Foods with a Surprising Amount of Sugar
By Sara Butler
Even if you don’t like to adhere to it, you know that excess sugar in your diet should be avoided at all costs. Too much sugar can have a detrimental impact on your overall health and wellness, but you may be getting more than you even realize. Some foods are easy to identify as high in sugar, but some aren’t so obvious. Here are some foods that masquerade as healthy, but are really packed with sugar.
Bran Muffins
You probably know that the double chocolate chip muffin is not your best breakfast choice, but what about bran muffins? Sorry to say that they’re a no-go too! Bran muffins give off an aura of being healthy – meaning many people think they’re low in calories and high in fiber, but they’re actually loaded with sugar. One average bran muffin has 39 grams of sugar per serving, and one muffin may have more than one serving in it! It’s always best to look at the label, even if you think the food sounds healthy, to see how much sugar is actually in it.
Protein Smoothies
After a good workout, there’s nothing like a healthy protein smoothie to recover with – right? Wrong! A protein smoothie may sound like a great choice, but it’s not always a low sugar option. Some smoothies have been found to have as many as 47 grams of sugar in a small glass. Sure, some of the sugar comes from fruit, but they’re also full of juices and added sugars from flavorings. You’re better off making your own at home so you can control what goes into it.
Flavored Kefir
Kefir is a drinkable yogurt that is full of active cultures of bacteria that are good for your gut, so it’s good for you right? Not so fast. When you buy flavored kefir off the shelf then you’re getting an additional 20 or so grams of sugar you may not have bargained for. Reach for plain kefir in the future that has no added sugar. You can always add frozen or fresh fruit at home to jazz it up.
Tomato Sauce
Tomatoes are great for you! They are loaded with Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and antioxidants, so tomato is a great option – as long as there’s no added sugar. Even tomato sauce that is advertised as low in sodium has added sugar, so make sure you check out the nutrition label for exactly how much you’re getting.
To learn more about your health and wellness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic.