Added sugar in your food?

Does it feel like sugar is in everything these days? For me, my go to is to always looks at the label and see if it has added sugar on it or not. Sugar can creep in slowly in your meals especially if it’s not natural as in fruits. You might be thinking you’re eating healthy but that added sugar is a great way to derail your healthy eating plans.

What is Added Sugar? Added sugar refers to any form of sweetener that is added to food or beverages during processing or preparation. Unlike naturally occurring sugars found in fruits and dairy products, added sugar is not naturally present in the original food item. Common examples of added sugars include white sugar, brown sugar, high-fructose corn syrup, maple syrup, honey, and molasses. These sugars are often used to improve taste, texture, and shelf life of processed foods.

Here are a few tips to help you make informed choices:

1. Read Food Labels: Pay attention to ingredient lists and nutrition facts panels on food packaging. Added sugars can hide under different names, so look out for terms like sucrose, glucose, fructose, and corn syrup.
2. Choose Whole Foods: Opt for whole, unprocessed foods like fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. These foods provide natural sugars along with essential nutrients, fiber, and antioxidants.
3. Limit Sugary Beverages: Sugary drinks like soda, fruit juices, energy drinks, and sweetened teas are major sources of added sugar. Choose water, unsweetened beverages, or naturally flavored alternatives.
4. Practice Moderation: Enjoy sweets and desserts in moderation, as an occasional treat. Consider healthier alternatives like fresh fruit, yogurt, or homemade treats using natural sweeteners like dates or stevia.

The best way I monitor my added sugar is by reading the label. If I need to have sugar, I make sure it is via a product that has it inherently. This strategy works for me for now but what’s best for you, you probably should discuss with your doctor if needed.

Stay well!