The Sweet Truth

Did you know the average American consumes about 150 pounds of sugar each year? That’s three pounds per week! It’s also equivalent to 640 empty calories a day which would take a 175 pound person a six mile run to burn off!

You may be thinking there is no way I eat that much sugar, but before you count yourself out, consider the fact sugar is hidden in many foods you may not even consider sweet. From breads and pasta sauces, to salad dressings and peanut butter, it can really add up and contribute to weight gain, obesity, diabetes, and a weakened immune system.

It’s important to read food labels to keep track of your sugar intake and make healthy food choices. The government recommends we limit added sugar to no more than fifty grams per day for a 2,000-calorie diet. That’s 200 calories or less daily and keep in mind that is a maximum recommendation, in this case less is more.

In addition to reading your food labels and tracking sugar intake, it’s also important to consider the quality of the foods you choose. For example, starting your day with lean protein and fiber such as eggs and whole grain toast or oatmeal made with water and whey protein is not only a low sugar option but can also help curb sugar cravings and boost your energy.

Similarly, swapping starchy snacks that offer little satiety, such as pretzels or chips, for protein and nutrient rich foods like low fat Greek yogurt or cottage cheese, will fill you up for less calories and provide important nutrients. When it comes to sugar, it’s important to not only consider the nutrient quality of the food, but also the total amount of sugar a food contains to keep yourself healthy and feeling your best!

Author:
Sarah Mattison Berndt, MS, RD, CD
Owner Fit Fresh Cuisine & Hybrid Athletic Club
www.fitfreshcuisine.com
www.hybridathleticclub.com

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Source: Complete Nutrition