When we talk about added sugars and how they can make us gain weight, it’s important to see how common these sugars are in what we eat.
Added sugars are sugars that are put into foods when they are being made or cooked.
Think about your breakfast cereal, flavored yogurt, or even a can of soda.
These foods often have a lot of added sugars, and that can really affect your health.
Empty Calories: One big issue with added sugars is that they give us what people call "empty calories." This means they provide energy but don’t have important nutrients like vitamins, minerals, or fiber. For example, a regular 12-ounce soda can have about 39 grams of sugar, which is about 140 calories—just from sugar. If you enjoy that drink every day, it can lead to eating too many calories without really feeling full.
Feeling Full: Foods high in added sugars don’t make you feel full for long. When you eat a sugary snack like cookies, you may find yourself hungry again soon after. But if you eat something with whole grains, fruits, and protein, you’ll feel full longer. This can cause you to overeat, which can lead to gaining weight.
Insulin and Blood Sugar: Added sugars can make your blood sugar levels go up quickly. This causes your body to release insulin, a hormone that helps manage sugar and fat. But if this happens too often, your body can become less effective at using insulin, which can increase the risk of obesity and type 2 diabetes.
Processed foods are often loaded with added sugars and can make it hard to manage your weight.
Hidden Sugars: Many processed foods don’t show how much sugar is in them right away. For example, salad dressings, sauces, and even bread can have added sugars. It’s important to be aware of these hidden sugars. Always check the nutrition labels!
Large Portions: Processed foods often come in larger servings than what you may usually eat. This can lead to eating more without realizing it. For instance, a big bag of candy might look like one serving but is often meant to be shared (or not eaten all at once!).
Eating less added sugar doesn't mean you have to give up tasty food! Here are some tips to help you cut down:
Choose Whole Foods: Eat more whole fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. They not only have more nutrients but also keep you satisfied.
Read Labels: Get to know nutrition labels and look for added sugar amounts. Try to pick foods with little to no added sugars.
Flavor Naturally: When cooking, use spices and herbs instead of sugary sauces to add flavor.
By paying attention to added sugars and processed foods, you can make better choices for your weight and health. Remember, it’s all about finding balance and making smart choices!
When we talk about added sugars and how they can make us gain weight, it’s important to see how common these sugars are in what we eat.
Added sugars are sugars that are put into foods when they are being made or cooked.
Think about your breakfast cereal, flavored yogurt, or even a can of soda.
These foods often have a lot of added sugars, and that can really affect your health.
Empty Calories: One big issue with added sugars is that they give us what people call "empty calories." This means they provide energy but don’t have important nutrients like vitamins, minerals, or fiber. For example, a regular 12-ounce soda can have about 39 grams of sugar, which is about 140 calories—just from sugar. If you enjoy that drink every day, it can lead to eating too many calories without really feeling full.
Feeling Full: Foods high in added sugars don’t make you feel full for long. When you eat a sugary snack like cookies, you may find yourself hungry again soon after. But if you eat something with whole grains, fruits, and protein, you’ll feel full longer. This can cause you to overeat, which can lead to gaining weight.
Insulin and Blood Sugar: Added sugars can make your blood sugar levels go up quickly. This causes your body to release insulin, a hormone that helps manage sugar and fat. But if this happens too often, your body can become less effective at using insulin, which can increase the risk of obesity and type 2 diabetes.
Processed foods are often loaded with added sugars and can make it hard to manage your weight.
Hidden Sugars: Many processed foods don’t show how much sugar is in them right away. For example, salad dressings, sauces, and even bread can have added sugars. It’s important to be aware of these hidden sugars. Always check the nutrition labels!
Large Portions: Processed foods often come in larger servings than what you may usually eat. This can lead to eating more without realizing it. For instance, a big bag of candy might look like one serving but is often meant to be shared (or not eaten all at once!).
Eating less added sugar doesn't mean you have to give up tasty food! Here are some tips to help you cut down:
Choose Whole Foods: Eat more whole fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. They not only have more nutrients but also keep you satisfied.
Read Labels: Get to know nutrition labels and look for added sugar amounts. Try to pick foods with little to no added sugars.
Flavor Naturally: When cooking, use spices and herbs instead of sugary sauces to add flavor.
By paying attention to added sugars and processed foods, you can make better choices for your weight and health. Remember, it’s all about finding balance and making smart choices!