Sugar...

there is a lot more to it, and particularly for some people (with insulin resistance for instance) than just calories in and out. Do look at the support for low carb thread and also low GI foods, as it is increasingly evident that carbs are a really important factor in weight gain- as carbs turn straight into sugar if not used up.

This is how alcoholics drinks like beer or whisky are made, adding carbs like barley to turn into sugar and alcohol. Bonne chance.

Thanks both, think I'll have to take the plunge... was it v difficult at first Anya?

If you eat a 500 cal piece of Victoria Sponge sandwich at a tea shop, have a lettuce sandwich for dinner.

That's true about 'refined' and other sugars being the same.

I think you mean sugars that you, or someone else adds to food? As opposed to sugars that exist naturally in fruit, vegetables, milk, etc?

If you take in less fuel (calories) than you burn, you will lose weight.

It's calories in general you have to cut down on. You don't have to give up sugar entirely.

Btw there no difference between "refined" sugar and any other sugars.

Yes, given it up almost completely and have lost weight, sleep better and have more energy.

I say almost as I will have a piece of birthday cake for example on those special occasions totally without guilt.