How Vegans Should Control Sugar and Energy

Knowing this, there’s good logic in going straight to the source for our energy. The simplest carbohydrateCarbohydrates are the primary source of energy for the body as they can be broken down into glucose (sugar) more readily than either protein or… is glucose, which we call sugar, but there are actually lots of sugars. FructoseFructose is a simple sugar that occurs naturally in fruits, vegetables and their juices, as well as in honey…., the main sugar in fruit, can be converted into glucose in the liver. SucroseSucrose is commonly known as table sugar…. (as in white sugar) is a molecule of glucose attached to a molecule of fructose. Maltose (as found in malted bread) is two glucose molecules combined that rapidly break down into glucose, which is also called dextrose. All of these are simple sugars, found in plants, that give you energy.

These sugars, however, release that potential energy into your bloodstream at different speeds hence are described as either fast-releasing or slow-releasing. This is mainly dependent on how long it takes to turn them into glucose, which then enter the blood, which transports it to cells. This is important to know, because keeping a level blood sugar is essential for good health.

If we understand which foods are fast-releasing and which are slow-releasing, it gives us a benchmark to use to decide which carbohydrates are the best for us to eat on a regular basis for good health and to maintain a stable weight – and even for losing weight. I explain this in great detail in my book Optimum Nutrtion for Vegans as long as why I believe GL is the best measure.

It’s as much a concern for vegan diets as any other. If I eat too many carbs, especially fast-releasing carbs on their own, without proteinProteins are large molecules consisting of chains of amino acids. Proteins are essential nutrients for the human body – they are a building block of…, I’m going to have blood sugar highs and lows, and the lows will trigger hunger, so I’ll keep craving more carbs. If you keep feeling hungry, and craving carbs, you’re eating too many carbs, or the wrong kind, in the wrong combinations.

Optimum Nutrition for Vegans

If you are finding it challenging being a healthy vegan or are considering becoming vegan/more plant based but lack the confidence to take the leap, then try my new book Optimum Nutrition for Vegans published in December 2020 (Piatkus).

I explain how to get enough protein and brain fats, control your sugar and energy, ensure you maintain sufficient vitamin and mineral levels and other small steps that maintain a good overall health.

I also cover what to eat, and in what combination, to achieve the best of health with clear principles for how to get enough good quality protein by combining foods, slow release carbs and essential fats. Plus 100 delicious easy vegan recipes that will nourish your body and your brain.
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