Sugar can be hard to spot in ingredient lists, with so many different names for the same ingredient.

It’s not uncommon for its presence to be indicated by a term other than “sugar”, and manufacturers use and abuse these incomprehensible synonyms to mislead consumers. This makes it very difficult to identify the presence of sugar in a product.

Sugar deregulates the hormonal systems that control satiety, leading people to eat more sugar. If cravings and sugar cravings corresponded to the time of premenstrual syndrome, this wouldn’t really be an issue.

Indeed, during this period of our cycle, a variation in estrogen and progesterone levels creates many changes within our body.

It’s essential to maintain hormonal balance throughout the cycle, to prevent premenstrual syndrome (PMS)from becoming too intense and disabling.

Did you know that insulin is the hormone responsible for regulating blood sugar levels? To prevent our blood sugar levels from becoming too high, insulin stores excess glucose in fat cells, which tend to be very present and resistant in the case of PCOS in particular.

Excess sugar gradually fattens the liver: hepatic steatosis (or fatty liver) is on the rise, already affecting 23% of Europeans and leading to cirrhosis.

So it’s a good idea to sort things out: 25 g or 6 teaspoons of sugar is the maximum recommended daily intake (not including milk and fresh fruit).

Find out more about sugar and its various constraints: True / False

Is brown sugar healthier than white sugar ?

Yes, because it’s unrefined, contains slightly more vitamins and minerals, and has a stronger taste, so you can use less (brown sugar, rapadura). However, the calorie count remains just as high.

Is there a better time to eat sugar ?

YES! If you really don’t want to create a blood sugar spike in the morning by drinking fruit juice or eating jam or pastries, the end of the afternoon (snack time) is the best time to allow yourself a small sugar snack, as the body is better able to metabolize it.

The sweeter a food, the higher its GI ?

The GI, or glycemic index, measures a food’s capacity to raise blood glucose levels. It depends not only on the sugar content, but also on the fiber, protein and fat content (e.g., fruit juice has a much higher GI than fruit, because fruit contains more fiber), and on the cooking method (avoid overcooking)!

For example, French fries will have a much higher GI than steamed potatoes eaten cold, which are also a source of resistant starch.

Are the worst sugars the hidden ones ?

Yes, and the bad news is that they’re found in almost all ultra-processed foods, including savoury products! (Delicatessen…) The best thing to do: opt for fresh produce and home-cook as much as possible. You can find our homemade, low-sugar and high-protein recipes in the recipe book section!

Are sweeteners a good alternative ?

No, they really aren’t!

1. The brain is fooled by the sweet taste, and if it doesn’t think it’s had enough, it will crave more.
2. Studies have recently shown that artificial sweeteners such as Acesulfame K and aspartame not only increase the risk of type 2 diabetes more than sweetened drinks (linked to microbiota disruption ), but also increase the risk of cancer… So stay away!

Alternatives to white sugar and sweeteners

• Honey: high sweetness and minerals, best = acacia honey with the lowest GI (35) Birch sugar: low GI (35) and sweetness identical to sugar, but can cause bloating.
• Agave syrup: high sweetness and low GI (19).
• Coconut sugar: pleasant caramelized taste, minerals and moderate GI (35): our favorite for baked goods!

How to cut down on sugar ?

• Gradually detoxify by opting for gourmet savoury dishes and avoid sugar at all costs at breakfast (protein EDP: egg, etc.).

• Halve the amount of sugar in recipes and choose the recommended sugar alternatives

• Twist our water or herbal teas with citrus zest, or choose sugar-free flavored drinks. Our product Infusion concentrée, with raspberry and blackcurrant leaves, Yarrow and Tarragon, is an infusion with multiple virtues.

• Plants such as saffron and griffonia help to prevent sugar cravings. You can also find these plants in one of our new products, Essentiels Sérénité, which is a dietary supplement to combat cravings and mental fatigue, and which also helps promote a healthy hormonal balance.