Sugar Part 2

In my previous post I asked you which is the better option when it comes to a snack, a 100 Grand bar or a packet of Skittles. Thanks for those who played, I know the anticipation is killing you.

Here are the nutrition facts if you want to change your answer:

Skittles: 170 calories, 2 grams fat, 1.5 grams saturated fat, 32 grams of sugar

100 Grand: 180 calories, 8 grams fat, 5 grams saturated fat, 21 grams of sugar

So, if you were dying for a sweet snack and you had to choose between these two (no, I am not advocating a diet rich in candy...but we are all human) the 100 Grand would win.

Here is why:

Fat slows down the absorption of sugar in the bloodstream. Eating pure sugar sends a surge of sugar into your body and therefore spikes your insulin levels. If you metabolize sugar normally, once the sugar enters your cells you would experience a really high level of energy and then crash. Fat (and protein) keeps your insulin levels nice and steady. The fat in the 100 Grand bar will also keep you feeling fuller longer and will satisfy you. You will still be hungry after eating a packet of Skittles. The only exception to this rule (in my opinion) would be if you have just completed an intense endurance exercise lasting more than an hour. In that case, you actually do want quick absorbing simple sugars. That's why you may see marathon runners eating Swedish Fish when then race.

Ever since the low-fat diet craze, fat has received a bad rap. Saturated fat is terrible for our hearts because it elevates cholesterol levels in our bodies. Therefore, we should limit our saturated fat intake to less than 10% of our total fat intake (about 30% of our total calories).

Sugar is also bad for our hearts because...

I am not one for long posts, this is already long enough. I will continue with part 3 of our sugar discussion later on. So, stay tuned! I know, I know how will you survive this suspense?!