GIVE ME SOME SUGAR, BABY

By Natasha Chernavska

Everyone wants a little dolce vita. Miami is the perfect place to make life sweeter — sunshine, good vibes, and yes, sweet treats. But while chasing that taste, there’s one thing we should be aware of: sugar.

White Death for a Reason

Sugar has earned a harsh nickname — and not without reason. It’s not just empty calories; it’s a substance that quietly harms our bodies over time. Excess sugar intake is linked to obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and chronic inflammation. These effects often sneak up on us because they aren’t immediate — we may not notice the damage until it’s already serious.

Is There Any Benefit to Eating Sugar?

You might think sugar fuels your brain — and that's partially true. But our bodies can produce glucose from fats through a process called *gluconeogenesis.

In fact, the brain is mostly made of fat, and healthy fats provide a more stable energy source.

You don’t need to consume sugar to think clearly or function well. It's more of a pleasure agent than a nutritional necessity.

Should We Eat Sugar at All — Maybe Just a Little?

Sugar sets off a hormonal response involving insulin, the hormone that regulates blood sugar. When you eat sugar, insulin helps your cells absorb glucose.

But if sugar keeps coming in frequently, your cells can become insulin resistant — a major factor in weight gain and diabetes.

Sugar also messes with hunger cues. It causes blood sugar spikes and crashes, which trigger cravings and mood swings. You feel a short burst of energy, followed by a crash. If you're generally healthy, the occasional treat is fine. But early signs of imbalance — like shakiness, irritability, or sugar cravings after meals — are worth paying attention to.

Kids are especially sensitive to these fluctuations. A sugary snack may seem like a quick fix, but it can make them more hyperactive, irritable, or difficult to calm down. That infamous “sugar rush” is very real.

Should We Go Sugar-Free? Watch Out for Tricks

Sugar hides under many names — maltose, corn syrup, dextrose, fructose, sucrose, glucose, high-fructose corn syrup, and more. Even products labeled “sugar-free” often contain artificial sweeteners or sugar alcohols that affect metabolism and digestion. Going sugar-free doesn’t always mean going impact-free.

What About Honey? That’s Natural, Right?

Honey might feel like a healthier option, but it’s mostly fructose — a sugar processed by the liver that’s easily stored as fat, especially when consumed on an empty stomach. In some cases, it can be more harmful than regular sugar.

So What Can You Do?

Explore dietary approaches like keto or Whole30. Keto emphasizes low carbs and high fats, shifting your energy source from sugar to fat — which can stabilize mood and energy. Whole30 helps reset your body’s response to sugar by eliminating added sugars and other irritants for 30 days.

Stevia is a low-glycemic sweetener that doesn’t raise blood sugar or insulin — making it a safer alternative. Avoid sweeteners like agave, which are often just sugar in disguise.

Ultimately, choose what works for you — but listen to your body’s signals. It's much easier to prevent insulin resistance than to treat it later. Mindful sugar intake means better mood, steadier energy, and a life that’s sweet in all the right ways.

 Upgreatly.com

CM CLUB MAGAZINE is the lifestyle publication associated with the CM Club.

CM Club Magazine is an integral part of the CM Club community, offering insights, inspiration, and connections for entrepreneurs, business professionals, influencers, and more.

The magazine reflects the spirit of the club—encouraging individuals to embrace their authentic selves and live life to the fullest.

Miami life is full of excitement, reinvention, and bold risk-taking, making it the perfect place for anyone looking to grow their networks and make meaningful connections through CM Club events.

Join CM Club and dive into a community where you can elevate your personal and professional life while staying inspired by the people and stories featured in CM Club Magazine.