4 Simple Ways to Cut Sugar Out of Your Diet
By Sandy Schroeder
Most of us know a lot about fats, and often assume weight might never be an issue if we could just kick all of those saturated fats, like french fries, to the curb. At the same time, we may be missing the damage that sugar repeatedly does to our diet and our weight. A great example of this is the low-fat cup of yogurt that is heavily laced with sugared fruit.
The New York Times columnist David Leonhardt says, “Simple carbohydrates, particularly sugar, are the real culprits in the modern diet, and are the driving forces behind the diabetes and obesity epidemics.”
Leonhardt recommends four easy ways to reduce sugar.
Take a Close Look at Breakfast
Many boxed cereals marketed as healthy are loaded with sugar. Check ingredients first and stick with whole grain oats or granola. Or opt for a high protein omelet loaded with veggies and a slice of whole grain bread. Check the labels for sugar on all yogurts and juices.
Put Down that Bottle of Soda
A 16-ounce bottle of cola delivers a hefty 52-gram dose of sugar. Bottled teas with sugar fall into the same category. Brew your own teas or buy sugar-free. Switching to healthy waters and natural vegetable and fruit juices that are sugar-free could lower your daily calorie and sugar intake dramatically.
Brush Up on Your Sugar Readings
Make it a monthly goal to reduce sugar by noting the amount of sugar in every product that you buy, choosing the lowest amounts wherever possible. At the same time be aware of all of the sugar terms like fructose, corn syrup, saccharose, agave nectar, evaporated cane juice and dextrose.
Know What Happens to Sauces
Many unsuspecting souls load up their burgers with a lot of sweeteners when they use catsup. Make it a habit to scan the labels on canned tomato sauces, catsups, and soups. Dijon and yellow mustards, low sugar marinara sauces, and some jarred mayonnaises make great substitutes.
Practice Makes Perfect
While you are scanning all of the labels and hiding the sugar bowl, you may notice your taste for sugar will gradually go down as you reduce your intake. Later that piece of apple pie may taste entirely too sugary. When that happens look for natural fruit recipes or reach for a piece of fresh fruit instead.
As your sugar reduction continues, you may be pleasantly surprised to see those extra pounds disappear, too.
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