When Fitness is a Lifestyle

Now that the holidays are over with, do you feel like you're having a sugar hangover?  With all the cookies, candy, pies and eggnog no wonder our bodies are rebelling.  If there was any one thing that contributes to the waist line, I would have to say it is all the sugar. 

I think carbohydrates have taken a bad rap recently.  Not all carbohydrates are bad.  Does anyone really believe an apple would be bad for your health? In this newsletter I want you to understand how sugar reacts in your body, and how food manufacturers hide it in your favorite products.

Let’s first look at some of the many names of sugar
4Corn Syrup
4Crystalline
4Fructose
4Dextrose
4Fruit Juice Concentrates
4Glucose
4High fructose corn syrup
4High maltose corn syrup
4Honey Lactose
4Invert Sugar
4Lactose
4Malt
4Maltose
4Molasses
4Sucrose
4Sucralose
4Syrup

When sugar enters the bloodstream, your pancreas releases the hormone insulin. Insulin stimulates the uptake of glucose (sugar) into cells, and storage as glycogen in the liver and in the muscle. Insulin also stimulates the conversion of excess glucose into fat for storage. So, in a nut shell, the sugar that is not immediately used for energy is stored in the liver and muscle or converted to fat.

Some foods convert to glucose quicker than others. That is where the glycemic index comes into play. The higher the glycemic number, the quicker that food turns into glucose in your bloodstream. The lower the glycemic number, the longer it would take for your body to break it down. That means less severe sugar swings. The only time a high glycemic food would be needed is for a diabetic whose blood sugar is low. Or, an endurance athlete that needs a quick boost of energy. So if your sport is being a couch potato, stick with the lower glycemic foods. See details below:

HIGH GLYCEMIC INDEX FOODS

LOW GLYCEMIC INDEX FOODS
(CHOOSE THESE FOODS MORE OFTEN)

As you can see, all carbohydrates contain some type of sugar.  The key is to eat foods that are lower on the glycemic index, and stay away from processed junk food.  Let's face it!  Sugar is cheap, and food manufacturers are interested in making food as cheap as possible.  That is why food that is cheap is loaded with sugar and fat.  Plus, sugar tastes good. 

Moderation is the key.  If you know you have issues with sweets it's better to not have any.  If you are like most people, it's hard to stop eating sugar once you start.  Why?  After eating simple sugars, you get a rapid rise in blood sugar.  Then, the pancreas releases a lot of insulin, and drops your blood sugar. When your blood sugar is low, the body will crave MORE sugar. As you can see it’s a nasty cycle.

Try replacing cheap sugar filled junk food with fruits.  Fruit will satisfy your sweet tooth, and nobody ever binges on apples!! Also, stay away from fruit juices and soda pop.  Both which contain tons of sugar, and will increase your waist line.

The author Kathleen DeMaisons, Ph.D, who wrote Potatoes Not Prozac and The Sugar Addict's Total Recovery Program, is hosting a sugar addiction workshop in Albuquerque, New Mexico May 21st through May 25th.  If you want more information about sugar addiction, or the workshops, visit her website www.radiantrecovery.com.  I will be there and I encourage you to do the same!

January Client of the Month

Susan started with Functional Conditioning in May of 2004. Not only has she lost more than 45 pounds, her overall fitness level has increased by 20%! Susan is a pleasure to work with.  Even though she travels on a very regular basis, she still maintains a healthy lifestyle. Congratulations!

Starting weight 190.5                         Weight now 155
Starting grip Strength 64 Kilograms      Grip strength now 68 Kilograms Starting flexibility (hamstrings and low back) 16 inches Flexibility now 17.25 inches

Overall Susan has lost a total of 39 inches. Wow!!