There’s no arguing the fact that sugar tastes great. Unfortunately, it’s not really good for you in large amounts. Sugars that are added to foods during preparation or processing offer no nutritional value. To make things worse, they contain a ton of calories that can impact your health and make you pack on the pounds.
According to the American Heart Association, women should get no more than 6 teaspoons of added sugars daily which is about 100 calories. Men should not consume any more than 150 calories or 9 teaspoons of added sugars per day. If you think you may be eating too much sugar, here are some signs to watch out for. These may indicate that you need to cut down.
You’re Tired All the Time
That rush of energy you experience when you eat sugary foods usually won’t last long, and you’ll eventually crash. Because of this you’ll be left in a slump, feeling sluggish and wiped out. You may end up reaching for more sweets to help you regain that sugar high, and the cycle continues. The next time you feel drained, try consuming nutrients, fiber, and protein that provide real, long-lasting energy. Protein and fiber digest more slowly and keep you feeling fuller for longer. These won’t cause your blood sugar to fluctuate the way foods high in sugar do.
You’ve Taken A Few Trips to The Dentist Lately
Dental issues like cavities can be a sign that you’re consuming too much sugar. According to a recent study, excess added sugar is the biggest culprit behind tooth decay. This doesn’t mean that you need to give up sugar for good. Just opt for sweet foods that are good for you, like fruits and low-sugar yogurt. Eliminate one sweet from your diet every week and cut back on added sugars gradually.
Your Clothes Are a Little Snug
If you’ve been turning to sweets and sodas more often than usual, you may see this reflected in your weight. Foods that are high in added sugar lead to weight gain since they are loaded with calories and don’t keep you full for long. They add to your calorie intake and do not provide long-lasting energy. Sugary beverages are particularly bad for your health, so replace them with water, juices, and smoothies.
Final Thoughts
There’s a common misconception that only people with diabetes have high blood sugar levels, but this isn’t the case. Anyone can fall culprit to this, unknowingly causing harm to their blood vessels, nerves, and organs. It’s important to look out for the worrying symptoms mentioned above and take appropriate action in time.
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