We all try to make healthier choices, but some foods aren’t as wholesome as they seem. Hidden sugars can turn your favorite snacks and meals into unexpected sugar bombs. It’s easy to overlook how much sugar you’re actually consuming. Here are some foods that are secretly packed with sugar and what to eat instead.
Flavored Yogurt
Flavored yogurts might seem healthy, but they often contain as much sugar as a candy bar. Opt for plain yogurt and add fresh fruit for natural sweetness.
Granola
Granola is marketed as a health food, but many brands pack it with sugar to enhance flavor. It’s better to make your own or check for low-sugar options.
Instant Oatmeal
Convenient and quick, but instant oatmeal packets are often loaded with added sugars. Choose plain oats and add your own toppings to control the sweetness.
Salad Dressings
Many store-bought dressings, especially the low-fat ones, sneak in sugar to make up for lost flavor. Making your own dressing can be a healthier choice and much more cost effective.
BBQ Sauce
This tangy favorite is surprisingly high in sugar, often containing more than you’d expect. Use it sparingly or make a homemade version with less sugar.
Ketchup
A common condiment that can hide a significant amount of sugar. Look for reduced-sugar versions or use alternatives like mustard or homemade salsa.
Protein Bars
While marketed as a healthy snack, many protein bars are essentially candy bars in disguise, loaded with sugar and artificial ingredients.
Smoothies
Store-bought smoothies can be sugar bombs, thanks to added sweeteners and fruit juices. Make your own at home with whole fruits and no added sugars.
Canned Soup
Some canned soups use sugar to enhance flavor, especially those labeled as “light” or “healthy.” Check the labels or make homemade soup to avoid hidden sugars.
Bread
Many types of bread, especially white and whole wheat varieties, contain added sugars to improve taste and texture. Look for bread with no added sugars.
Fruit Juice
Even 100% fruit juice is packed with natural sugars and lacks the fiber of whole fruits. Drink in moderation or opt for eating whole fruits instead.
Don’t Eat These 10 Fruits If You Struggle With Your Blood Sugar
Fruits are a staple in a healthy diet, but not all fruits are created equal when it comes to managing blood sugar. Some pack a lot more sugar punch than you might expect, which can be a real concern if you’re keeping an eye on your glucose levels. Here, we dive into ten fruits that are surprisingly sugary and might just spike your blood sugar more than you’d like.
Read it Here: Don’t Eat These 10 Fruits If You Struggle With Your Blood Sugar
Be Suspicious Of These 7 Diet Tips That Promise Low Blood Sugar But Don’t Deliver
Are you trying to keep your blood sugar in check but not seeing the results you expected? You might be surprised to find that some popular diet tips don’t actually help as much as they claim. We’ll break down seven common diet strategies that might be doing more harm than good so you can get to the truth about what really works for managing your blood sugar.
Read it Here: Be Suspicious Of These 7 Diet Tips That Promise Low Blood Sugar But Don’t Deliver
*Select images provided by Depositphotos.
Gina Matsoukas is an AP syndicated writer. She is the founder, photographer and recipe developer of Running to the Kitchen — a food website focused on providing healthy, wholesome recipes using fresh and seasonal ingredients. Her work has been featured in numerous media outlets both digital and print, including MSN, Huffington post, Buzzfeed, Women’s Health and Food Network.
