How long should you stay on the Sugar Busters diet? Understanding the theory behind the weight loss plan can help you make a healthy decision.
The Sugar Busters weight loss plan was introduced in a series of best-selling books, written by a team of physicians. According to the authors, eating too many carbohydrates triggers extra insulin secretion in the body. Insulin helps the body store fat, so the authors claim that too much insulin secretion leads to obesity. In addition, the Sugar Busters books warn that extra insulin in the body can cause cravings for starchy, sugary foods.
Benefits
The Sugar Busters plan starts with simple, good advice–eat more vegetables and whole grains, and some kinds of fruits. Sugar Busters teaches dieters to add fiber and eat fewer sweet snacks and processed foods. The plan emphasizes avoiding starchy foods and cutting down on processed grains. Following these steps will improve most people’s eating habits and lead to weight loss.
Effects
The Sugar Busters books offers many examples of successful weight loss on the Sugar Busters diet. The authors urge followers to change their eating habits for life, not just for a short-term diet, which can lead to healthier lifestyles for people who follow the advice.
Considerations
According to the Physician’s Committee on Responsible Medicine, there is no evidence that excess insulin release causes obesity in healthy people. The authors of the Sugar Busters books agree, but state that the normal body process for releasing insulin no longer work in overweight people.
Other Views
Most experts, including the American Dietetic Association, say that individual food choices are not important in weight loss success. Overweight people benefit from exercise and eating less food.
Some critics state that recipes offered on Sugar Busters are high in fats and calories.
The American Dietetic Association, American Heart Association and American Kidney Fund have all warned about health risks posed by low carbohydrate diets. The American Heart Association found many popular low-carbohydrate diets increase risk for heart disease.
Time Frame
Most studies show that people on low carbohydrate diets lose weight in the short term. For example, research the University of Pennsylvania found that dieters lost weight during the first six months on a low-carbohydrate diet. Over the course of a year, however, their weight loss was no different from a group of people who ate a more balanced diet, but cut calories and exercised. According to the American Dietetic Association, almost any diet plan that cuts calories will result in some weight loss, but long-term good health depends as much on exercise and adopting low-fat, low-sodium eating habits.
Potential
The Sugar Busters diet plan has the potential to teach healthy eating habits and start an effective weight loss plan. Even if you follow the diet closely, you may find that you stop losing weight over time. A doctor may also advise you that the eating plan has raised your cholesterol level or poses other health concerns.
You can modify the diet by cutting some fatty foods and eating more carbohydrates, including fruits, vegetables and grains. Turn to exercise to help burn calories and lose more weight.
