“Healthy” Foods that Actually Have Tons of Sugar in Them

“Healthy” Foods that Actually Have Tons of Sugar in Them

Not only can a balanced diet of fruits and vegetables, protein, dairy, and grains help your body feel fighting fit, it can also help to promote healthy teeth and gums that keep you smiling. In contrast, a diet that is high in sugar can lead to cavities, and the acid produced by snacking on sugary treats can wear down the enamel that protects your teeth.

Now, we know that plenty of fruits have naturally occurring sugars, but these are fine. What you really want to pay attention to is how much “added sugar” there is in your mid-afternoon snack. In fact, even when you think you’re choosing the healthy option, you could be choosing something that has a heap of added sugar hidden in the ingredients.

Below, we’ve compiled a list of some seemingly healthy foods that might not be so good for you – as well as some hints and tips for avoiding added sugar in the future.

1. Breakfast, Granola, and Protein Bars
2. Low Calorie Drinks – remember, low calorie doesn’t necessarily mean low sugar!
3. Sweetened Yogurt
4. Bottled Condiments, Sauces, and Dressings
5. Packaged Bread – yes, even the ‘wholegrain’ kind!
6. Packaged Fruit Snacks – if in doubt, stick to the real thing!

How to Avoid Added Sugar

Natural Sweeteners

When used in moderation, natural sweeteners such as raw honey, coconut sugar, and organic maple syrup can taste just as good as the real thing while having the benefit of being less addictive and having less calories.

Monitor Your Breakfast

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, but it’s also the meal where the majority of added sugar can sneak in. High amounts of sugar are present in almost all popular breakfasts, from pancakes and waffles to cereals, and even granola. Limit your morning sugar intake by opting for unprocessed grains, fresh fruits, nuts, eggs, vegetables, or a fresh fruit smoothie.

Choose Your Snacks Carefully

As we mentioned above, there are plenty of foods that seem healthy but are actually packed with sugars. You might think that opting for a granola bar and a helping of flavoured yoghurt is the healthy option, but you’d be much better off reaching for some nuts and seeds or a piece of fruit.

Make Your Own Sauces and Dressings

This isn’t a feasible option when it comes to dining in a restaurant, but when it comes to cooking at home, there’s no harm in trying. The sauces and dressings that are served in restaurants and sold in bottles are often packed with hidden sugars to make them taste a bit nicer – but with some fresh ingredients and a good recipe, we’re sure you could make something just as delicious with a fraction of the sugar.

Along with brushing, flossing, and taking care of what you eat, you should also remember to schedule regular visits to your dentist. They’ll let you know the areas you need to focus on and will be able to flag any issues early on so that you can tackle them head on. Redbank Plains Dental is Goodna’s local dentist. To find out more about the services we offer, visit our website today.