5 simple ways to eat less sugar throughout the day
It's no secret that having a high-sugar diet is super unhealthy. From obesity to diabetes, the negative affects of too much sugar are endless.
On Wednesday, Healthline.com launched their #BreakUpWithSugar campaign to help Americans kick their bad eating habits.
For the campaign, the website conducted a study, quizzing more than 3,000 Americans on how much they knew about sugar consumption and its lasting affects.
The majority of those surveyed admitted to eating too much sugar, but three-fourths of them said they don't know the recommended amount of added sugar to take in on a daily basis.
The American Heart Association recommends that men should have no more than 9 teaspoons of sugar daily, or 150 calories. For women, the AHA says that 6 teaspoons, or 100 calories, should be the limit.
Here are some tips on meeting those recommendations:
Swap sweet foods for fruits and veggies
It's easier said than done, but doing something as simple as switching out your daily candy bar for an apple will make a world of difference.
The AHA says that if you're planning to go the canned fruit route, make sure it is filled with water or natural juice. Syrup from canned fruit can be really high in sugar and cancel out the fruit's nutritional benefits.
Scout out sugar-free options
By choosing unsweetened versions of products like milk and butter, you'll significantly cut your sugar intake.
Healthline suggests trying unsweetened soy or almond milk, applesauce and peanut butter.
Drink more water
If you're craving for something sweet, and you're close by a vending machine stocked up with soda, it's hard not to cave. But don't do it.
According to the company website, a 20-ounce bottle of Coca-Cola Classic contains 65 grams of sugar and 240 calories.
Just because it's not soda doesn't mean it's better. Healthline reports that sports drinks, flavored eaters and juice-based drinks are often loaded with sugar.
Cutting soda out completely will make you feel more energized and less bloated throughout the day. Once your body has been weened off of it, you won't miss it.
So, pass on the soda and pour yourself a tall glass of water. Your body will thank you.
Check the label
This seems obvious, but before you scarf down your twenty-millionth mini Snickers of the day, check out the nutrition facts on the label.
It takes two minutes to glance at the amount of sugar that is in what you're about to eat and gauge if it's really worth it. If it helps, track your calorie count throughout the day.
Odds are, you won't like what you're reading.
Snacks on snacks on snacks
Eating small portions throughout the day will help you avoid going sugar crazy. Healthline suggests protein-rich options like sliced apples with almond butter or Greek yogurt with cashews to keep you energized and control cravings.
Healthy eating doesn't happen overnight, but making small changes to your daily intake can help you do away with sugar cravings once and for all.
