Oh Sugar! :(
Even Covid can't stop visions of sugar plums from dancing in our heads, but by all means-- don't eat them ... or too many of them. Whether it's eggnog, Tom and Jerry's, Christmas cookies, or any sweet holiday temptation, minimize sugar consumption.
We hate playing Scrooge, but we're not going to sugar coat it (couldn't resist) for it has to be said. SUGAR IS BAD FOR YOU
Harvard Medical School tells us, "Sugar has a bittersweet reputation when it comes to health. Consuming whole foods that contain natural sugar is okay. However, problems occur when you consume too much added sugar — that is, sugar that food manufacturers add to products to increase flavor or extend shelf life."
How bad is it?
Here are eleven reasons, according to Healthline including links to heart disease, depression, and diabetes.
Not convinced? Here are five more reasons from MedicalNewsToday.
Sugar Plays Hide and Seek
It's no secret that soft drinks and ice cream and have high sugar levels, but did you know it lurks in other foods? Read the labels and you'll find it in:
Pasta sauce
Flavored yogurts
Instant oatmeal
Salad dressing
Energy drinks
Coleslaw
Dried fruit
Ketchup and bbq sauce
You may be wondering if sugar is all bad. In the spirit of balanced reporting, we provide you this link about 8 Big Lies About Sugar You Need to Unlearn and you can decide.
Cut it Out!
We know It's December, but you better watch out ... for goodness sake. The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends limiting the amount of added sugars you consume to no more than half of your daily discretionary calories allowance. For most American women, that's no more than 100 calories per day, or about 6 teaspoons of sugar. For men, it's 150 calories per day, or about 9 teaspoons. However, If you are under care for a health condition, be sure to consult with us or your healthcare provider. We'd be remiss if we didn't provide you suggestions on how to cut back. Try these Tips for Cutting Down on Sugar from The American Heart Association:
Toss the table sugar Try cutting your usual amount of sugar by half and wean down from there.
Swap out the soda. Water is best.
Eat fresh, frozen, dried or canned fruits.
Compare food labels and choose products with the lowest amounts of added sugars.
Add fruit. Instead of adding sugar to cereal or oatmeal, try fresh fruit.
Cut the serving back when baking. When baking cookies, brownies or cakes, cut the sugar called for in your recipe by one-third to one-half.
Try extracts and spices. Instead of adding sugar in recipes, use extracts like almond, vanilla, orange or lemon.
Substitute. Switch out sugar with unsweetened applesauce in recipes (use equal amounts).
Limit Non-nutritive Sweeteners.
Laura Ingalls Wilder said,
"It is the sweet simple things of life which are the real ones after all."
We don't think she was talking about sugary foods. ;)