7 – Sweeteners
Why reduce their intake?
There are four types of sugar alternatives and each has its pros and cons. Artificial sweeteners, novel sweeteners, sugar alcohols and natural sweeteners.
Artificial sweeteners add no calories, but they are extremely sweet and might leave you craving more sweets throughout the day. Sugar alcohols are not absorbed completely by the body, but in excess, it can lead to digestive problems. Natural sweeteners are obviously natural (like honey, or coconut sugar), but they tend to be high in calories and when consumed excessively it can cause health problems such as tooth decay and weight gain.
Change for…. It completely depends on what you want. Beforehand, consult your doctor with your viable options. For example, artificial synthetic sweeteners are the most common choice for people with diabetes and people who want to cut down on sugar and lose weight. Stevia is a natural sweetener that may have health benefits by lowering blood pressure and helping with weight management as well. Agave, a natural sweetener, is a great vegan option for people who wants something with a similar consistency to honey.
Are you vegetarian? Then see these 10 vegetarian protein sources to maximize muscle growth and recovery.
As a rule of thumb, if you are an active person, make sure you’re consuming as many calories as you’re burning. Food is fuel and will support your performance; sometimes you’ll need to eat the food above to consume enough easily-digestible carbs and continue to train. Always listen to your body and consult a health professional before making big changes to your diet.
Image Sources
- Rice and quinoa: Unsplash