Have you ever tried to calculate how much sugar you consume in a day? It may shock you! It’s no secret that Americans are addicted to sugar. The average American consumes around 150 pounds of sugar each year! This is not good news for our health. Too much sugar can lead to obesity, diabetes, and a host of other health problems. If you’re looking for ways to cut sugar from your diet, you’ve come to the right place. This article will discuss some tips for doing just that.
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Read Labels
One of the best ways to cut sugar from your diet is reading labels. You’d be surprised how many “healthy” foods have tons of sugar. When you’re at the grocery store, take some time to read the labels on the food you’re buying. Pay attention to the amount of sugar in a product and the type of sugar. Some sugars are worse for you than others. For example, high fructose corn syrup is one of the worst types of sugar to consume. You should find other natural forms of sweeteners such as honey, agave nectar, and molasses.
Avoid Processed Foods
Processed foods are often loaded with sugar, and avoiding them can help you keep your sugar intake down. Instead, focus on eating whole, unprocessed foods like fruits, vegetables, and lean protein sources. These foods will give you the nutrients you need without the added sugar.
If you find it hard to give up processed foods completely, try gradually phasing them out of your diet. Start by cutting back on the amount you eat each day, and then switch to healthier alternatives. Over time, you’ll develop a taste for whole foods and won’t miss the processed ones at all.
Avoid Drinking Soda
One of the simplest ways to cut sugar from your diet is to avoid drinking soda. A single can of soda contains about 40 grams of sugar, which is more than the recommended amount for an entire day. If you drink a can of soda every day, you’re consuming over 14 pounds of sugar each year. Instead, try drinking water or unsweetened tea.
If you’re looking for a refreshing drink, try mixing water with fruit juice or sparkling water. If you find yourself craving soda when trying to switch to healthier alternatives, try gradually reducing the amount of soda you drink each day until you’re only drinking water or tea.
Purchase Unsweetened Versions
Purchasing unsweetened versions of foods and drinks can go a long way when trying to cut out sugar. Often, we don’t even realize how much sugar is in the foods and beverages we consume daily. Many foods and drinks will have unsweetened counterparts, such as almond milk, yogurt, granola bars, and even ketchup! Simply by reading labels and choosing unsweetened options, you can drastically cut the amount of sugar in your diet.
Cook Meals From Scratch
Cooking from scratch is not only a great way to cut sugar from your diet, but it is also a great way to save money. When you cook meals from scratch, you have complete control over what goes into your food and how much sugar you use. Cooking from scratch also allows you to make healthier choices regarding the ingredients you use. For example, you can use whole grain flour instead of white flour in your recipes. You can also use fresh fruits and vegetables instead of processed foods that are high in sugar.
Keep Plenty Of Fresh Fruit Around
Fresh fruit is not only a healthy and nutritious snack, but it can also help satisfy your sweet tooth without all of the added sugar. Make sure to stock up on fresh fruit when you go grocery shopping, and try to keep a variety of different fruits on hand. This way, you’ll always have something to reach for when you’re craving a sweet treat.
If you’re struggling to cut sugar from your diet, try incorporating some fresh fruit into your meals. For example, add sliced strawberries to your oatmeal in the morning or top off your salad with diced pineapple at lunchtime. By adding fresh fruit to your meals, you’ll be able to satisfy your sweet tooth without resorting to sugary snacks.
Conclusion
Sugar is a sneaky substance. It’s in so many foods we eat, and it can be hard to cut out entirely. However, there are ways to reduce the amount of sugar you consume without making drastic changes to your diet or lifestyle. So if you’re looking for a way to get started on a healthier diet, try implementing these tips! Each of these tips is easy to follow and will help you reduce the amount of sugar you consume each day.
