Sneaky Sugars

Did you know that the average American consumes about 76 grams of added sugar daily? That adds up to over 60 pounds a year which is like lugging around 15 one-gallon jugs of water! Yikes!

So What Are Sneaky Sugars?

Sneaky sugars are added sugars that are found in products where we least expect them, like sauces, snacks, and even foods labeled as healthy.

Here are some common names for these sneaky sugars that you should watch out for:

• Agave nectar

• Barley malt

• Brown sugar

• Cane juice

• Cane sugar

• Corn syrup, high-fructose corn syrup

• Fruit juice concentrate

• Fruit nectars

• Honey

• Maple syrup

• Raw sugar

• Turbinado

• Anything ending in ‘-ose’: dextrose, fructose, lactose, maltose, sucrose, trehalose
  … there’s more too but these are the most common ones.

  These can all contribute to your sugar intake without you even noticing! Pretty sneaky…

So why should we care? Well, excess sugar can lead to:

• Weight gain

• Chronic diseases like type 2 diabetes

• Mood swings ~ irritability and feelings of anxiousness

Here are my top 4 tips for reading food labels:

1️⃣ Check Ingredients: Ingredients are listed by quantity. If sugar is 1 of the first 3, there’s a lot of it!

2️⃣ Review Nutrition Facts: Look closely at "Total Sugars" and "Added Sugars" to understand how much extra sugar is included. 

3️⃣ Be Cautious with Sugar Alternatives: Artificial sweeteners can reduce calories but may still affect health and cravings. Common ones include Sucralose (Splenda), Stevia, and Equal. They can also impact blood sugar levels.

4️⃣ Watch for “Health Halo” Claims: Terms like “low-fat,” “gluten-free,” or “natural” doesn’t mean a product is free from added sugars. Always check the label!

 ✅ While eating whole foods is the best choice, knowing how to read labels helps you make healthier decisions.

I hope you enjoyed this week’s #wickedgoodwellness tip!

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Thank you! ✌️ 

Disclaimer: This information is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor or a qualified healthcare provider before taking dietary supplements or making changes to your diet or exercise routine.