Whelehans Pharmacys Aisling Murray: Fat vs Sugar part 2
Healthy Eating with Aisling Murray from Whelehans Pharmacy
This is a continuation of last’s week’s article.
Low fat
Low fat products are very popular amongst consumers and claim to have fewer calories; however the gimmick of “low fat” is that fewer calories do not mean low in sugar or salt which is why reading labels is vital, low fat does not mean healthier. It is food companies trying to make us think their foods are healthy. Studies indicate that 10% of low fat foods contain as much if not more calories; this is because sugar and other additives which are included to improve taste (due to lost fat) are highly calorific. Having a low fat nutritional label can encourage people to over eat as they give themselves a false self of achievement.
Which is worse sugar or fat?
To conclude, both sugar and fat have their pros and cons in the body and are both needed in the correct quantities. The issue with sugar and fat occurs when they are combined in for example cheese cake or ice-cream. Our bodies (believe it or not) are not addicted to either sugar or fat; it’s the foods containing both that we crave so much like chocolate, doughnuts, buns, muffins, ice-cream etc. Studies have shown that we can consume huge quantities of these delicious treats as they trigger our reward system, our brain releases feel-good chemicals, such as the neurotransmitter dopamine and we interpret it as pleasure. The consumption of sugary, fatty foods rewards our bodies by feeling good; however it’s not good for our waste line.
Balance is the key
As always, I am going to revert to saying there is no replacement to a balanced diet. Between sugar and fat, neither one is worse for you; the biggest issue arises from the combination of both. Eating sugar in the form of fruit and fat in the form of good fats (eg. fish oils) can keep the balance just right. Try and keep treat food to a minimum and don’t avoid any food group unless you get help from a professional.
Whelehans Nutrition Service
Whelehans nutritional service is a private one to one advice service with our nutritionist Aisling Murray. Aisling’s areas of interest include weight loss management, nutrition education and food intolerance. Our nutrition service offers you the chance to change your life in a positive way by focusing on your overall wellbeing as well as the chance to follow up on your progress.
Aisling Murray has a Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and offers a one to one specialist nutrition service at Whelehans Pharmacy. Call Whelehans at 04493 34591 for an appointment. Aisling’s