3 Reasons to Minimize Added Sugar in Diet

I just want to start by saying that all sugar is not all bad for you, okay? Eating foods with natural sugar is totally fine, but here's where we get into some trouble. We tend to overeat on the foods that contain excessive amounts of added sugar. Check out the list to your left to discovering some of the surprising foods and drinks that have added sugar. If you look at the list on your left and see items that you consume often, maybe it's time to swap them out for an item with less sugar or no sugar. Keep in mind that the taste may be slightly different or dramatically different. However, your palette will shift overtime and you will not only enjoy those alternatives, you will also reap the benefits.

I'm not going to lie, I love the sugar (who doesn't?!) but I also realize that consuming excessive amounts of sugary foods or drinks will negatively impact my overall health. So, in this post, I am going to share three reasons to minimize added sugar in your diet. There are more than three reasons to avoid added sugar, but I'm just going to name a few. Keep reading!

Lack of Nutritional Value

Sugar is technically an empty calorie. When you consume sugar, it tastes WONDERFUL and adds some flavor to your food; however, sugar lacks nutritional value. Unfortunately it undermines the health benefits that come from other more nutritious foods. In fact, research shows that most Americans consume over 300 calories from added sugar per day in their daily diet. This is more than half of the recommendation from the American Heart's Association. So consider that the more added sugar you consume, the more empty or "extra" calories you are adding to your daily intake unintentionally - this significantly hinders you from reaching your health goals depending on what they are.

Increased Risk of Health Issues/Diseases

Even though that fruit juice tastes wonderful, the added sugar included in it is dramatically contributing to health risks. Please do not read this thinking that I'm saying "STOP DRINKING FRUIT JUICE!" I am not a physician and I am not your physician. I am only here to help you become more aware of the foods and drinks that you are consuming and the effects they have on your body. Consuming too much added sugar puts you at higher risks for heart diseases, cavities/tooth decay, inflammation, diabetes, and so much more.

Drains your Energy

Have you ever had that snickers bar and shorty after, you felt a little jolt of energy? Not only did it taste good, but you also got a little boost too. Well, that's because simple sugars are processed in the body really fast; I'm talking 30-60mins. So you feel that initial boost, and then once the boost dies out, you feel lethargic. That's because sugar spikes your blood sugar levels really fast, but it is shortly followed up by a moderate crash in energy. Of course, your blood sugar levels will eventually return to normal (relative to your personal health), but it is good to know that added sugar alters your energy levels overall.

Although making that quick stop at Starbucks or your local coffee shop for your morning dose of your flavored coffee (preaching to myself) tastes amazing, consider the amount of added sugar that could be in your drink. I've started developing a new routine where I go once a week instead of every day or I go often but only do black coffee. If you are looking for alternatives or new ways to still satisfy the craving, try doing what I do for this week and let me know how it goes. I am a nutrition and wellness coach so I am always here to help you get started in making those changes in your dietary lifestyle, just click the button below and I'll follow up with you from there.