Sugar Shock

If you are trying to lose weight, should you opt for the cheeseburger with the works or the low-fat yogurt parfait with fresh fruit and granola.

According to tons of research and Jorge Cruise's latest book, "Belly Fat Cure", go for the cheeseburger!

Surprised? Well here's how it works -  sugar causes your body to produce more insulin which then makes your body hold on to belly fat. When you limit the sugar, you body burns the fat instead of storing it. At least I think that's how it works. : )

So what's the solution? According to Jorge again - limit your sugar intake to 15 grams a day. Think 5 grams per meal or one bigger sweet item.

How does that translate into real food? One teaspoon of sugar = 4.2 grams. Here are some examples of common foods, sauces, drinks and snacks:

1 cup of cantaloupe cubes = 13 g
1 orange = 23 g
1 banana = 17 g

SoBe Green Tea: 16 ounces = 50 grams sugar
Arizona Iced Tea: 16 ounces = 48 grams sugar
Glaceau Vitamin Water: 20 ounce bottle = 32 grams sugar

Yoplait Original 99% fat free, Lemon Burst: 6 ounces = 31 grams sugar
Jimmy Dean Breakfast Entrees, Sausage & Cheese Croissant with diced apples and hash browns: 1 entrée = 21 grams sugar
Weight Watchers Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream Cups (and other flavors): 1 small cup = 22 grams
Hunt’s Snack Pack Pudding, Chocolate Mud Pie: 1 snack pack = 20 grams sugar
Kellogg’s Smart Start Strong Heart, Toasted Oat: 1 1/4 cup = 17 grams sugar

Sauces:
Newman’s Own Tomato & Basil: 1/2 cup = 12 grams sugar
Prego Fresh Mushroom Italian Sauce: 1/2 cup = 11 grams sugar
Sweet Baby Ray’s Honey Barbecue Sauce: 2 tablespoons = 15 grams sugar
Bull’s Eye Brown Sugar & Hickory: 2 tablespoons = 14 grams sugar
KC Masterpiece: 2 tablespoons = 12-13 grams sugar

Snacks:
Yogurt Covered Raisins = 40g Serving
Fruit Roll-Ups 1 piece = 14g
Power Bar, Chocolate Peanut Butter 1 bar = 65g
Caramel Rice Cakes 1 cake = 13g

The bottom line is that you will lose belly fat quicker by avoiding sugar than by avoiding fat or calories.
Whoohoo! Go ahead and add some sweet butter to those roasted veggies we talked about last week.
Whole milk lattes and yoghurt are fine and may fill you up more so you won't crave the sweet treats.
To learn more go to Jorge's web site and check out his book.

Remember to feed yourself healthy with natural, whole-food nutrition of Body Balance, OsteoOmegaCare, AminoCharge and TruGreens. These super-foods will help you fight the cravings that make you sneak sugar.

If you need extra support, you can reach me at maryslifeforce@aol.com.

Have a wonderful, healthy and fit new year.
Mary