Sweet but Deadly......Yes, I am talking about Sugar!

Too much added sugar in your diet can contribute to weight gain, obesity, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease. Some foods such as fruit and milk contain natural sugar.  Added sugars are sugars and syrups that are added to foods and drinks when they are processed or prepared. Added sugars have many different names, such as cane juice, corn syrup, dextrose, malt syrup, maltose, sucrose and fructose. Table sugar, maple syrup, and honey are also considered added sugars. Sugary foods and drinks are nearly everywhere.  We all know that birthday cake is going to contain some sugar.  It is the hidden sugars that are the problem. Hidden sugars are in whole foods, diet foods, packaged fruit, pre-made meals, drinks, salad dressings, sauces, and alcohol.

Resisting sugar can be trickly.  Food companies spend millions every year creating the sweet spot that gets us hooked.  You don’t lack willpower or self-discipline if you find yourself reaching for a second or third cookie.  In a world where sugar is every where, staying away can be a real challenge. 

To limit added sugars, try these tips:

• Drink water instead of sugary drinks. Add berries or slices of lime, lemon, or cucumber for more flavour.
• Add fruit to your cereal or yogurt for sweetness.
• Don’t stock up on sugary drinks and snacks. Instead, drink water and keep fruit, nuts and vegetable slices handy for snacks.

• At coffee shops, skip the flavoured syrups and whipped cream and get back to basics with black coffee.
• Read nutrition labels and choose foods with no or lower amounts of added sugars.
• If you are going to have a dessert, keep it small.

Did you know that one 12-ounce can of regular soda contain about 10 teaspoons of added sugar!!!