Fat Free Nation
There is a common myth in America that fat grams cause people to be fat. Since fat contains calories, if you eat enough, that’s true. But oftentimes, fat free foods are loaded with sugar and extra calories. In the last ten years, the “fat free” fad has exploded. Yet, Americans are heavier than ever. Why?
These pre-packaged food items contain little nutritional value and the added sugar sends you on a blood sugar roller coaster. Added sugar causes elevated blood sugar for a short period of time followed by a sudden energy crash. Extra calories cause what? Weight gain. Being on the blood sugar roller coaster causes erratic eating habits and overeating, which causes…you guessed it, weight gain.
How about the sugar free alternatives? Again, these items contain little nutritional value. The sweet flavor also can increase cravings for sugar and carbohydrates. A good rule of thumb is that if you look at the ingredients of a product and you cannot pronounce or do not know what some of the ingredients are, then you should not eat it. In addition, artificial sweeteners are proven to be detrimental to your health in large quantities. It is best to stick to fresh foods. If you have a sugar craving, have fruit. It contains sugar, but not in the amounts in prepackaged foods.
So, remember that watching your consumption of certain fats, like the dreaded trans fats is important, it is more important to eat “real food” in its natural state and to be aware of calories. Cutting out prepackaged items will likely save you thousands of calories a week.
Love and Light,
Coach Kristine
