Sugar seems to be an added ingredient in most food and beverage products these days. It’s easy to exceed the recommended threshold of 25g of added sugar, or about 6 teaspoons a day. For perspective, this is about one candy bar, one 8oz serving of soda or 1 cup of sweetened yogurt. It’s important to understand why we need sugar, as well as the difference between naturally occurring sugar and added sugar. Our bodies rely on sugar to provide energy. In fact, the brain’s preferred energy source is glucose (sugar). Without enough glucose, we can feel tired, dizzy, confused and lethargic. Many healthy foods, such as fruits, grains and dairy, contain naturally occurring sugars. However, processed foods often contain added sugar to improve flavor and extend shelf life. Consuming too much added sugar can lead to an increased risk for obesity, diabetes and heart disease.
How can we reduce our sugar intake? All or nothing is not a practical, long-term solution. We make over 200 food-related choices every day and it would be nearly impossible to make 200 perfect choices every time. Being healthy is about selecting nutritious food most of the time. These choices will add up to improve health. No choice is too small. Although this can be said about any diet or nutrient, it seems to resonate with sugar in particular. Cleanses and detox diets pop up every week promising big benefits by cutting out unhealthy foods in the short-term. Sugar is almost always removed during these crash diets.
Most of us know eating too much sugar is bad for our health, but can we really expect to cut it out completely? Of course not. Making a food or food group forbidden often leads to overconsumption. Our best intentions at the start of the day can fail when hunger sets in. The solution? Allow for moderation and enjoyment of food without going overboard. Making smart choices is easier when you plan ahead. Aim to eat a healthy snack or meal every three to four hours. Health and healthy choices are on a continuum and every good choice you make will bring you closer to achieving good health.
How can we reduce our sugar intake? All or nothing is not a practical, long-term solution. We make over 200 food-related choices every day and it would be nearly impossible to make 200 perfect choices every time. Being healthy is about selecting nutritious food most of the time. These choices will add up to improve health. No choice is too small. Although this can be said about any diet or nutrient, it seems to resonate with sugar in particular. Cleanses and detox diets pop up every week promising big benefits by cutting out unhealthy foods in the short-term. Sugar is almost always removed during these crash diets.
Most of us know eating too much sugar is bad for our health, but can we really expect to cut it out completely? Of course not. Making a food or food group forbidden often leads to overconsumption. Our best intentions at the start of the day can fail when hunger sets in. The solution? Allow for moderation and enjoyment of food without going overboard. Making smart choices is easier when you plan ahead. Aim to eat a healthy snack or meal every three to four hours. Health and healthy choices are on a continuum and every good choice you make will bring you closer to achieving good health.
Visit Wellness Workdays for more information about our worksite wellness programs.
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