Sugar has unfortunately become a staple in the American diet. Sugar has been linked to a slue of health problems including obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. You know you should be limiting yourself, but just how much are you actually eating? Here are a few reasons why counting your sugar intake is a good idea.
Signs You’re Eating Too Much
There are a few ways to tell that you are consuming too much sugar. The first sign is that you feel constantly out of energy no matter how much sleep you get. While sugar may give you an initial boost of energy, a crash will certainly follow.
Another simple sign is that you are constantly having sugar cravings. If you just can’t finish the day without that scoop of ice cream or that piece of candy, you might actually be a sugar addict. I’m not just saying “sugar addict” to be dramatic.
Sugar and addictive behavior are linked to the fact that when we eat sugar dopamine is released in our brain. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter which is apart of the reward circuit in our brain, and it is highly associated with addictive behavior.
The last sign is that you are experiencing depression or anxiety. While you certainly feel physically fatigued after a sugar crash, it’s not uncommon for people to feel emotionally fatigued as well. If you’re experiencing symptoms like sadness, social withdrawal, nervousness, or constant worry, it could be the sugar.
How Much Should You Be Eating?
The American Heart Association states that the amount of added sugars you consume should be limited to 9 teaspoons (37.5g) for men and only 6 teaspoons (25g) for women.
Once you’re aware of how much sugar you’re actually eating, and where it’s coming from, you’ll be able to cut back in no time.
Hidden Sugar to Watch Out For
Now that you know you’re eating too much, here’s what you need to do. First, it’s a good idea to download an app like My Fitness Pal, not to count calories, but to count your sugar intake. There are even apps that are dedicated solely to sugar like The Sugar App.
You could also even just take a note in your phone every time you have some sugar.
Be sure to start checking labels especially for hidden sugars like in these foods:
- Salad Dressings
- Yogurt
- Instant Oatmeal
- Granola Bars
- Cereals
- Energy Drinks
As long as you are aware of hidden sugar, you’ll be able to cut back in no time.
Want Some Delicious Food with Low Sugar?
Since MariGold Bars and products are designed for diabetics, we’ve always been mindful of the total sugar content in our products. All of our bars contain less than 4 g total sugar, with many as low as one. Be sure to check these out when you want a sweet snack that’s low and sugar and free from artificial ingredients. Shop Now