Eating too much sugar can be detrimental to your health. And because so many of the foods that you eat daily have naturally occurring sugars, one of the best ways to cut back on your consumption is by avoiding products that contain added sugar.
What are the top sources of added sugar that you should avoid?
1. Dairy Products
There are a variety of dairy products that contain sugar. These include everything from cake to ice cream, as well as yogurt and flavored milk. Check labels to see if the dairy you’re eating is a source of additional, and unnecessary, sugar in your diet.
2. Alcoholic Drinks
You may be surprised to learn about the sugar that’s found in alcoholic beverages like wine. In fact, a glass of wine might have as many calories as chocolate! And if you’re indulging in mixed drinks, those sugary mixes are a big no-no.
3. Non-Alcoholic Drinks
Alcoholic beverages aren’t the only ones to blame. On a daily basis, if you’re consuming cups of soda and juice, you’re indulging in more sugar than you might realize.
4. Condiments
Some of the biggest sources of added sugar are in the condiment department. Everything from your salad dressing, to your sauces and your ketchup contain sugars that have been added in order to make these appealing to your taste buds.
5. Grain-Based Foods
Check the labels on everything from the biscuits and breads that you purchase, to the cakes and muffins you love. Some of these grain-based products contain added sugars that should be avoided.
6. Spreads
That chocolately spread that you love putting on toast is loaded with sugar, as is the jelly that you use in the morning for breakfast.
7. Mints and Gums
If you like to freshen your breath with a mint or a piece of gum, check the label, as you might be exposing yourself to unnecessary sugar.
8. Processed Foods
From the frozen dinner that you pop into the microwave, to the snack bars that you take to work, you’re probably eating a lot of processed foods. Check the labels and you’ll likely find they’re loaded with sugar.
9. Coffee
If you’re adding creamer to your coffee, in addition to spoonfuls of sugar, or if you typically order those specialty coffees when you’re on the go, you’re taking in a lot of sugar with that caffeine.
10. Fast Food
Grabbing a bite to eat at a fast food restaurant isn’t just a bad idea because of all of the fat and calories; those foods are also loaded with salt and sugar.
To avoid the top sources of added sugar, read ingredients labels. Sugar goes by many different names, including fructose, dextrose, glucose, high fructose corn syrup, and sucrose, so being diligent is important.
