10 tips for cutting back on sugar
It's all about balance and finding what works for you.
Limiting your daily sugar intake is part of a heart-healthy lifestyle. Not all sugar is bad for you. But eating too much of it can lead to a variety of health issues. Cutting back on sugar doesn’t have to be hard. It’s all about balance and finding what works for you.
Here are 10 tips to help get you started:
- Start small. As a first step, try decreasing the amount of sugar you add to your coffee each day.
- Don’t drink your sugar. Opt for water instead of soda or fruit juices.
- Eat fresh fruit. Avoid fruit canned in syrup.
- Flavor yogurt yourself. Choose plain yogurt that’s lower in sugar and add fruit or nuts for flavor.
- Add fruit instead of sugar. Try fresh or dried fruit in oatmeal or cereal.
- Cut the serving back. When baking, cut the sugar by one-third to half.
- Watch out for hidden sugar. Some packaged foods, like beans, contain more sugar than you’d think.
- Replace it completely. Enhance foods with spices like cinnamon instead of sugar.
- Substitute. Switch out sugar with unsweetened applesauce in recipes.
- Try a sweetener. Use plant-based sweeteners like Stevia.
Sources
- AARP
- American Stroke Association
The information provided is for general informational purposes only and is not intended to be medical advice or a substitute for professional health care. You should consult an appropriate health care professional for your specific needs.