Avoiding Processed Sugar

[Rival]

I've been on a really good diet over Lent and even though I won't be sticking to it as I'm adding foods back in, one thing I want to keep is staying away from refined sugars as much as possible.

I'm on a very meagre student budget and have only standard UK shops to go to. I'm already looking for products with reduced sugar, such as ketchup and other stuff, but have any of you any tips for avoiding needless added sugars?

I'm also finding the traffic light system on foods very helpful.

 

[Vinayaka]

I've been on a really good diet over Lent and even though I won't be sticking to it as I'm adding foods back in, one thing I want to keep is staying away from refined sugars as much as possible.

I'm on a very meagre student budget and have only standard UK shops to go to. I'm already looking for products with reduced sugar, such as ketchup and other stuff, but have any of you any tips for avoiding needless added sugars?

I'm also finding the traffic light system on foods very helpful.

Read the ingredients ... carefully. They try to hide it. In our Canadian ketchup, sugar is #2 ingredient. I use salsa instead. Not only does it have less sugar, but it tastes better.

 

[Rival]

Read the ingredients ... carefully. They try to hide it. In our Canadian ketchup, sugar is #2 ingredient. I use salsa instead. Not only does it have less sugar, but it tastes better.

Do you have the traffic light system?

We know how much sugar is in most products at a glance.

 

[Vinayaka]

Do you have the traffic light system?

We know how much sugar is in most products at a glance.

No we don't. I wish we did. Countries do vary in both quantities and labeling. Here's a scary image. 'Powerful Visual' Shows How Much Sugar Is in Heinz Ketchup?

 

[Rival]

No we don't. I wish we did. Countries do vary in both quantities and labeling. Here's a scary image. 'Powerful Visual' Shows How Much Sugar Is in Heinz Ketchup?

Indeed; I've been using low sugar ketchup for a while now.

Taste is very different, you can definitely tell.

 

[Eddi]

You can buy a plate divided into different sections by lines

In one section goes carbs

In another greens

In the other meat

It helps you have a more balanced diet

 

[Secret Chief]

In reducing sugar, be aware of increases in sweeteners maybe? Sorbitol, xylitol and erythritol can have laxative effects. (And xylitol is toxic to dogs, and possibly cats).

 

[Eddi]

In reducing sugar, be aware of increases in sweeteners maybe? Sorbitol, xylitol and erythritol can have laxative effects. (And xylitol is toxic to dogs, and possibly cats).

I used to consume tons of artificial sugars but apparently too many can give you cancer

 

[Secret Chief]

You can buy a plate divided into different sections by lines

In one section goes carbs

In another greens

In the other meat

It helps you have a more balanced diet

Well... one doesn't need meat...

 

[Secret Chief]

I used to consume tons of artificial sugars but apparently too many can give you cancer

"There is no convincing evidence that artificial sweeteners such as aspartame cause cancer." - Cancer Research UK

- Do artificial sweeteners cause cancer?

 

[Vinayaka]

"There is no convincing evidence that artificial sweeteners such as aspartame cause cancer." - Cancer Research UK

- Do artificial sweeteners cause cancer?

Which brings up that other vast topic ... the politics of food. There are some very powerful lobby groups out there, and I'll leave it at that.

 

[Secret Chief]

Which brings up that other vast topic ... the politics of food. There are some very powerful lobby groups out there, and I'll leave it at that.

O do tell.

 

[Vinayaka]

O do tell.

One example, and there are many more ... The Politics Of Meat | Modern Meat | FRONTLINE | PBS

 

[Secret Chief]

One example, and there are many more ... The Politics Of Meat | Modern Meat | FRONTLINE | PBS

Oh right. I thought you meant in regard to artificial sweeteners. As a veggie, I know well of the meat industry efforts in persuasion.

 

[Rival]

Can we please not.

This thread is about refined sugar.

 

[crossfire]

You can make date syrup to use as a sweetener. It will keep about 3 weeks in the refrigerator. You can add a bit of it to your sugar-free ketchup (or whatever else) at the time of use. You can use the leftover date pulp as a filling for cinnamon or chocolate rolls, on pancakes or waffles, or in many baked goods.

Date butterscotch is really tasty! (especially over brownies made with the leftover date pulp!)