By: Natalie Logan, R.D., L.D., Fresh ‘N Fit Cuisine
Did you know that sugar is slowly killing us one bite, one drink at a time? Just as a drug or caffeine addict– sugar is just as addictive and we consume it daily in our food and drinks. The food companies do a great job hiding it in a lot of foods such as canned goods, cereals, bread, sauces and even peanut butter.
Unfortunately, sugar is disguised in tricky language that makes it challenging for the consumer to understand. For example, on the label you’ll see words such as fructose, corn syrup, dextrose, glucose and maltose. Even the “healthy” granola bars such as a Clif Bar has 21g of sugar or 5 teaspoons. Compare that to a glazed doughnut which has 14g of sugar or 3 teaspoons. Yikes! You’d be better off getting the doughnut.
Wanting a little caffeine jolt in the afternoon and you stop to grab a 16oz Starbucks Frappuccino? That would give you 44g of sugar or 10 teaspoons – that’s equal to 3 doughnuts! Whoa! If you do this more often than not you’re asking for blood sugar issues, cardiovascular problems, brain fog, weight gain and so much more!
The USDA recommends we limit our sugar intake to no more than 10 teaspoons per day, yet most Americans eat about 30 teaspoons per day—that’s three times the liberal
recommended daily value! Here are some things to keep in mind next time you grab a yogurt, cookie, drink or granola bar:
- Sugar can suppress the immune system
- Sugar interferes with absorption of vitamins and minerals
- Sugar can weaken your eyesight
- Sugar can cause blood sugar issues
- Sugar can cause skin issues such as acne
- Sugar contributes to weight gain
- Sugar can cause arthritis and other joint issues
- Sugar can cause heart and lung issues
- Sugar can weaken your bones
- Sugar can increase your bad cholesterol
- Sugar can lead to both prostate and ovarian cancer
- Sugar can contribute to Type 2 diabetes
- Sugar can cause cardiovascular disease
- Sugar can age you by changing the structure of collagen in your skin
- Sugar can elevate your triglycerides
- Sugar can make you retain water
- Sugar can cause headaches, brain fog and memory issues
- Sugar can cause depression among other emotional issues
- Sugar can contribute to memory loss
- Sugar can lead to Alzheimer’s disease
Removing sugar from your body will change your life from the inside out! Take the first step towards being your best with the most convenient and delicious way to meet your nutrition goals- without the guesswork.