Sugar Busters

The Philosophy

Sugar is considered an enemy therefore potatoes, white rice, carrots and beets are out. Lean meats are in. Diet principles are based on the book "Sugar Busters-Cut Sugar to Trim Fat ''.

Our View

Does it meet the basic food groups? No. This diet restricts choices from the grain products group by excluding potatoes, pasta, white bread, white rice, and corn to name a few. Likewise, only certain fruit and vegetable choices are allowed. Large quantities of high protein meats & alternates are encouraged and calcium-rich foods from the dairy products are not promoted.

What about balance and variety? Balance and variety in meal planning is not promoted here; quantities and choice of grain products and fruits and vegetables are restricted where as meats and alternates are unlimited.

Risks? Because carbohydrate consumption is restricted (especially from the grain products and fruits and vegetables), daily intakes of dietary fiber, essential vitamins and minerals: B vitamins, anti-oxidants, potassium & calcium, just to name a few are restricted as well. Also, this diet may not meet total daily energy (calorie) requirements. The body needs the appropriate amount of energy, even for weight loss

Our Comments

• Limiting sources of refined sugars may be a good away to avoid empty calories but eliminating nutrient dense foods such as potatoes, pasta, rice, beets and carrots is not nutritionally sound advice.
• The brain needs a minimum of 150g of carbohydrate per day. In cases where carbohydrate intake is too restricted, the body may degrade lean muscle mass to make up for its requirements in carbohydrates especially since fat cannot generate the form of carbohydrate (i.e. glucose) that the brain needs. To spare and protect lean muscle mass, the body needs appropriate amounts of carbohydrates and 1gram of protein per kg of body weight. We don't want to lose lean muscle mass: it gives us power and keeps us healthy longer. After all, if we need to lose weight, we should aim for losing body fat.
• Decreasing calorie intake by restricting carbohydrates may lead to the production of chemicals called ketones. These are released into the bloodstream and may cause headaches, dizzy spells, fatigue, nausea and bad breath. If these symptoms occur, these are definite signs that there is something wrong.
• Overall, this diet does not favor heart health. It promotes increased protein intake, possibly a higher fat intake, and poor fruit, vegetable and dietary fiber intake.
• Large quantities of protein may also overwork the kidneys and cause damage.
• Weight loss on this diet is due to a calorie restriction from limiting carbohydrates.
• Unfortunately, other essential nutrients are restricted as well and the body may be losing more water weight than body fat.