It used to be fat not so long ago, as I’m sure you’ll remember. Indeed, sometimes the misinformation regarding fat remains, just to add further confusion to the issue.

So let’s set the record straight.

Fat does not make you fat, unless of course it is of the processed variety and consumed in quantities outside the realms of a healthy balanced diet. And guess what!! Exactly the same principles apply to the consumption of sugar.

There is no doubt at all that sugar, processed sugar, is the main contributor to being overweight or obese. It is also the leading cause of Type 2 diabetes and Heart Disease.

Sugar has been shown to disrupt gut microflora (your good bowel bugs) leading to conditions such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), or even just excessive wind.

Cancer cells have been shown to have a desire for sugar also, so less of the sweet stuff is a healthy choice in this regard too.

However, there needs to be more clarity provided here.

Sugars, natural sugars found in things like fruit and vegetables, are a vital component of a healthy diet. Not only do these natural sugars provide the energy we need to function, they’re delivered in perfect packages alongside the vitamins, minerals and antioxidants needed to utilize the energy being provided, as well as providing for other vital functions. There’s no coincidence these foods also contain the necessary fibre for good digestion and a properly functioning bowel.

You can see two problems have the potential of emerging here. One, a large number of the population are consuming too much processed sugar in packaged and processed foods and drinks. That’s the ‘bad’ sugar.

Secondly, because of misunderstanding and misinformation, many people endeavoring to get healthy and undo wrongs of the past, are unnecessarily, and to their detriment, avoiding the kinds of sugars we are meant to eat.

Indeed, both practices will lead to nutrient deficiencies.

Firstly, processed foods are largely devoid of valuable nutrients (despite what they may claim on the box) and in an attempt by the body to utilise these ‘foods’, nutrients are robbed from elsewhere.

Conversely, if someone is avoiding perfectly natural and healthy foods due to a fear of their perceived sugar content, several key elements of balanced nutritional intake may be missing.

Compared to just a few decades ago there is now an amazing amount of nutritional information right at our fingertips. Some of it is good and true, although often the ‘facts’ are distorted, and quite frankly nonsense.

Several fads of recent times encouraged people to avoid fruit, legumes and grains. Many people who wholeheartedly embraced this advice, with good intention, became lethargic, weak, constipated and often depressed.

We do not need to avoid these things. They are all part of a balanced diet and as mentioned above, very important in providing the nutritional balance we need.

Fruit will not make you fat, so enjoy it. Neither will nuts, legumes, breads, pasta, rice, even the occasional piece of cake or chocolate, providing the quality is top notch and the quantity appropriate to your requirements. In other words, all ingredients as close to Mother Nature as possible and in sensible amounts.

Avoid all packaged and processed foods and drinks as much as you possibly can and you naturally avoid all that added, hidden sugar. As well you’ll be avoiding added salt, and artificial colours and flavours.

Balance your meals and snacks with a combination of healthy carbohydrates, protein and fat. Alongside daily exercise and a good night’s sleep, you’ve developed then a recipe for good health.

Even when you feel like a treat, remember, it’s perfectly natural. Just make sure the ingredients in whatever you choose are perfectly natural too! It’s as simple as that.