Be a Sugar Sleuth

Jan 25, 2018 | Health

Be a Sugar Sleuth

There is no doubt that we all need sustenance to survive. We need a healthy combination of macronutrients including healthy fats, protein, and carbohydrates. Added to that, we need to make sure we are consuming a mix of micronutrients that nourish our bodies at the cellular level. These include minerals and vitamins necessary for health and wellness. Bottom-line: you need food, nutrient dense whole foods that give your body all the necessary building blocks to assist you with healthy living. What you do not need, however, is ADDED sugar. These needless calories can sabotage your attempts at sticking to a healthy meal plan, and Advanced Surgical and Weight Loss Institute wants to see you succeed. Do you know where to look for added sugar and how to decipher labels? If not, read on.

Did you know there are around 56 different names for sugar? That is crazy! The first step in eliminating added sugars is to be able to recognize them when analyzing food labels. Here is a brief list:

  • Cane Juice
  • Beet Sugar
  • Barley Malt
  • Diastase
  • Glucose
  • Fruit juice concentrate
  • Rice syrup
  • Molasses
  • Golden syrup
  • Honey
  • Sucrose
  • Sorghum syrup

One thing that is interesting to note is that some of these names sound healthy. For example, beet sugar. Yes, it contains the word beet, but, it is sugar nonetheless. Another is honey. Honey is a great all-natural sweetener but when you are trying to cut back on added sugar in your diet, you should limit your consumption there too.

Now that you know a little bit more about how to read labels, let’s take a look at where sugar is lurking. We all know fizzy soda drinks are typically full of sugar. However, did you know that many canned vegetables and sauces have a high sugar count? Flavored yogurt, baked goods, dried fruits, marinades, and even salad dressings are culprits too. Be label savvy when grocery shopping to find the best foods for you.

Congratulations on taking the necessary steps to change your diet and improve your health. Please know that Advanced Surgical and Weight Loss Institute is with you every step of the way. When you know better you can make better choices. If you are looking for a long-term weight loss solution and are at a loss, please contact our Melbourne, FL office today. We would love to partner with you.