The average American eats roughly 77 grams of sugar per day. How is that possible? That's more than double the recommended daily amount of sugar. Could hidden sugar be to blame?
Yes! And the effects of this excess are nothing short of disastrous.
We've written extensively about just how bad sugar addiction can be.
In one article, we discussed how sugar wreaks havoc on the metabolism, brain and heart.
That's right – the effects go way beyond your teeth.
Excess sugar can also cause a buildup of fat on the liver, an effect similar to that of alcohol. The damage it causes to your metabolism can lead to a lack of motivation, low libido and fatigue. Your brain responds to sugar in a way that's similar to cocaine – and your heart? Well, studies have shown that those who consume an excess of sugar are twice as likely to die from heart disease.What's the worst thing about sugar? It's everywhere. Hidden sugar accounts for most of the sugar calories you eat. And you didn't even know it was there!
You might think you're eating healthy by avoiding chocolate bars, sodas and all the other foods we associate with high sugar content. But in reality, sugar is like a little devil lurking in even seemingly healthy food and snacks. The following flip cards hit it home pretty effectively. Surprised? Who would've thought something like salad dressing could contain so much sugar?Sugar addiction is a disease. But you can bounce back from it if you really want to. Here are 4 quick tips.
- Don't drink the majority of your calories; sugary beverages are one of the largest contributors to sugar addiction.
- Eat good carbs to help your body detox.
- Be prepared for cravings by carrying healthy snacks like nuts and raisins with you.
- Relax. When you're stressed, your body releases cortisol, and that can make you crave unhealthy foods.
