Holistic Holistic Health Associates :: Meditation, Frederick, MD

By Denise Ordonio, Licensed Massage Therapist and co-founder of Holistic Health Associates

Are you up to a challenge that will improve your health and your life for good? The challenge is to eliminate all processed sugar for one month.

Why would one even consider such an outrageous request? To start with, type II diabetes and obesity are not only on the rise, they are at an all time high. According to James Howenstein, author of "A Physician's Guide to Natural Health Products that Work," "Diabetes was a very rare illness in the United States in 1880, with only 2.8 persons out of every 100,000 having diabetes. Now at least 10 percent of the populace has diabetes, and when you look for early signs of diabetes, that number is certain to be much higher, with many people having no idea that they are diabetic.” Michael Castleman, author of "Blended Medicine," says type II diabetes is strongly associated with a lack of exercise and a poor diet -- one that's low in fiber and high in sugar, fat and animal products. Meanwhile, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that in 1962, research statistics showed that the percentage of obesity in America’s population was at 13%.

By 1980 it had risen to 15% -- by 1994 to 23% -- and by the year 2000 the obesity progression in America had reached an unprecedented 31%! Perhaps the most riveting statistics concern obesity in kids: research shows that childhood obesity has more than tripled over the past two decades.

When you hear, “You are What you Eat”, believe it. Sugar can cause hyperactivity, anxiety, concentration difficulties, and crankiness in children, and is associated with countless health problems all of which can adversely affect your children's school grades. A diet high in sugar is also associated with low energy, dental cavities and depression. All energy enters the body through nutrition, so the quality of your nutrition plays a huge role in the energy you bring to the world each day. That means that if junk goes in nutritionally, junk comes out physically and mentally.

The Glycemic Index is a useful guide to regulate our sugar intake. The Glycemic Index value of foods is simply a ranking of foods according to their immediate impact on blood-glucose levels. Because carbohydrates have the greatest effect on blood-sugar levels, the Glycemic Index focuses on these foods.

Why should you be concerned about blood sugar levels? Because our blood sugar level at any given time determines energy level, mental clarity and hunger. In addition, emotions, mood and ability to focus, are all dependent on our glucose levels, so skipping meals and then over eating or filling up on “empty” carbohydrates will lead to a roller coaster ride of energy peaks and valleys. This means that when simple carbohydrates (bread, pasta, white potatoes) are broken down, they essentially turn into sugar. Low
Glycemic foods include fresh fruits, vegetables, and good lean proteins. They provide you with the right balance of nutrition that a healthy body needs to function and thrive. High Glycemic foods are highly processed sugary foods that include candy, cookies, soda, and junk foods. These foods have no nutritional value whatsoever.

Are you metabolically challenged? If you answer yes to more that two of these questions, you probably are.

Are you tired during the day even if you have slept enough the night before?
Do you get less than 30 minutes a day of moderate physical exercise?
Are you under a lot of stress?
Are you a CARB addict?
Have you been diagnosed with health problems such as diabetes, hyperactivity, or heart disease?

Can you safely eat sugar after the one month challenge? Of course you can, the key is in moderation and on occasion. Your body can handle an occasional treat, not the hourly treat we’ve inundated it with.

After you’ve avoided processed sugar for the next month, you’ll find that you get just as much enjoyment from eating a good apple as you used to get from eating an apple pie. Eating natural food will decrease your desire for sweets and you will be so much healthier.

Start by making a commitment and throwing away all processed foods which are loaded with sugar. Stock up on fruits, veggies, whole grains and good lean proteins. Once your body becomes accustomed to it, you will no longer feel deprived of sugar because you’ll be eating plenty of it in natural form.

Challenge yourself and your kids to a Sugar-free Month