Sugar Busters! Cut Sugar to Trim Fat.
Steward, L., Bethea, M., Andrews, S., Balart, L., New York: Ballantine Books, 1998

Authors Background:

One author is a corporate CEO who lost twenty pounds while following the prescribed Sugar Busters diet plan. The remaining three are medical doctors, each of whom specializes in cardiovascular surgery, endocrinology and gastroentrology. However, none have received any formal nutrition education.

Diet Claim:

Refined sugar (e.g. sucrose, maltose, dextrose and even some fructose) is "toxic" to the body because it spikes insulin levels which leads to the following effects:
1. Insulin resistance ? inhibits the breakdown of body fat.
2. High blood sugar levels ? more cravings for sugary foods ? high caloric intake ? weight gain.
3. Increased cholesterol production in the liver.

High glycemic index foods (examples: potatoes, corn, white rice, bread, carrots and beets) also contribute to insulin resistance. Increase dietary protein intake ? ? glucagon release ? mobilization of body fat for energy. Fruits should not be eaten in combination with meat dishes. Caloric restriction does not result in permanent weight loss.

Foods Allowed:

Lean beef, pork, chicken, turkey, wild game; non-starchy vegetables (except carrots), most fruits (except bananas), low or reduced fat dairy products without added sugar, whole grains, nuts, chocolate, garlic and artificial sweeteners.

Foods Restricted:

White bread, rice or pasta; sugary cereals, corn & popcorn, carrots, beets and all refined sugar (especially that found in sweets and baked goods).

Sample Menu*:

Breakfast:
1 large orange
Hot oatmeal (made with water, no added sugar or margarine)
Coffee

Lunch:
Sandwich-
   2 ounces deli turkey breast
   1 slice regular Swiss cheese
   2 slices rye bread
   1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
   .5 tablespoon light mayo
   1 leaf lettuce
   2 slices tomato
Diet Soda

Snack:
12 grapes

Dinner:
Spaghetti:
   3 ounces 85% lean ground beef
   1 cup no added sugar spaghetti sauce
   1 cup whole wheat pasta 
1 cup steamed yellow and green zucchini
Salad:
   2 cups Romaine lettuce
   1/2 cup snow peas
   2 tablespoons pine nuts
   2 tablespoons regular oil and vinegar dressing
1 cup sugar-free, nonfat frozen yogurt
Water

*Since menu portions are not specified, nutrition analysis is based
on typical amounts consumed on a weight loss program.

Nutrition Analysis of Sample Menu:*

Calories:		1698
Protein:		80 g	19% calories
Total fat:	73.1 g	37% calories
Carbohydrate:	96.9 g	43% calories

Saturated fat:	18.3 g
Cholesterol:	128.5 mg 
Sodium:		3405 mg
Fiber:		31.6 g

*Menu items were imputed into NDS 2.93 data base for analysis.

• Low in vitamin D, vitamin E, calcium and iron.
• Eliminates many carbohydrate foods including some fruits. Long-term compliance to avoiding fruits, baked goods and sweets is difficult for many.
• Offers many protein sources that are high in dietary cholesterol and saturated fat.
• Diet is lacking in phytochemicals derived from carbohydrate-rich plant foods.
• Difficult program to follow long-term for those who enjoy eating sweets, breads, fruits or other carbohydrate-containing foods

Authors do not outline the rate of expected weight loss for those using this diet plan. Instead, authors state that unsuccessful weight loss is often due to eating too many "legal" carbohydrates such as whole wheat pasta.

Potential Health Problems:

Insufficient intake of vitamin D and calcium may contribute to development of osteoporosis. High intake of dietary cholesterol and saturated fat can increase risk of heart disease. Iron-deficiency anemia may develop for pre-menopausal women.