Are You Eating Dinner or Dessert? Beware of Sugar | Food | Life ...

By Nick Livermore Created: August 23, 2012 Last Updated: August 23, 2012

While New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg?s proposed banning of large sugary drinks is remarkable for many of the right reasons, it?s worth pointing out that sugar is everywhere.?

After all, sugar is directly linked to obesity and elevated heart risk. Many of the foods we eat are laden with hidden sugar. Thankfully, it is increasingly becoming common knowledge that heavily processed foods are loaded with not only sugar, but also a host of other substances that your body simply does not need.?

Here is a breakdown of the top sugar culprits?avoid these at the grocery store or use with caution.

Marinades: These syrupy liquids are loaded with extra calories. Substitute the marinade with dry rubs. Extra points if you make your own.

Condiments: Be wary of these table gems, especially ketchup, which in some instances is one-third sugar! Better to opt for yellow American mustard (zero calories) or wow your guests with all-natural, delicious ketchup.

Frozen Dinners: How do you get something to taste good after it?s been frozen for a year? Lots of salt and sugar. It?s essential to read the labels on these, or even better, make your own food and freeze it!

Bottled Beverages: Sodas, teas, and juices taste good because they have more sugar in them than you can imagine. Diet drinks? Be warned about possible side effects of artificial sweeteners.?

Oatmeal: In recent years, oatmeal has become a breakfast staple in many households. Be wary, though, as prepackaged oatmeal contains an inordinate amount of sugar all in the name of good taste! Make your own or buy plain oatmeal and jazz it up yourself.

Yogurt?: Greek yogurt has taken off in the last year and for good reason. Choosing Greek yogurt generally doubles your protein intake, and plain varieties contain no sugar. The premade parfaits at your local store are culprits. Think cheap, fake, and sugary.

Pasta Sauces: It is like ketchup, but you are eating more of it. Cheap store-bought varieties of pasta sauce are packed with sugar and salt. Try buying a healthy brand (check label) or make your own!

Fruit Jams and Jellies: Yes, fruit contains sugar. But cheap jellies and jams have added sugar to make up for the out-of-season or generally poor-quality ingredients. One popular brand contains three different sweeteners. Why? If sugar were listed as one ingredient, it would be the first ingredient listed on the label.?

It?s vital to note that sugar itself is not to blame, but rather the high levels of calories versus nutrients provided by its intake. The key thing is to read food labels. By being mindful of such constraints, we can easily avoid eating too much sugar and lessen the number of calories consumed.

Eco18 is a collective of creative-writing individuals from different backgrounds with a common goal?to live a healthier, more natural lifestyle. Their combined expertise, humor, and opinions explore green and sustainable in a practical, fun way. www.eco18.com

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Source: http://www.theepochtimes.com/n2/life/are-you-eating-dinner-or-dessert-beware-of-sugar-283389.html

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