Sugar in Our Diet

Sugar often has a bad reputation, but its role in the body is actually simple: it provides energy.

Glucose (from sugar and carbohydrates) is:

• The main fuel for the brain
• A quick energy source for muscles
• Useful during physical effort

So in that sense, sugar is not “bad”—it is part of how our body functions.

However, most people today consume more added sugar than needed. The issue is not natural sugars found in fruits or dairy, but excess sugar from processed foods, sweets, and drinks.

As a side note, I am currently working on a new cookbook focused on baking and desserts (Vivian Is Baking). It’s a reminder that sweets absolutely belong in our lives—but as moments of pleasure, best enjoyed in moderation within a balanced diet.

🍯 Examples of “good” or natural sugars

These are sugars naturally present in whole foods and come with fiber, vitamins, or nutrients:

• Fresh fruits (apples, berries, oranges, bananas)
• Plain yogurt and milk (lactose)
• Small amounts in vegetables (like carrots or beets)
• Natural sweeteners used in moderation, such as honey or maple syrup
• Check my recipe of Overnight Oats for example

🍬 Simple takeaway

• Sugar = useful energy

• Added sugar = limit most of the time

• Natural foods already provide enough for daily needs

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💡 Balance over restriction

Rather than eliminating sugar completely, the goal is:

• Moderation

• Awareness

• Choosing whole, quality foods most of the time

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Sugar is not the enemy—excess is. A balanced Mediterranean-style diet naturally helps keep things in check 🤍