By: Danielle McLaughlin
Trying to eat healthy can be a struggle, especially when we live in a world where food advertisements and packaging are too often deceiving. According to the American Heart Association, the maximum amount of added sugars the average male should intake daily is 37.5 grams (or 9 teaspoons) of sugar. The maximum for the average female is 25 grams (or 6 teaspoons) of sugar. Here are a few popular foods you should be wary of if you’re watching your sugar intake:
1. Yogurt
Sure, it’s not surprising that a yogurt cup that comes with chocolate candy pieces intended to be sprinkled in contains a decent amount of sugar. However, it is surprising when a popular brand of non-fat Greek yogurt that we constantly see advertised as a healthy snack option contains almost as much sugar as a candy bar. There are some great yogurt options out there! Just be sure to dissect the label if you are watching your sugar intake.
2. Granola
Granola is a delicious way to get some fiber and grains. However, pay attention to serving sizes. Although it’s tempting (and easy) to eat a full bowl of granola, the usual recommended serving size is about 1/4 to 1/2 of a cup.
3. Cereal
Cereal is often deceiving. You may think you’re making a healthy choice by choosing cereals with key words like “natural” and “whole grain.” Paying attention to the grams of sugar listed on the side of the box can be a game-changer when it comes to making a better cereal decision. If you need to add some sweetness to a less sugary brand of cereal, add a few banana or strawberry slices.
4. Ketchup
Ketchup is made from tomatoes, which are a vegetable, so it must be healthy, right? (This is filed under “Lies I Tell Myself.”) It’s actually shocking how much sugar ketchup contains. Just 1 tablespoon of ketchup has 4 grams of sugar, the equivalent to your standard chocolate chip cookie. Next time you’re using America’s favorite condiment, pay attention to how much you’re consuming at a time. I know I will be giving the low-sugar ketchup variety a try next time I go to the grocery store.