DETROIT – The American Heart Association recommends 6 or less teaspoons of sugar per day for women, and 9 or less teaspoons for men, but the average consumption is 22 or more teaspoons daily. To get a sense of what that looks like: a 12 oz can of soda/pop, has about 10 teaspoons of sugar. The drink alone has more sugar than what's recommended for the whole day.
The more sugar is eaten, the more it is craved. Sugar is noted by 56 different names in processed foods, including high fructose corn syrup, which is found in just about everything, including ketchup. It takes 3,500 excess calories to gain one pound.
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The increase sugar and calories in the American diet, has led to increased obesity and chronic diseases.
There are many chronic, long term illnesses, tracked by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Diabetes is one of those conditions. From 1980 through 2011, the number of Americans with diabetes more than tripled (from 5.6 million to 20.9 million).
Increased sugar intake, can lead to obesity, which will increase the risk and frequency of not only diabetes, but high blood pressure, heart disease, tooth decay, high cholesterol, arthritis, cancer, and many other illnesses.
There is a way out from this cycle. Eat foods high in fiber and protein, and avoid all sugared beverages. Try a handful of almonds with cranberries the next time you need a quick dash of sweetness. Dried beans are high in fiber, and help to add the feeling of being full, which decreases overeating.
Exercise daily for 30-60 minutes to burn 3,500 more calories than consumed, which equals a pound lost, instead of gained. Avoid fast and process foods as much as possible, and eat more foods grown from the ground with water.
It's never too late to start doing the right things for your body and your life. The numbers on the scale of pounds gained, the package label that notes the food is very high in fructose corn syrup and sugar, and the number of medical problems that continue to increase, all point to the truth.
Today is the day to Kick Sugar 4 Good, and to find solutions, not excuses to be the best YOU.