It goes without saying that sugar is one of the hardest things to resist. Unfortunately, though one needs sugar to survive, too much of it can be detrimental towards your health.
According to research, sugars are a type of simple carbohydrate that occur naturally in some foods and drinks. They are also an additive in certain foods and drinks. Consuming too much sugar can lead to health problems, such as increasing the risk of weight gain, diabetes, tooth cavities, and more.
It is however important to note that sugar is important for our bodies, however the right amount of sugar. The danger occurs when manufacturers add sugar to foods such as cereals and cake and some drinks. It is these added sugars, or free sugars, that cause health problems and a lot of people are not aware of what foods actually contain added sugar.
Healthline suggest the following tips to cut down on sugar:
- Cut down on sugary drinks, this includes sodas, energy drinks and even fruit juices. According to research, cranberry juice contains more than seven teaspoons of sugar. Reducing your intake of sugary drinks can help with weight loss and overall health.
- Avoid sugary desserts, this includes cakes, donuts, ice cream and pies. Most desserts don’t provide much nutritional value. They are loaded with sugar, which causes blood sugar spikes that can leave you feeling tired and hungry and make you crave more sugar. If you have a sweetooth, try gravitating towards fruits or dark chocolate.
- Avoid sauces with added sugar, this includes ketchup, barbecue sauce, spaghetti sauce, and sweet chili sauce. Everyone loves food with a good sauce. However, most people do not know these contain added sugar.
- Eat more full fats foods. According to research, though many may know low fat products to be a healthier alternative, they usually contain more sugar and sometimes more calories than their full-fat counterparts.
- Limit sugary breakfast options. This includes some of your favourite cereals, pancakes, waffles, muffins, and jams. Instead, choose a low sugar option with plenty of protein and fiber at breakfast which will also help you feel full until lunchtime, preventing unnecessary snacking.
