Read your way to healthy
There are many ways to “live healthy” and most of us know daily exercise is #1. Another motivating factor in living healthy is good nutrition. You can improve your overall nutrition by simply modifying your shopping habits. Reading nutrition labels, and making smarter choices, may contribute to your overall well being. If you’ve never paid much attention to food labels, you’re encouraged to start now.
The FDA requires nutrition content on all food labels. Let’s start by looking at the sugar content in the food you purchase at the supermarket. To keep all of this in perspective, it's helpful to remember the American Heart Association's recommendations for sugar intake:
Men should consume no more than 9 teaspoons (36 grams or 150 calories) of added sugar per day.
For women, the number is lower: 6 teaspoons (25 grams or 100 calories) per day.
A simple example is to check the sugar content on then label of your favorite after-workout drink. A simple change to a drink with less or no sugar can make a world of difference.
Also consider that sugar in fruit is not a cause of concern for most people, considering that it's high in fiber and nutrients. But fruit sugar in the form of sweeteners can become problematic if you consume too much of it in processed foods. Aim to eat 2 cups of fruit per day, along with vegetables, lean protein, and healthy fat.
By reading nutrition labels, and making a small change to your shopping behavior, you can make big health gains. Not only will you lose weight, but you will be more aware of your food choices everywhere you go.
