What’s really dangerous about sugar is that it lurks in the most unlikely of foods, so more often we don’t even know we’re eating it. So here are our top tips on how to reduce your sugar intake as a family.
- Avoid processed food as much as possible. If you haven’t cooked it yourself you don’t know what’s in it, chances are if it’s off the shelf and it has sugar in it. If you are in a rush, we like Ella’s Kitchen or Little Dish which are made with natural ingredients and no added sugar.
- Check labels and learn the names of sugar aliases. Don’t be fooled into thinking products sweetened with honey or agave syrup are better for you. Although these sweeteners may have other health benefits, as far as our bodies are concerned any processed sugar is still sugar, whether it’s fructose, glucose or plain old sucrose. To be sure you know what you’re getting, check the nutritional label on the back and bear in mind that 4 grams of white sugar (granulated) is equal to 1 teaspoon of sugar. Be aware that the sugars listed on nutritional labels include naturally occurring sugars (like those in fruit and milk) as well as those added to a food or drink. Check the ingredient list as well as the sugar content to be sure.
- Choose foods with a low sugar content. You will need to check the nutritional label on the back. Claudi and Fin are a great lower sugar snack for children.
- Have smaller portions. Fruit juices and smoothies can count towards your 5 a day, however, they can be very high in sugar so experts say you shouldn’t have more than 150ml per day.
We hope you’ve found this blog interesting and do tell us how you’re trying to reduce your sugar intake too.
Take care.
The Lolly Ladies.