Date:  May 8, 2007

Unhealthy, fattening, empty calorie sugar is in abundance in many refined and processed foods. 

How to avoid them:

1. Try to avoid anything with more than 3 grams of sugar per serving size.

2. It is  SO IMPORTANT to read the ingredients as sugar comes in the name of not only sugar but many other names such as honey, molasses, fruit juice concentrate, high fructose corn syrup-which is the worst, sucrose. and dextrose.  If you see these ingredients, take caution.

3.  Read the number of grams per serving and pay particular attention to the serving size of the food which is key.

4. One teaspoon of sugar equals 4 grams of sugar or 1 Tablespoon of sugar equals 12 grams of sugar.

5. Beware of words that may sound healthy but are no better as far as sugar goes: Raw, Organic and/or Natural sugar is still pure sugar so do not be fooled.

6. Lactose is milk sugar naturally occurring in dairy products.  If a serving of lowfat dairy is 15 grams of sugar or less, you are fine.  This is not refined or processed sugar.  If a serving has more than 15 grams, it is probably a sweetened dairy product you want to avoid.  Read the ingredients.

7. Fructose is the sugar that occurs naturally in fruit.  In its original state which is the whole fruit, it is fine.  It becomes unhealthy when extracted and used as a simple sugar in refined processed foods.

8. Fresh and Frozen Fruits are the healthiest way to satisfy a sweet tooth or 1/2 ounce of pure dark chocolate.

 "To A Better You"

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