No one is shocked to hear that cakes and cookies have tons of sugar in them. But what if we told you protein bars are hiding way more sugar than you might realize?
Here are six other foods that bring the sweetness in a way that might surprise you.
Tomato Sauce
Tomato sauce is a staple in many kitchens, often used in pasta dishes and pizzas. However, store-bought varieties can be surprisingly high in sugar, sometimes containing up to 12 grams of sugar per half-cup serving.
When you take the time to make homemade tomato sauce, you can use fresh tomatoes and herbs. This can not only enhance the flavor but also eliminate the unnecessary added sugars. Oh, and it’s bound to be infinitely more delicious.
Canned Fruits
Fruit is sweet—that’s not much of a headline on its own. However, many brands pack their fruits in a heavy syrup, resulting in a sugar content that can be alarmingly high. For example, just one cup of canned peaches can contain over 25 grams of sugar!
Choosing fruit canned in water or 100% juice is a smarter choice. Better yet, fresh fruits can always be the go-to for a naturally sweet treat. Nothing beats fresh fruit when its in season!
Baked Beans
Baked beans are a classic comfort food that makes for a fast side dish on busy nights, but many canned varieties come loaded with sugar. A half-cup serving can contain around 10 grams of sugar, making them a less-than-ideal choice for those trying to watch their sugar intake.
Home chefs can make their own baked beans by using dried beans, tomatoes, and spices to control the sweetness. And if you aren’t thrilled about the idea of making dried beans, canned beans without any additives is still a better choice for those watching their sugar.
Yogurt
Yogurt is often perceived as a healthy snack, especially when it’s marketed as low-fat or probiotic. However, many flavored yogurts are loaded with sugar to enhance their taste.
Yes, it’s delicious to enjoy a key lime pie-flavored yogurt with lunch, but it’s much healthier to swirl in some honey to plain Greek yogurt, toss in some berries and nuts, and enjoy your yogurt that way. And doesn’t that sound better, anyway?
Salad Dressings
A fresh salad can be a wonderful healthy meal choice, but the dressing can quickly turn into what essentially becomes a candy bar.
You can easily whip up your own dressings using olive oil, vinegar, and fresh herbs, ensuring a delightful and healthier dressing that matches your salad perfectly. Even homemade ranch or blue cheese dressing is bound to be healthier and contain less sugar than the bottled stuff you find in the grocery store.
Nut Butters
Nut butter, especially those that are flavored or sweetened, can harbor hidden sugars that may catch you off guard once you check the label. A tablespoon of some commercial peanut butters can contain around 3-4 grams of sugar.
Choosing natural nut butter with no added sugars can transform this protein-packed spread into a guilt-free indulgence.
6 Anti-Inflammatory Foods for Your Knee, Hip & Back Pain
Inflammation occurs when your body reacts to foreign substances. While certain anti-inflammatory drugs can help eliminate inflammation, a diet change can help reduce inflammation and swelling. Here are six anti-inflammatory foods to help reduce knee, hip, and back pain.
6 Anti-Inflammatory Foods for Your Knee, Hip & Back Pain
Experts Warn People to Never Refrigerate These 15 Food Items
Refrigeration prevents spoilage and may extend the shelf life of common foods and other perishable items. While we may innocently store some foods in the refrigerator, you may be surprised that you shouldn’t store all of them, as this may affect their nutritional value, taste, and texture.
Although refrigeration can help preserve certain foods, some items shouldn’t be refrigerated to maintain flavor and freshness. Avoiding these foods can ensure your food stays nutritious, fresh, and flavorful.
Here are 15 food items experts warn people never to refrigerate for optimal flavor and freshness.
Experts Warn People to Never Refrigerate These 15 Food Items
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