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  • Q&A with Australian Health Practitioners

    Should I be avoiding sugars in food?

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  • 1

    Agree

    The Glycemic Index Foundation (GIF) is a not-for-profit company supported by The University of Sydney and JDRF (Australia). GIF is committed to providing Australians with … View Profile

    You should avoid excessive energy intake (kilojoules) from foods and drinks containing highly refined sugars (and starches). When making food choices, you should consider more than the sugar content. It is more important to consider the total amount of carbohydrate and its GI rating and the overall nutritional quality of a food including the amount of kilojoules, fat, saturated fat, sodium (salt) and fibre.

  • 1

    Agree

    Chris Fonda

    Dietitian, Nutritionist, Sports Dietitian

    As an Accredited Sports Dietitian, APD and athlete (springboard diver), Chris has both professional and personal experience in sport at the sub-elite and elite level.Chris … View Profile

    It depends on what you are referring to as “sugar”? You should definately be avoiding highly refined sugars or “added sugars” in foods such as soft drinks, cakes, biscuits, confectionary, some dairy yoghurts and flavoured milks, cordials, energy drinks etc.

    Natural sugars found in foods such as fruit, dairy, and whole-grain breads and cereals shouldn't be avoided as they contain valuable vitamins and minerals your body needs for optimal functioning. As the Glycemic Index Foundation has aptly mentioned, you need to consider a foods overall nutritional quality and not just focus on a single nutrient such as sugar.

    For more expert advice, I recommend you visit your local Accredited Practising Dietitian (APD). You can find an APD by logging onto www.daa.asn.au and clicking on “find an Accredited Practising Dietitian” tab.

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