Section summary
Sugar is abundant in our food supply but not a necessary nutrient. Differentiate between added sugars and natural sugars. Check labels for terms such as sugar, sucrose, high fructose corn syrup, etc. Women should have less than 24g and men less than 36g of sugar daily. Be mindful of sweetened beverages and opt for alternatives like herbal teas, flavored water, or mineral water with citrus.
It's crucial to monitor sugar intake for blood sugar balance and heart health. Avoid artificial sweeteners as they can have harmful effects. Instead of sugary yogurts, opt for plain and sweeten with honey and fruit. Healthy snack alternatives include nuts, fruits, cheese, smoothies, and snack plates with vegetables and protein sources.
- Nuts (raw, roasted, or salted)
- Nut butter
- Simple Mills Organic Crackers
- Mary’s Gone Crackers
- Hummus
- Plantain Chips
- Jerky
- Non-Dairy yogurt
- Canned sardines
- Canned tuna or tuna salad with avocado mayonnaise
- Chia pudding
- SeaSnax (seaweed)
- Chomps grass-fed meat sticks
- Cauliflower or chickpea puffs
- Organic popcorn
- Sauerkraut
- Pumpkin or sunflower seeds