Sugar Busters is a diet that emphasizes low-carbohydrate eating. It does this by eliminating foods that contain refined carbohydrates such as refined sugar, white flour, and white rice. It also eliminates foods that are naturally high on the glycemic index such as potatoes, corn, beets, and carrots. The diet's proponents maintain that it lowers your cholesterol and helps to treat diabetes and other diseases. These claims have not been medically proven. The diet originated in New Orleans in 1998, and was the brainchild of businessman H. Leighton Steward, who credited the principles underlying the diet with his weight loss, and reduction in cholesterol levels. He joined with three physicians — Morrison C. Bethea, MD, a cardiothoracic surgeon, Samuel S. Andrews, MD, an endocrinologist, and Luis A. Balart, MD, a gastroenterologist — to publish the diet as Sugar Busters! The authors describe the science behind the diet by explaining that foods high in carbohydrates raise the level of glucose in the blood. This causes the pancreas to release more insulin. They maintain that the excess insulin causes the body to store fat, and increases the amount of cholesterol produced by the liver. Other experts have said that this oversimplifies the process, and that the Sugar Busters Diet cannot deliver on all its claims — particularly that following the diet can prevent the development of Diabetes.

1. Baked Beans
2. Carrots
3. Corn
4. Ripe bananas
5. Raisins
6. White bread
7. White pasta
8. White rice
9. Potatoes
10. Beer
11. Bacon
12. Fried chicken
13. Most processed meats
14. Watermelon

1. Lean meats
2. Fish and shellfish
3. Legumes
4. Most vegetables
5. Most fruits
6. Whole grains

The content in this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult your doctor for more information on Sugar Busters.