People who pay no attention to the amount of sugar they consume are at high risk of health problems such as weight gain and obesity, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
You just might be one of those people.
Sweetened beverages are a big culprit. Americans consume an average of more than 17 teaspoons of sugar (about 290 calories) a day from added sugars. This is far more than recommended by the American Heart Association:
* Men: should take in no more than 9 teaspoons (36 grams or 150 calories) of added sugar per day.
* Women: no more than 6 teaspoons (25 grams or 100 calories) per day.
Many people want to lose weight. Few can go without sugar. Why? …because sugar consumption is an addiction. As a nation we are hooked on sugar. Our parents were addicted too. As in many addictions, the addict may not even be aware that they have a problem.
Here’s an excellent article on sugar addiction if you’re interested in learning more.
Victoria and I are very careful about sugar consumption. We stay away from foods that are obvious sugar culprits, and we are using a plant-derived sweetener called Stevia when we want to sweeten a beverage. Warning: Artificial sweeteners are not the answer and may be worse than sugar. Here’s the low-down on artificial sweeteners and other sugar substitutes.
Hope you are inspired to look at your sugar consumption. Here’s to a happier, healthier life.
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