Sugar

[johnacc]

Can anybody explain to me what effect sugar has on a diet and excercise plan?

The reason for the question is that I like to have a cup of tea or coffee in the morning but prefer it with a sugar in.

[BamaDave]

I wouldn't worry too much about the sugar you would put in one cup of coffee or tea, which can't be all that much. Generally, many healthy eaters limit their intake of sugar and other processed, refined carbohydrates because of their limited nutritive value aside from the sugar (they have been stripped of other beneficial nutrients -- i.e. lots of calories but nothing else). Also, they are digested and released into the bloodstream very quickly, which will not leave you satiated as long from a meal versus more complex, high-fiber carbohydrates, protein and fats. Also, many believe that the insulin spikes that occur from consuming sugar and other refined carbs can promote fat gain/storage.

[castufari]

If you're adding a little to coffee or tea I'd not worry about it. If you're getting your sugar through soda then I would (like 7 spoonfuls in a 12oz can).

I don't use white sugar in my coffee/tea, I prefer the turbano sugar, it leaves a nice flavor. It's brown and available at most healthfood stores. Reminds me a lot of the syrup mills in SW Louisiana (Steens is pure goodness!).

[johnacc]

Thanks for the replies guys.