Re: Sugar

ever hear of the non-profit group global energy balance network? sounds like something to do with global warming, oil or getting more electricity to those places that are under served. NO its not. simply put this group is funded by the soda industry to expand on their message  that sugary drinks are not bad for us (might even be considered a snack food) nor do they play a role in the obesity epidemic. a lot of money is also going to politicians, lobbyists and even scientists (who claim to be impartial) so that added taxes and other regulations should not be imposed on this industry. they claim that there is no problem with sugary drinks- the problem is that we don't exercise enough. if we all just did more exercise there would be no obesity epidemic. who cares about calories anyway?
    of course i am all for exercise and many of us, including children  do not get enough. but to lose weight exercise is only part of the equation and not the largest part. being aware of calories, portion control and limiting  those foods that have no nutritional value is whats needed to lose weight in conjunction with an exercise program.
     so if you hear any messages from the global energy balance network just remember where they are really coming from.

Sugar, Sugar

i hope you read food labels but many people don't take the time. the FDA has been trying to improve food labels in order to make this information easier to understand. currently they propose to include the percentages of the amounts of added sugars on labels-manufacturers have already rallied against this proposal. it seems they feel that percentages will confuse us consumers more than we already are.
    it is thought on average that most of us consume approximately 30 teaspoons (120 grams)  of sugar a day-this is added sugar, not an apple. the  government suggests that no more than 10% of daily calories should come from added sugar although many health professionals feel that 6-7% is a much healthier target number.
    so how much is that? if you are eating 1500 calories a day the suggested percentage would equal 6 teaspoons (24 grams) of added sugar a day. a 16 ounce can of soda usually contains about 12 teaspoons (50 grams) of added sugars! at least most people have gotten the message about soda and the consumption numbers are finally falling.
    here are some of the other  products  that often contain high amounts of added sugars- try to limit or avoid completely your consumption of them:

• many instant oatmeals that are flavored, cereals
• granola and granola bars
• bottled salad dressings, ketchup, tomato sauce, bbq sauce
• frozen meals
• fruit juices that are not 100% fruit juice
• energy drinks
• canned fruit in syrup

    this is obviously just the tip of the iceberg. try and take the time to  read labels and you will be making healthier food choices for you and your family.