According to Shape Magazine, sugar consumption in the U.S. is up 28 percent since 1983. The average American consumes an astounding two to three pounds of sugar each week, which is not surprising considering that highly refined sugars in the forms of sucrose (table sugar), dextrose (corn sugar) and high-fructose corn syrup are being processed into so many foods we love.
Here’s where it gets sticky. Following you will find more reasons for this sweet tooth sugar increase.
Portion Control: 43 percent of our sugar intake comes from beverages! Think again before you reach for that big slurp soda at the gas station.
Label Pro: Read your labels. Most of the sugar we consume is hidden, so next time you reach for your favorite sports bar or box of cereal look at the label. All of these terms prove to be added sweeteners: sucrose, glucose, dextrose, maltose, fructose, molasses, barley malt, honey, raw, invert or brown sugar and maple, fruit or corn syrup. Try to stay away from these culprits.
Fat-Free Foe: Fat-free foods may not be the solution for fellow diet followers. Unfortunately, they have a role in this dramatic sugar increase. Why the constant sweet tooth? Since sugar is fat-free we think it’s perfectly okay to add among our fat-free diets (most marketers love using this word since we eat it up–literally!). It may be fat-free but it’s certainly not calorie free.
Not So Sweet: USDA data shows that people whose diets are high in sugar eat less protein, fiber, calcium, iron, folate and many other crucial diet necessities. Sweetened foods are taking away from healthier and wholesome diet choices.
Urban Girl Fitness Quote of the Day:
Only Irish coffee provides in a single glass all four essential food groups: alcohol, caffeine, sugar and fat. ~Alex Levin
