It’s one thing to have a sweet tooth every once in a while, but it’s another thing entirely when sugar is lurking everywhere you turn, even in your smoothies or morning oatmeal.
Sugar can be found in foods you once considered healthy, but never fear. There are easy ways to spot and cut out the unnecessary glucose found in everyday food items, without sacrificing taste. Let these tips pave the way.
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5 Simple Ways to Reduce Your Sugar Intake
Written by
Joan Hodges
Remove the "Instant"
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As convenient as they may be, instant microwavables like oatmeal and TV dinners aren't as healthy as they may claim. Just one packet of instant oatmeal can chalk up to 14 grams of sugar, and that's before you add in your favorite toppings. Do yourself a favor and spend a little more time cooking up rolled oats or steel cut oats, and add in a banana or some berries for natural sweetness.
Also, ditch the TV dinners completely. Those aren't good for anyone.
Also, ditch the TV dinners completely. Those aren't good for anyone.
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Nutrition TipsYogurt Cups
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You may not be able to resist the dollar deals on those Greek yogurts at the store or the convenience of grabbing one when you're in a hurry—but beware. The added sweeteners in most common yogurts pack a punch and can make up half of your daily-recommended sugar intake in just a few spoonfuls.
The solution? Opt for plain regular or Greek yogurt, which is actually cheaper to buy in bulk anyway. Then, add your favorite fresh fruit. It still tastes amazing!
The solution? Opt for plain regular or Greek yogurt, which is actually cheaper to buy in bulk anyway. Then, add your favorite fresh fruit. It still tastes amazing!
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Nutrition TipsCanned Soup
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Even your favorite tomato soup can have high fructose corn syrup, shooting up its sugar content to 12 grams per serving. Instead, wave goodbye to refined ingredients and prepare your own soups. Try using low-sodium ingredients as well as fresh veggies to up the nutritional content.
The best part about soup is you can make it in mass quantities and store some for later. It requires a little planning, but the results are worth it.
The best part about soup is you can make it in mass quantities and store some for later. It requires a little planning, but the results are worth it.
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Nutrition TipsSmoothies
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A post-workout favorite, the smoothie is packed with nutrients and is a quick, filling treat, but more often than not, there's loads of sugar in there—and not the good kind. Do yourself a favor by creating your own smoothies with plain yogurt and some of your favorite fruits.
Still craving that extra sweetness? Try adding a little bit of agave or honey, two natural sweeteners that won't spike your blood sugar.
Still craving that extra sweetness? Try adding a little bit of agave or honey, two natural sweeteners that won't spike your blood sugar.
Peanut Butter
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We could hear you groan from here. Yes, even your favorite protein has added sugars that aren't necessary for great flavor or the other benefits of peanut butter. Check your labels and explore using other types of nut butters, such as almond or seed butters. Feeling adventurous? Create your own!
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Nutrition TipsAbout the Author
Joan Hodges writes nutrition articles for ACTIVE.com. As a health and wellness blogger based in Dallas, Texas, she has been inspired by her own journey of full mental and physical recovery. Joan is a devout yogi, dog lover and self-love advocate. You can read about her health journey here.