March 12, 2021
By Nanette Cameron, RDN
Certain holidays have their own traditions right? But they all seem to have one common denominator. FOOD, and in many cases a heavy dose of sugar. Take Easter for example which is almost here…. Whether you celebrate Easter or not there WILL be more sugar around and right in front of you like at the checkout of your local grocery store or pharmacy for example. Jellybeans, chocolate bunnies, and Peeps oh my! Even chocolate eggs and who knows what other temptations they’ll come up with. Granted there won’t be the large gatherings for this upcoming holiday perhaps, but as the year goes on and we start getting back to normal your relatives will be itching to make their famous cakes and cookies to bring to 4th of July parties and the like.
So let’s discuss why we should be more mindful of how much sugar we eat.
As the very latest research shows there are 10 major reasons to limit your sugar intake. Just the first three in that report alone are big time problems – inflammation, type 2 diabetes and obesity? YIKES.
The amount of sugar that the average American consumes has skyrocketed according to the research. It’s insane. In a year the average American consumes 152 pounds of sugar – an ENTIRE ADULT HUMAN of sugar – the biggest culprits are soft drinks, sugary juices and yes, candy (remember Easter and jellybeans?).
3 Tips To Limit Your Sugar:
Part of the problem is simply the crave – that feeling that you just want something sweet. So here are three tips:
- Add more fruit to your diet! Fruit can indeed satisfy your sweet tooth in a much healthier way. Fruit is good for you – it provides vitamins, minerals and fiber that the concentrated and refined sugars in jellybeans for example do not. Don’t be as concerned about the sugars in fruit – they aren’t the problem.
- If you are hooked on pop try adding a water enhancer for a little flavor boost without the sugar.
- Moderation is key – this may sound like an obvious tip but do not buy your sugar at Costco! If you have a massive 5 lb. bag of sugar you won’t ration it. Believe me this will help.
So please take care of yourself and be mindful of sugar. What other tips & tricks do you use to cut down your sugar?
**************************************************************************************************************************
South Macomb Internal Medicine
28401 Hoover Rd. Warren, Michigan 48093
Phone: (586) 276-7530
South Macomb Internal Medicine has been designated a Patient Centered Medical Home by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan.
Join us on Facebook at facebook.com/SMIMdoc for updates, articles and fun!
Call us and ask to be added to our email newsletter that comes out every couple weeks!
Telehealth and virtual appointments are still available as well as nutritional services with Nanette Cameron, RDN. Don’t forget to ask us for a $25 gift certificate along with a copy of Nanette Cameron’s cookbook The Perfect Day for trying dietary services with Nanette the first time for patients who have insurance coverage! Nanette is also available virtually!
Feel free to click on the categories and keywords below to find more content as we add more to the website!
