Let's Talk About Sugar

I don't believe in villainizing sugar or any category or component of food that exists in nature. Sugar is a fuel source used by our body. Our body can also make sugar, so I choose to limit my consumption: not only because excess sugar has health implications, but because I find sugar to be high in calories, low in nutrients, and somewhat addictive.

I feel the same way about all added sugars, I don't find a meaningful distinction between brown sugar, white sugar, date sugar, coconut sugar, etc. Yes, there are trace nutrients in raw honey and blackstrap molasses, and there is fiber in date sugar, but these aren't compelling reasons for me to consume them.

Fruit is fine. Yes, fruit contains sugar. Fruit also contains fiber, nutrients, and water. There are a few guidelines I follow when eating fruit, such as eating seasonally, eating fresh (vs. dried) and avoiding varieties that have higher sugar content. (Cotton candy grapes might be an example.) Berries are an excellent choice, and are available frozen so they can be enjoyed affordably and year round. If limiting sugar intake is important to you, grapefruit, kiwi, and pears are other excellent options.

Artificial sweeteners, in my opinion, are also fine. We have better choices available now, such as stevia, erythritol and monkfruit. As with sugar, limiting quantities is important. Sweet foods are habit forming. The less sweet things I eat, the less sweet things I desire, and the more I can appreciate other flavors and foods. For me, that's a win.

As with anything, the choice of what to consume is an individual one. I believe there's no need to consume sugar, and no nutritional benefit. I also believe that enjoyment of food is important, and thus, sugar can be part of a healthy diet.