DEAR Dr. Fritz,
Good day to you. I am Nick and I am diabetic. I have been trying to stay fit and healthy by trying to get away from carbohydrates, especially at this season of the year - where temptations are in every party. The truth is my foods are even "sugar-free." But, I have heard that these sugar-free foods are really not healthy at all. But, choosing sugar-free foods is healthy, right? So, what is really true? Are there so called good habits that are really not good at all? I am really confused at this point.
Your help will be greatly appreciated. Thank you.
Nick, the Diabetic
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Dear Nick, the Diabetic,
I know that you are quite confused on distinguishing what is healthy and what is not. Who wouldn't be? - especially in our world today where social media is on its highest spark, anyone can post some news which are devastatingly not really true at all - which most of us could get on the trap.
I just want you to remember this that when you deal with diabetes, it is not just about taking medicine, but also choosing the better food and a healthy lifestyle. I am actually commending your effort to manage your diabetes well. But unfortunately, I think you are just one of those millions who are caught in the trap on believing of what is not necessarily true.
You are talking about healthy habits. Now, let me zoom in to these healthy habits which you may thought is good and helping you. But, the truth is, you are actually trudging in the Valley of Danger Zone because these habits you thought are healthy are really harming you and the nasty part is, YOU DON'T KNOW IT!
1. Choosing "sugar-free" foods
You are soooo into this. I can't blame you. Someone needs to sell their products and earn millions. They are a lot out there in the grocery shelves. You just want them because you will be lured with their sweet promises telling you that they don't have the added sugar that you are afraid of. But, mind you, Nick, there are many sugar substitutes that do have carbs. This only tells you that there is great potential that your blood sugar level will go up, up and up in the sky.
So, what's the key? Before you choose the product, try to read the label. Check the nutrition facts. Now, if the grams of carbs are really that high, then, put that back into the shelf.
Oh, oh, I would have wanted to talk more, but, since we are running of space for now, so, let me then, continue this in my next issue. Until then!
Dr. Fritz
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(Dr. Fritz Legarde Espedilla is an aesthetic dermatologist and surgeon and a clinical sexologist. She is also trained in hypnotherapy and Medical Acupuncture. She has been in the broadcast media for more than a decade and has written a book based on her 15 year stint with her radio program, "Healthy is Sexy Secrets ni Dr. Fritz." She is also a faculty in a College of Pharmacy. For your questions, you may send them to Dear Dr. Fritz, c/o SunStar-Davao Publishing Inc., Ebro-Pelayo Building, Jacinto St., Davao City, (former Department of Foreign Affairs office), across Ateneo de Davao University and beside Holy Child School of Davao, or you e-mail them to dokfritz@yahoo.com. If you don't wish your letter to be published, we regret that we cannot answer them. Thank you for your understanding.)