’Tis the season for candy consumption. But beware, you may already be eating too much sugar without the candy. The average American consumes 20 teaspoons of added sugar a day. That’s twice as much as the maximum recommended by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Since 1983, the amount of sugar and sweeteners Americans consume has risen 28%. More than half is in soda, baked goods, and fruit drinks.

Why all the alarm over sugar? Not only does it lead to weight gain, which can affect your health as well as your appearance, but too much of it can put you at risk for diabetes and heart disease.

Keep in mind that the sugars found naturally in foods like fruit are the same as processed sugar. The difference is that fruits provide other nutrition; candies and sodas don’t. How can you cut back on sugar without sacrificing taste? Try these tips:

Avoid foods with added sugars. Food labels will tell you whether or not a particular item has added sugar. Instead of grabbing a cold soda, quench your thirst with ice water or unsweetened fresh fruit juice.

Replace sweetened cereals with the unsweetened kind. Add flavor with berries or other fresh fruit instead of sugar or honey.

Beware of “natural” sweeteners. They may be unprocessed sugar, maple syrup, or corn syrup; but your body treats them the same way it does ordinary table sugar.

Cut back on foods made with refined sugars. That means cake, candy, and soda.

 – Adapted from Health Monitor Network website

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