar intake, I still enjoy some fruit, especially berries. Sometimes, I might indulge in a small amount of melon. I find fruits sweet, and I am quite sugar-addicted. However, I am using some stevia or monk fruit in my tea or coffee, limiting it to about three days a week.
Eating a low carb keto diet has not only helped me lose nearly 30 pounds but has also reduced the number of seizures I have experienced. Before starting this diet a year ago, I was having one about every month to six weeks. Instead, I only had two in the fall and one in June. This drastic change in frequency is a definite improvement and underscores the value of reducing carbs, especially those found in bread, potatoes, and other sweets.
The Spectrum of Sugar Consumption
The reality of sugar consumption is shocking. The average person consumes about 57 pounds of added sugar each year. The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends no more than 6 teaspoons, or 25 grams, of added sugar per day, which equates to 100 calories.
From a global perspective, the alarming statistic is that Americans alone consume almost 152 pounds of sugar in a year. This translates to 3 pounds or 6 cups of sugar in just one week! This is a sobering thought, especially when we reflect on the potential health impacts of such a high sugar intake.
By making conscious choices to reduce added sugar, one can significantly impact their health and well-being. While it may seem like a daunting task, the benefits, such as improved health and fewer seizures, make the effort worthwhile.
In conclusion, adopting a low sugar lifestyle, particularly through a ketogenic diet, can lead to notable improvements in health and quality of life. Knowledge of how much sugar we consume and setting intentional goals for reduction can empower us to make healthier choices.