When trying to eat a healthy diet, many of us turn to foods that we believe are good for us. However, even some of the healthiest-sounding foods can be loaded with hidden sugars, which can contribute to weight gain, inflammation, and other health problems. In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the hidden sources of sugar in foods you thought were healthy, so you can make more informed choices about what you eat.
1. Yogurt:
Yogurt is often touted as a healthy food due to its probiotics and high protein content. However, many flavored yogurts contain added sugars to improve their taste. To avoid added sugars, choose plain, unsweetened yogurt and add your own fruit or honey for sweetness.
2. Granola:
Granola is often marketed as a healthy breakfast food, but many brands are loaded with added sugars. To avoid excess sugar, look for granola brands with no more than 5 grams of sugar per serving or make your own using oats, nuts, and seeds.
3. Salad dressings:
Many store-bought salad dressings contain added sugars to improve their taste. To avoid excess sugar, make your own dressing using ingredients like olive oil, vinegar, and mustard.
4. Energy bars:
Energy bars can be a convenient and healthy snack option, but many brands contain added sugars to improve their flavor. To avoid excess sugar, choose bars that contain no more than 5 grams of sugar per serving or make your own using ingredients like nuts, seeds, and dried fruit.
5. Smoothies:
Smoothies can be a healthy way to get in your daily dose of fruits and vegetables, but many store-bought smoothies contain added sugars in the form of sweetened yogurt or fruit juice. To avoid excess sugar, make your own smoothies using unsweetened ingredients like spinach, kale, and berries.
6. Fruit juice:
Fruit juice is often marketed as a healthy alternative to soda, but many brands contain added sugars to improve their taste. To avoid excess sugar, choose 100% fruit juice or better yet, eat whole fruits instead.
7. Canned fruits:
Canned fruits are often packed in syrup, which can contain added sugars. To avoid excess sugar, choose canned fruits that are packed in their own juices or water.
8. Condiments:
Condiments like ketchup, barbecue sauce, and honey mustard can contain added sugars. To avoid excess sugar, choose condiments with no added sugar or make your own using ingredients like tomato paste, spices, and apple cider vinegar.
In conclusion, hidden sugars can lurk in even the healthiest-sounding foods. By becoming more aware of where sugar can hide, you can make more informed choices about what you eat and maintain a healthier diet.
