Kim Shorts: Our sweet relationship with sugar

Christmas and New Year's celebrations are behind us. So is all that sugar … for better or worse.

I’ve got to admit that I enjoyed all those sweet treats and chocolate offerings that magically appear during the holidays. It’s hard to say no to candy and desserts that taste so yummy.

My downfall is probably the fudge, chocolate cake and cookies and the maple syrup leaf candy that abound in this region.

But now, it’s time to face reality and cut back on all that tasty goodness. It’s hard to follow that motto of everything in moderation during the holidays but there is good reason for it – one’s health.

We all know that too much sugar is not good for the body, especially processed white sugar.

A few years ago, after an annual health check-up that included blood-work, my husband, Jim, was advised by his doctor that his triglycerides were borderline high. Not bad, but something to keep an eye on.

Jim’s immediate response was, “This better not be about the cakes and desserts that I love so well!”

And yes, guess who had to cut back on his sweets and visits to the wonderful bakeries in this region?
 

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Fresh fruit in muffins

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Triglycerides are a type of fat in the blood that the body uses for energy. They are also key components of cell membranes and hormone production. They do help provide for good health, but if the triglyceride levels are too high, there is a risk of coronary artery disease.

My research showed that high triglycerides can run in families. They may also be caused by other conditions, such as obesity and diabetes. You may have high levels of this fat if you eat too much food with added sugar or drink too many beverages with added sugar in them.

We’ve learned a lot about sugar and its impact on the body. With consultation from a medical practitioner, optimal lipid levels (including for cholesterol) can be managed through diet and exercise recommendations.

There are a number of ways to manage high triglyceride levels. Jim was already exercising regularly which is one way to help manage the levels but he definitely had to cut back on the sweets. Not. A. Happy. Man!

Jim had to limit foods that contained a lot of sugar. We’ve tried to substitute his cakes and other desserts with more fruit. We also substitute white sugar with brown sugar, whenever we can, especially when baking.

Along with eating well, being active is one of the best things a person can do to get fit and stay healthy. It helps you feel stronger and have more energy. Exercise can help you lose fat, build muscle, and reach or maintain a healthy weight.

Being active may also help you feel better, sleep better, and focus.

Finally, it’s important to remember that we are all just as sweet without too much sugar!

As a reminder, you should always consult first with a medical professional or coach before starting a diet or fitness program.



Sourdough cookies with no white sugar