Setting Limits on Sugar

Most people eat too much sugar.  Sugar in and of itself is not bad.  I don't think any food is bad.  I do think that any food that you over eat, which doesn't provide substantive nutrition needs limits.  This past weekend, many people over-indulged in Easter candy.  Chocolate bunnies, "creme" filled eggs, and marshmallow chicks added hundreds of calories to the weekend total for children and whole families.  I ate too much.  I know it's not good for me, but it tastes so good!

Did you know that the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that most people limit added sugar to 10% of total calories?  This adds up to about 12 teaspoons per day.  They go further to suggest that additional benefit would come from limiting to 5% or less - just 6 teaspoons per day.  One teaspoon of granulated sugar is about 4.2g. 

 

Added sugar is any sugar that isn't naturally occurring - it's usually listed on the label, but it isn't separated from naturally occurring sugar.  If you're eating food that's in its natural state, not overly processed, and/or has few ingredients, it's easy to determine what has added sugar and what doesn't.

I'm going to start tracking my added sugar intake.  I have never done this, so it'll be a fun experiment.  Limiting sugar has many benefits, including helping to control blood sugar, reduce the chances of dental cavities, and helping maintain weight. I'll be sure to share my findings.  Be healthy!