FFYWB - Be Sugar Savvy

Food for Your Well-Being (FFYWB) is a nutrition and wellness education series from Bon Appétit Management Company that supports your well-being, whether you’re working or learning onsite or at home. Read the tips, watch the videos, and try the recipes for all FFYWB topics.

BE SUGAR SAVVY

Most Americans consume between 22-30 teaspoons of sugar per day which is 3-4 times the recommended max intake. High consumption of sugars may contribute to dental cavities, heart disease, diabetes, and even cancer.

Tips to be more sugar savvy:

• Choose whole foods. To skip the added sugars, choose whole foods often, and learn how to add flavor without sugar.
• Be mindful of the recommended guidelines. Aim to keep daily intake of added sugars to 6 teaspoons for women and 9 teaspoons for men per day.
• Sugar is sugar. Although some sugars such as agave and honey claim to be better than others, these sugars contribute the same amount of energy as table sugar and if consumed in excess can increase the risk of chronic disease.
• Look for added sugar in unexpected places. When at the grocery store remember that added sugar can be found in surprising places, even foods that aren’t sweet. This includes granola bars, pasta sauce, salad dressing, and instant oatmeal.
• Read food labels. Read ingredient lists for all sweeteners including cane sugar, honey, maple syrup, high-fructose corn syrup, and any words ending in “ose.”

Are you sugar savvy? Sugar can be found into many foods and beverages that may surprise you: