This weeks challenge was to consume only 9g of sugar in a meal or snack.  The purpose of this exercise is to start looking at food labels and seeing how much sugar is in the foods you consume.  Did you stop and question how much sugar is in your fruit? 

 The following article will give you a breakdown of the amount of sugar in fruit.  http://www.thefruitpages.com/contents.shtml

Sugar comes in many forms and the sugar in fruit takes longer for the body to digest.  On the other hand, white sugar and brown sugar- also known as processed sugars, that we put in such things as our coffee and is found in baked goods and candy, are very easily absorbed by the body. 

Consuming fruit is an excellent way to combat your sugar cravings.  Just like nicotine, alcohol and caffeine, SUGAR is an addictive substance.  Weening off of processed sugars by substituting with fruit is going to be easier on your addicted “sugar brain” and ultimately, your body will LOVE you ((in particular your pancreas, your skin, your liver and your energy levels) because of the added vitamins and fibre in fruits.

I will mention that it’s best to consume only 2-4 servings of fruit daily.  I’m going to generalise for a moment and say that most people don’t eat enough fruit to begin with and also that most people aren’t even close to eating 4 servings.  Although I believe that everything in moderation is ok, 4 servings of fruit is probably a little excessive.  2-3 servings is a better general rule especially if you’re aiming for weight loss.  BUT, with that said, excessive fruit is better for you than consuming excessive processed sugar containing foods.

So, in my personal, healthy opinion and view…. skip the Twinkies and keep on eating fruit ladies!! 

Sara and the ChicBoxing Team