10 Warning Signs You May Be Eating Too Much Sugar
Sugar is part of many foods, but regularly consuming large amounts of added sugar can make it harder to maintain a healthy diet and may contribute to weight gain and other health problems. (cdc.gov)
10 Signs to Watch For
- Frequent cravings for sweet foods
You may find yourself regularly reaching for desserts, candy, or sugary drinks. - Energy ups and downs
Sugary foods can provide quick energy, followed by hunger or tiredness. - Frequent hunger
Foods high in added sugar may provide calories without much protein or fiber, which can leave you less satisfied. - Unwanted weight gain
Sugary drinks and high-calorie sweets can make it easier to consume more calories than your body needs. - More dental problems
Frequent exposure to added sugars increases the risk of tooth decay. (cdc.gov) - High intake of sugary drinks
Soda, sweetened tea, energy drinks, and other sugary beverages can add substantial amounts of added sugar to your diet. - Difficulty cutting back
If you regularly struggle to reduce sweets or sugary drinks, your overall intake may be higher than you realize. - A diet low in nutritious foods
A lot of added sugar can crowd out foods that provide protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. - High triglycerides or blood sugar
Blood-test results can sometimes reveal metabolic effects associated with an unhealthy diet, although they cannot prove that sugar alone is responsible. - Regularly exceeding recommended limits
The American Heart Association recommends limiting added sugar to no more than about 6 teaspoons (25 grams) per day for most women and 9 teaspoons (36 grams) for most men. (heart.org)
How to Cut Back
Choose water instead of sugary drinks, eat whole fruit instead of sweets when possible, compare nutrition labels, and choose foods with more fiber and protein.
Bottom line: You don’t need to eliminate all sugar. The bigger goal is to limit added sugars while eating a balanced diet rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, protein, and other minimally processed foods.
