Not all sugars are created equal. Learn the difference between natural and added sugars, and learn how to avoid them. By the year 2020, a new regulation by the Food and Drug Administration will require that nutrition information on all packaged foods include a section that specifies added sugars, making it much easier for people to see exactly what they’re eating. “Added sugars, in grams and as percent Daily Value, will be included on the label,” says the FDA. Until then, it’s up to you to learn how to find the added sugar content. We’re here to help. The first thing to know is that there are two types of sugars: natural and added. Natural sugars can be found mainly in fruit and dairy products. Anything else most likely has sugar added after processing. Some foods that contain added sugars are obvious: soft drinks, cookies, candy, ice cream and anything with “sweetened” on the label. Others may be surprising, such as bread, spaghetti sauce and salad dressing — items that could easily sabotage your healthy lifestyle. Original vs New Format Spot the sugar Here are some pointers to remember during your next shopping trip:
Healthier options Here are a few great staples that keep the sugar down and won’t break your budget: Bread
Pasta sauce
Peanut butter
Yogurt
Deli meats
Sweet cheat sheet There are dozens of names for added sugar. Look for these ingredients when inspecting product labels:
If you must use added sugar, aim for a natural source, such as raw honey, 100% pure maple syrup, raw sugar, or Stevia. Processed sugars often come in foods that have little nutritional value. They also break down in the body more rapidly than natural sugars and can cause huge spikes in blood sugar. Learning to eat right can be very tough, but we've got you covered. Sign up for #Team517 to work with a professional nutritionist and one of our top personal trainers! |