Sugar is bad for your health & your waistline. Diets high in sugar are linked to increased risk for type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Sugar intake is also linked to depression, migraines, autoimmune disesases, and osteoporosis.

Sugar is sweet AND sneaky...It gives you a rush then sends you crashing later...and wanting MORE! Sweets are so tempting and the more you eat the higher your tolerance is.

The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends that are sugar intake be 6 teaspoons (100 calories) for women & 9 teaspoons (150 calories) for men. Sugar adds up quick-->just ONE 12oz can of soda contains 8-10teaspoons of sugar.

If you can't get enough of this sweet stuff then it might be time to CUT IT OUT!

1. Go on a Sugar Hunt--> Raid your pantry and find where the sugar is hiding. cookies, candy, ice cream...etc. Then GET RID OF IT!  (D(D--

2. Learn to read ingredients list and find the HIDDEN SUGARS--> especially if it's listed in the first 5 ingredients.

**Table from SparkPeople**

3. Natural Sugar is OK--> Whole fruits, skim or non-fat Milk, Greek Yogurt.

4. Replace the Sugar-->Buy produce, whole grains, & low-fat dairy products.

5. Eat your calories, don't drink them--> opt for water, unsweetened tea, or coffee.

• Add squeezed lemon, orange, or lime into your water.
• squeeze lemon into your tea.
• If you need to add creamer to coffee--make it skim or non-fat milk!

6.Shop the perimeter of the grocery store--> where you'll find whole natural foods!

7. Avoid Cravings--> after about a week it will begin to be easier to resist temptation.

• Keep healthy snacks at hand
• go for a walk
• drink a glass of water

8. Plan it out--> Sweets are OK in MODERATION

• Just don't let eating sweets become a daily habit
• don't overindulge
• If you slip up, don't guilt yourself--> accept it, move on, and make a better decision next time.

**sparkpeople**