The Globe and Mail did a two-page spread in its Health section called Sugar Verdict, outlining the World Heath Organization’s new draft guidelines for no more than 10% of our daily calories to come from sugar.
Translation: If you drink a single can of pop a day, you’re consuming too much sugar.
Apology accepted.
In fact, a recent article by the CBC — Saturated fat alone doesn’t predict heart disease — discusses results from a new scientific review stating “there is no clear evidence supporting decades-old dietary guidelines to cut saturated fat intake to promote heart health.”
Could the government be considering changing their position on saturated fat, another twin villain alongside cholesterol in our beloved heart disease story?
The truth is, I’m very excited and supportive of the proposed directives on sugar, but I want to be crystal clear on one thing. Even if all sides miraculously came to a unanimous agreement about sugar’s role in our obesity and ill health epidemic, I’m not convinced it would change the eating habits of Canadians. At least not in the short term.
If we’re addicted to sugar, we’re addicted to sugar. Regardless of what the government’s guidelines tell us is an appropriate consumption level.
Government recommendations and policy change may work to some degree — especially by the time we feel it in our wallets! — but this process will take years, if not decades, to roll out. And in my opinion, as long as processed, sugary foods are available, people will find them regardless of price or convenience.
The bottom line: If you want to enjoy better health today, take full responsibility for your daily habits. Period.
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