Can't get enough of the sweet stuff? You are not alone. The over consumption of sugar is definitely at pandemic proportion here in the States. The average person in America consumes over 300 calories in sugar daily in addition to the fresh fruits. Looks like we are going to enjoy that sweet tooth until it falls out.
In the short term, over consumption of sugars can make you feel tired, trigger mood changes, induce sores and other inflammation and even suppress the immune system. Over time this leads to weight issues, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and other health issues are all effected by your level of sugar intake. Currently it is recommended that women have no more than 6.5 teaspoons of sugar, while men can have as much as 9.5 teaspoon in a day safely. This includes natural sources like in fruit and carbohydrates. This this a big shift from the 21.5 teaspoons the average person is said to be consuming daily!
Most of this extra sugar is coming from drinks and juices. (There is as much as 4X the sugar in a glass of apple juice versus an apple.) A good start is reading the label before consumption. (It's not just something to do while you are bored eating your lunch in the break room.)
Also, opting for water as often as you can during the day will work wonders in more ways than one. Properly quenching your thirst with water first, can keep you from taking in so much of that sugary drink. Plus, when you are no longer thirsty you eat less ... true story!
Most importantly, keep meals well spaced out through out the day. This gives you the opportunity to avoid spikes in blood sugar that could have you running for a doughnut after you crash.
So, what triggers your sweet tooth? How do you fend off sugar craves? Are there any good alternatives to refined sugar that are working for you? (More on that next week ;)
Discuss, debate and support matters around wellness as a goal, as a lifestyle and as a movement. Continue the conversation at the Interval Fitness Group on Facebook
In the short term, over consumption of sugars can make you feel tired, trigger mood changes, induce sores and other inflammation and even suppress the immune system. Over time this leads to weight issues, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and other health issues are all effected by your level of sugar intake. Currently it is recommended that women have no more than 6.5 teaspoons of sugar, while men can have as much as 9.5 teaspoon in a day safely. This includes natural sources like in fruit and carbohydrates. This this a big shift from the 21.5 teaspoons the average person is said to be consuming daily!
Most of this extra sugar is coming from drinks and juices. (There is as much as 4X the sugar in a glass of apple juice versus an apple.) A good start is reading the label before consumption. (It's not just something to do while you are bored eating your lunch in the break room.)
Also, opting for water as often as you can during the day will work wonders in more ways than one. Properly quenching your thirst with water first, can keep you from taking in so much of that sugary drink. Plus, when you are no longer thirsty you eat less ... true story!
Most importantly, keep meals well spaced out through out the day. This gives you the opportunity to avoid spikes in blood sugar that could have you running for a doughnut after you crash.
So, what triggers your sweet tooth? How do you fend off sugar craves? Are there any good alternatives to refined sugar that are working for you? (More on that next week ;)
Discuss, debate and support matters around wellness as a goal, as a lifestyle and as a movement. Continue the conversation at the Interval Fitness Group on Facebook