Sugar...Let's Unmask 

 

Its Many Forms

 

 

 

Are you trying to lose those last 10 pounds??  Are you trying to just feel better??  Are you trying to improve your mood??  Well guess what, sugar and all of its many forms might just be what is standing in your way!

Let's start with the startling statistics......the average person consumes 60 pounds of sugar per year!!! This is like the weight of a small child!!!  The crazy thing is, you might be consuming sugar and not even know it.  Well today I will tell you exactly what to look for in the list of ingredients of the food items you buy at the market so you will be a "Sugar Savvy Shopper." 

First things first....if you are reading the ingredients and sugar is listed, it means it is not naturally found in this food product (Flag #1).  Second, some food companies are very aware and count on the fact that the general public is not aware of sugars many names and forms.  That's why the average American consumes 60 pounds of sugar yearly.  I believe, nutrition education is the key and I also believe that it should start with our children in grade school.  Why not teach all of our children when they are young so that we can end the epidemic of Diabetes and Obesity?  After all, if physical education is mandatory, why isn't teaching them how to live a healthier and happy life? 

The following is a list of the many disguises that sugar takes in our food:

• High Fructose Corn Syrup, Lactose, Maltodextrin, Sucrose, Sorbitol, Sorghum Syrup
• Dextrose, Dextrin, Glucose, Galactose, Barley Malt, Cane Crystals, Corn Syrup
• Fruit Juice Concentrate, Molasses, Malt Syrup, Maltose, Sorghum Syrup
• Caramel, Golden Syrup

There you have it.....now you know the enemy in disguise!!  Start taking the time to read those food labels and I guarantee you that you will improve you and your families quality of life forever!!  Memorize this list, write it on a piece of paper and clip it in your GalsShopper, or bring up my blog on your smart phone (it can be held in your GalsShopper easily of course!) and you can start making healthier food choices forever!! 



How About A Slice

of Watermelon!!

 

 

For your next barbecue, instead of a salty basket of chips....slice a big juicy watermelon for your company and watch it disappear!!!  Not only is it beautiful to look at and sweet, it is also packed full of great nutrition and gives you a great hydration boost for these long, hot, hazy summer days. 

 

I know most of you think of watermelon as a sweet summertime treat or the flavor of your favorite margarita, but there are many health benefits to consuming this pink royalty of fruit.  Watermelon is actually rich in Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and Vitamin B6.  Vitamin A helps to boost our immune system and helps promote eye health.  Vitamin C, as we all know, helps to boost our immune system by protecting us from those dreadful free radicals that can create chaos in our beautiful bodies.  Vitamin B6 helps our bodies to break down all the wonderful protein we consume, helps to form red blood cells, and maintain optimal nerve function. 

 

Lets also not forgot about watermelons potassium connection!!!   Watermelon is chocked full of potassium and potassium is a mineral that helps our bodies maintain water balance.  Getting muscle cramps???  Perhaps, your are experiencing low potassium levels.  Don't forget, it is recommended that you consume eight glasses of water per day (most people only consume 4!).  Well guess what?  Watermelon is 92% water!!!!   Drink your water and reach for a juicy slice of watermelon to stay hydrated during the long hot days of summer. 

 

Some tips.....if you decide to buy a whole watermelon, I highly recommend that you cut the whole thing up and place it in your refrigerator.  I find that when the work is already done, my family will reach for it as a snack.  Add watermelon cubes to your salad....it adds just the right amount of sweetness to your salad!!  Puree watermelon in your blender or food processor and pour it into ice cube trays for an awesome frozen treat!!!!  Use your imagination!!!!  

 

At only 80 calories for 2 cups of watermelon and zero fat.......eat to your hearts content!!!