| Many patients included questions they have about the Sugar Busters
lifestyle in the comment section of our research survey. We have answered
many questions during Sugar Busters presentations, in media
interviews, and have also reviewed questions from our Web site so we
have an idea of what you want to know. We hope that we have answered
many of your questions in the text of this book, but include the
following most frequently asked questions.
Q. Is the Sugar Busters way of eating good for children?
A. Yes, Sugar Busters is based on consumption of low-glycemic carbohydrates,
lean and trimmed meats, high-fiber vegetables, whole
grains, and fruit. It includes avoidance of added sugar, high-fat,
over-processed foods, and fast foods. Adoption of this lifestyle will
help children maintain a normal weight and decrease the risk of
diabetes, hypertension, and vascular diseases later in life. Could
any other way of eating be healthier?
Q. Is there research on a low-glycemic carbohydrate diet in children?
A. Yes, Dr. David Ludwig at Children's Hospital in Boston studied
107 obese children during a four-month period. Children in the
study on the low-glycemic carbohydrate diet experienced a signifi-
cantly greater weight loss compared with those on the standard
reduced-fat diet.
Q. Doesn't the body need a certain amount of added sugar each day?
A. No. Any sugar needed by the body can come from ingested carbohydrates
such as fruits, beans, and wheat bread. The body does not
need added sugar.
Q. My child participates in sports, in particular, long-distance running. Does Sugar Busters provide all that is needed for vigorous activity?
A. Low-glycemic carbohydrates are excellent sources of energy for
athletes. During and immediately after a long-distance race, sports
drinks containing water, electrolytes, and low to moderate
amounts of sugar can be consumed to rapidly replenish the glycogen
utilized during strenuous activity.
Q. How can I get my child to eat vegetables?
A. Different textures appeal to different children. Raw vegetables appeal
to some children, while al dente (slightly firm) or well-cooked
vegetables may appeal to others. So offer lots of variety and vary
your presentation methods. Remember to continue to reintroduce
vegetables even if they are rejected. Use flavorful seasonings. Simple
preparation is healthier, but if all else fails serve vegetables
with small amounts of sauce made from stone-ground wheat flour,
low-fat milk, and low-fat cheeses. Have a variety of colorful fresh
vegetables stored in the refrigerator always ready as finger foods to
be served with low-fat, nutritious dips.
Q. Are artificial sweeteners safe for children?
A. After much research, there is no scientific evidence to indicate
that artificial sweeteners are harmful. However, some patients
have complained of headaches, muscle aches, and joint pains that
have resolved when they discontinued use of artificial sweeteners.
Yes, we consider them safe. Use them in moderation. Our recommendation
for children is a maximum of 2 diet drinks per day.
Q. Since fructose has a low-glycemic index, would high-fructose corn syrup be an acceptable sweetener?
A. No, because high-fructose corn syrup is 50% fructose and 50%
glucose, and that raises the glycemic index equal to sucrose or
table sugar.
Q. What can my child eat on special occasions and at birthday
parties?
A. We see no problem with occasional consumption of cake and ice
cream for special events. Desserts should not be eaten regularly.
Q. May I have fruit with meals?
A. Yes. Eating fruit with meals may cause indigestion or "heartburn"
for some people. However, if you do not have this problem, fruit
may be eaten with a meal.
Q. Can I use Splenda?
A. Splenda is an excellent sugar substitute with minimal caloric value
and no health hazard.
Q. Why are carrots not okay?
A. Carrots are a root vegetable with a high glycemic index of approximately
70. Beta-carotene, which is the pigment giving carrots
their color and which is important for Vitamin A synthesis, can be
obtained by eating sweet potatoes, squash, and broccoli, all lower
glycemic carbohydrates. Small amounts of carrots can be added to
soups, stews, salads, or crudités to garnish or add color.
|
