5 Weight-Loss Truths Hidden in Trendy Diets (Page 6)

5. Keep An Eye On Sugars

The Zone, South Beach, Sugar Busters and Atkins all had us cutting back on sugars. While I don’t advocate limiting healthy foods that naturally contain sugars, like fruits and dairy (unless you have diabetes and your doctor tells you to), I agree that cutting added sugars is good for our health and our “bottom lines.” The average American consumes 355 calories of added sugars each day. A year ago, the American Heart Association released recommendations advising women to eat no more than 100 calories per day from added sugars (that’s about 6 teaspoons) and men to stick to less than 150 calories, approximately 9 teaspoons. “Sugars” on Nutrition Facts panels include natural and added sugars, so check ingredient lists for sugar and all its aliases: corn syrup, honey, molasses, etc. The closer sugars are to the top of the list, the more the food contains.

Recipes to try: Naturally sweet diet-friendly desserts with low or no added sugars.

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