Eat Sugar, Lose Weight? Preposterous?

Main Category: Public Health
Article Date: 30 Dec 2004 - 15:00 PDT

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Renowned Nutritionist Says Sugar in Diet Can Help Millions Stick to New Year's Resolution - Eat sugar, lose weight? Preposterous? For 60 million Americans resolving to shed pounds in 2005, a little sugar might go a long way toward reaching their goal.

Many dieters deny themselves their favorite foods. Soon, cravings take over and binge eating begins. Ironically, many who start by trying to lose weight end up packing on the pounds before January ends.

Renowned nutritionist Bev Utt, MS, MPH, RD, says a key to sticking to a weight-loss resolution -- annually the top New Year's resolution -- is not to deny yourself foods, but to eat them responsibly, including sugar.

"Consuming sugar in moderation can actually help keep people stick to their diets," Utt says. "This approach keeps people from feeling like they are denying themselves into weight loss. People need to realize that sugar is not the enemy and can be responsibly incorporated into a healthy diet."

Utt offers the following tips to help people enjoy sweet indulgences while sticking to their New Year's resolution to lose weight:

-- Practice mindfulness when you eat; grazing and snacking can become mindless and lead to overeating.

-- Just because a product is low in carbohydrates doesn't mean it isn't high in saturated fats or calories. Read labels and choose food carefully.

-- Don't be fooled by artificial sweeteners: use natural sugar, such as C&H pure cane sugar, in your desserts and baked goods. Sugar substitutes can kill a diet by creating a false sense of security, leading to larger portions and increased caloric intake.

-- Savor the meals and desserts you eat by paying attention to the textures and flavor. Food should be appreciated, not gobbled. Eat intentionally.

-- Eat when you are hungry. Eat enough to feel satisfied, but not stuffed, then stop. This allows you to enjoy desserts.

-- Keep an eye on portion size. Sampling desserts is a great way to keep portions under control.

-- When you bake desserts, share your treats with family, friends, neighbors and co-workers. They will appreciate the gift and you won't eat it all yourself.

About Bev Utt

Bev Utt is a primary consultant for chefs, magazines, cookbook authors, culinary groups, schools and medical institutions. She is also a spokesperson for C&H Sugar.

She has contributed to several books including Martha Stewart's Quick & Healthy Cookbook; Joe Piscatella's Fat Proof Your Child, Don't Eat Your Heart Out; and The Healthy Heart Cookbook (Institute for Fitness and Health). Her magazine contributions have been published in Appellation, Cooking Light and Martha Stewart Living, where she has been the sole consulting nutritionist since 1993.

Utt earned her Bachelor of Science in Public Health Science, her Master of Science in Nutrition, and Master of Public Health in Health Education from Loma Linda University.

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