Everyday Systems

Maybe you don't need to hear this, but if you want to feel encouraged to keep to "No Sweets" or would like an extra virtuous glow, read this:

http://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/eati ... 48797&jb=0

I think there's a neater way to post that link, but I don't know how.

Thanks, Graham! I just read this article the other day, and it definitely stuck in my mind!

I was more influenced not long before I started No S reading (though I can't find the reference now) that the average sugar consumption in France was only about 15 lbs. a year. I think that stat isn't right, but it sure propelled me at the time. I'm glad now.

But I think your link resonates with a lot more people.

oolala53 wrote:I was more influenced not long before I started No S reading (though I can't find the reference now) that the average sugar consumption in France was only about 15 lbs. a year. I think that stat isn't right, but it sure propelled me at the time. I'm glad now.

This particular stat intrigued me, so I did a quick google search and came up with the following:

http://sugarontheweb.com/en/article/chi ... -in-France

which covers a bit of the history of sugar consumption in France. It seems the 15lbs. was true during the war years (WWI, WWII).

Currently, and I quote:

In order to understand the sugar consumption levels of individuals, it is preferable to use data from food surveys performed by INCA (Individual and National Food Consumption Survey) and CREDO (Research Centre for the Study and Observation of Living Conditions).These individual dietary surveys reveal that sucrose consumption was estimated at 25.5 kg per year per inhabitant in 2006, an average of 70 g per day. This sugar is consumed as table sugar and as sugar in sweetened products.

That figure seems to include the sweeteners in bought food as well (ie., ketchup or tomato sauce), not merely that bought and used at home.

Compare these stats for table sugar and sugar in sweetened products:

In France, people consume about 5 tablespoons (70g) of sugar per day (official recommendations are a maximum of 3.4 to 4 tbsp). (1)

In Spain, people consume about 8.5 tablespoons (120g) of sugar per day (official recommendations are a maximum of 4 tbsp). (2)

In the U.S., people consume a whopping 11 tablespoons (155g) of sugar per day (official recommendations are a maximum of 9.5 teaspoons or about 3 tbsp).

The above info I found here: http://www.anneshealthykitchen.com/how- ... o-you-eat/

This has been an interesting diversion....

And those are averages. Some people must be eating more and less.

In any case, sounds like less is better. Surprise! But it's not so depressing to face, since I don't feel sugar is my biggest problem anymore.

That was a great reminder for me, since sugar consumption is something I'm still working on. Thank you!