Most of us have a sweet tooth, and although it is fine to indulge in an occasional treat, many of us get a lot more sugar in our diets than we should. The average can of soda has approximately 9 teaspoons of added sugar, and when you add sugar to coffee or tea, or eat a few cookies, it is easy to see how added sugars can quickly exceed the recommended level of no more than 9 teaspoons per day for men and 6 teaspoons for women. The latest research on our consumption of sugary drinks indicates that the average American consumes a whopping 20 teaspoons of sugar per day.
Sugar is not all bad, it helps add flavor to foods such as baked goods and is a source of energy in the body for the brain and red blood cells. So how do we balance our insatiable love of all things sweet with moderating our added sugar intake and keeping on track with our nutrition goals?
According to an article in US News and World Report, registered dietitians suggest some unique alternatives to sugar that can add a touch of sweetness to our daily diets without sugar overload:
- Add unsweetened cocoa to smoothies or coffee for extra sweetness and a boost of antioxidants.
- Small quantities of dried fruit such as cranberries, dates, or figs can sweeten a salad or help to lower the added sugar in baked goods.
- Use naturally sweet, in-season fruits such as peaches, berries, apples, pineapple melon, or bananas to sweeten oatmeal, yogurt, salads, or muffins.
- Registered dietician Danielle Omar, MS, RD integrative dietitian at www.foodconfidence.com recommends using cinnamon in various dishes to naturally sweeten foods. Spices such as cinnamon can sweeten food and as an added bonus, can help to keep your blood sugar from spiking as quickly by slowing down digestion.
If you are not ready to completely eliminate sugar from your diet, try these helpful ideas to indulge your sweet tooth and enjoy an occasional sweet treat in your diet.
Teri
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