Added sugars are simple carbohydrates that are added to foods during production, processing and/or by you! Unlike in the case of fruits, vegetables, dairy, and grains, added sugars do not occur naturally and are devoid of all nutrients. Excess consumption has been linked to an increased risk for certain conditions such as heart disease, obesity, and insulin resistance. Not so sweet if you ask me!

According to The American Heart Association, many people consume more added sugar than they realize and while all foods fit into a balanced diet, it’s important to think of our daily added sugar intake as a budget. Women are encouraged to limit their daily intake to no more than 25 grams (6 teaspoons) while men are encouraged to limit intake to no more than 36 grams (9 teaspoons) per day.

Added sugar can be sneaky so be sure to check the label for these possible hidden sources:

• – Sucrose
• – High Fructose Corn Syrup
• – Syrups (Maple, Corn, Rice, etc)
• – Molasses
• – Cane Sugar
• – Honey
• – Agave
• – Maltodextrin
• – Fruit Juice Concentrates