I feel like everyone wants to eat better, reduce unnecessary calories, and eat less sugar. We cut out things that we know are unhealthy and damaging for us.
However, it’s surprising how sugar can sneak into our diets, even in healthy or harmless foods.
Here are fifteen sugar-filled foods that might contribute to your daily sugar consumption without you even realizing it.
Coffee
Many of us start our day with a cup of coffee, but what we add to it can turn this morning ritual into a sugar bomb. Specialty coffees like lattes, mochas, and flavored drinks often contain syrups and sweeteners that add up to 50 grams of sugar or more per serving. Even a seemingly harmless addition of flavored creamer can significantly increase sugar intake.
Tea
While tea is a healthy beverage, the bottled and canned versions sold in stores are often loaded with added sugars. Sweetened iced teas, chai lattes, and fruit-flavored teas can contain as much sugar as a can of soda. It’s always a good idea to check the label or, better yet, brew your own at home to control the sweetness.
Protein Bars
Marketed as healthy snacks or meal replacements, many protein bars are packed with sugars to improve their taste. While they may be high in protein, they can contain as much sugar as a candy bar. Always remember, reading the ingredients and nutritional information is key to ensure you’re not getting more sugar than you bargained.
Low-Fat Snacks and Meals
Low fat doesn’t always mean healthy. To compensate for fat’s loss of flavor, manufacturers often add sugar to low-fat snacks and meals. Foods like low-fat cookies, granola bars, and salad dressings can be surprisingly high in sugar, making them counterproductive for weight loss or health goals. It’s important to be cautious and always check the labels.
Alcoholic Beverages
Alcoholic drinks, particularly cocktails, are notorious for their hidden sugars. Mixed drinks like margaritas, piña coladas, and even a seemingly simple rum and coke can contain significant amounts of sugar. When considering their overall intake, many forget to account for these liquid calories and sugars.
Low-Fat Yogurt
Yogurt can be a healthy choice, but low-fat versions often contain added sugars to enhance flavor. Fruit-flavored yogurts marketed to children can be exceptionally high in sugar, sometimes containing more than 20 grams per serving. Opting for plain, full-fat yogurt and adding your own fruit can be a better choice.
Ketchup
A favorite condiment for many, ketchup can add unexpected sugars to your diet. A single tablespoon of ketchup can contain around one teaspoon of sugar. Considering how liberally it’s often used, those sugars can add up quickly. Look for no-sugar-added versions, or use it sparingly to keep your sugar consumption in check.
Fruit Juices
Fruit juice is often perceived as a healthy beverage, but many store-bought juices are high in added sugars and lack the fiber in whole fruit. Even 100% fruit juice can be high in natural sugars, contributing to a significant part of your daily intake. Diluting juice with water or choosing whole fruit is a healthier option.
Energy and Sports Drinks
Many energy and sports drinks contain high sugar levels and are designed to replenish energy and electrolytes. While they might be beneficial for intense workouts, for the average person, they can contribute to excessive sugar consumption. Always read the labels and consider whether plain water might be a better hydration choice.
Cereal
Breakfast cereals are often loaded with sugar, especially those marketed to children. Even healthy cereals, like granola or those labeled as whole grains, can contain significant amounts of added sugar. Checking the nutritional information and choosing cereals with low sugar content can help you start your day off right.
Packaged Smoothies
Pre-packaged smoothies can be convenient, but they often contain added sugars to improve taste and shelf life. What seems like a healthy choice can end up being a sugar-laden drink. Making smoothies at home with fresh or frozen fruit and no added sugars is a healthier way to enjoy this refreshing beverage.
Fruit Snacks
Often marketed as a healthy snack for kids, fruit snacks can be as sugary as candy. These snacks are usually made from fruit juice concentrate and contain added sugars and artificial flavors. Opting for natural fruit or making your fruit snacks can be a healthier alternative.
Nut Butter
While nut butter can be a nutritious addition to your diet, many commercial varieties contain added sugars. Peanut butter, almond butter, and other nut butters marketed as “creamy” or “sweetened” can contain more sugar than expected. Choosing natural or unsweetened nut butter is a better option.
Instant Oatmeal
Instant oatmeal is a quick and convenient breakfast choice, but many flavored varieties contain added sugars. A single packet can have more sugar than a bowl of sugary cereal. Opting for plain instant oatmeal and adding fresh fruit or a small amount of honey can keep your sugar intake in check.
Non-Dairy Milk
Non-dairy alternatives like almond, soy, and coconut milk are often chosen for their health benefits, but sweetened versions can be high in added sugars. Always choose unsweetened varieties to avoid unnecessary sugar and still enjoy the benefits of these milk alternatives.
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
3 Foods Dogs Shouldn’t Eat
We all love our furry friends and wouldn’t mind sharing tiny bits and pieces of food when we’re eating. While this may all be innocent, and you may be giving your dog foods that are okay, certain foods can be poisonous to dogs.
Depending on the type, ingested amount, and size, dogs may react differently to food.
Read on as we discuss the three common foods dogs shouldn’t eat.
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