The Sugar Busters diet is based on the premise that excessive sugar intake is the main cause of many medical problems as well as weight issues. The details are included in the 1998 book "Sugar Busters! Cut Sugar to Trim Fat," by H. Leighton Steward, the chief executive officer of a Fortune 500 energy company, along with three medical doctors.
Effects
Consuming too much sugar causes the body to produce excessive insulin, which converts sugar into fat and creates unnecessary stores of fat. Sugar is responsible for the creation of more fat in the body than dietary fat is, as noted by the authors of the Sugar Busters diet. Excessive sugar consumption and being overweight also can lead to heart disease and type 2 diabetes.
Foods to Avoid
The sugar-busting diet prohibits eating any foods containing refined sugar, including the ingredients corn syrup, molasses, honey, dextrose, glucose, maltodextrin and any other sugars, according to the Every Diet website. Many carbohydrates also are not acceptable because they are high on the glycemic index, including refined flour products, white pasta, white rice, potatoes, corn and carrots. You also should restrict intake of saturated and trans fats.
Foods to Include
The diet provides approximately 40 percent fat, 30 percent protein and 30 to 40 percent carbohydrates, according to Every Diet. You may eat lean meat and low-fat or no-fat dairy products. The only carbohydrates included are whole grains such as brown rice and oats, high-fiber vegetables and some fruits. The instructions also encourage drinking plenty of water.
Features
The authors of "Sugar Busters!" consider skipping meals to be a bad idea. This diet requires eating three meals a day and having snacks in between, according to Diets in Review. Although the foods included are healthy, you still must eat reasonably sized portions and avoid eating too close to bedtime.
Considerations
The Sugar Busters diet is likely to cause weight loss, resulting from a reduced calorie intake after eliminating refined foods, observes Every Diet. The average calorie intake per day on this diet is about 1,200. However, some prohibited foods are high on the glycemic index but not a significant source of calories, such as carrots. Although the diet may be effective, many people will find the food choices too restrictive.
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