Beware: sneaky sugar
Trying to eat healthy? You might be going about it the wrong way.
Making the decision to eat healthy, nourishing foods is one of the best things you can do for your body. But even after you cut out cookies, chips, sodas, and candy, you might still be eating an unhealthy amount of sugar.
How much sugar should you be aiming for each day? While the body does not need any amount of sugar to function, the American Heart Association recommends a limit of 24 grams of sugar for women and 36 grams for men. Exceeding this limit not only can cause weight gain, but also cause Type 2 diabetes, fatigue, brain fog, dull skin, and more.
Limiting your sugar intake can be tricky, though, since even “healthy” foods like granola, yogurt, salad dressing, and sushi can be hiding a day’s worth of sugar in just one serving. Even worse, “diet-friendly” foods that are advertised as low-calorie, low-fat, or fat-free often contain more sugar than their full-fat alternatives.
The key to making healthy choices at the grocery store? Check the label! Having trouble finding foods with healthy amounts of sugar? Try increasing the foods in your diet that don’t need labels like fresh produce and animal protein.
Psst! Did you know that diabetes screenings are covered on your Capital Blue Cross Medicare plan? See what else is covered and take advantage of these preventive services.
Interested in health and wellness information? Visit the Capital Journal for more articles.
Interested in drug information? Visit our prescription education section.