Registered dietitian Rachel Stahl, MS, CDN, an NYC-based certified diabetes educator, pointed out that sugar can come from many sources. Aside from the sugar you bake with or added sugars in processed foods and beverages, there are also natural sweeteners, like coconut sugar, maple syrup, honey, and agave. Is one better than the other?
"Whether it's granulated white sugar, high fructose corn syrup, or something that sounds fancier, such as beet juice concentrate or raw sugar, these are all added sugars," Stahl explained.
Many people think these natural sweeteners are healthier choices, but when it comes to weight loss, Stephanie Ferrari, MS, RDN, president of Fresh Communications, said, "They are all pretty much the same calories. If you're looking to lose weight, your best bet is to reduce sugar overall."