The average American consumes about 22 teaspoons of added sugar each day—in other words, nearly 330 calories with no nutritional value. This is substantially higher than the American Heart Association’s recommended daily consumption of added sugar: no more than 6 teaspoons (100 calories) of added sugars a day for women; no more than 9 teaspoons (150 calories) for men.
What does this mean during a not-so-average time of year like the holidays? It means employees likely need some tips to help them navigate the season’s sugary temptations.
The not so sweet truth about sugar The Food and Drug Administration is proposing changes to food labels that would include added sugars and, for the first time, provide consumers with information similar to what they currently see for nutrients such as sodium. The label changes would be based on a daily limit on added sugar—of no more than 10 percent of daily calories.
Sugar makes up about 13.5 percent of Americans’ daily caloric intake; therein lies the sweet spot of the issue, especially considering an a person with one sugary drink (one 12-ounce soft drink has about 9 teaspoons of sugar) sitting on their couch is near the daily limit with that one choice alone.
Added sugar, added risk Not all sugars are created equal. Natural sugars are sugars found in fruits, vegetables, milk and milk products, while added sugars are sugars or syrups added to prepared or processed foods and beverages. Foods with added sugars typically have fewer nutrients than foods with natural sugars—and added sugars are associated with added risks.
A recent study linked too much added sugar to an increased risk of dying from cardiovascular disease. The study found that individuals who consumed 21 percent or more of their calories from added sugar more than doubled their risk of dying from cardiovascular disease. Additionally, added sugars have long been cited for contributing to other risks, including:
Diabetes
High cholesterol
High blood pressure
Inflammation
Obesity
Help yourself manage sugar, This is the season of overindulgence on all things sugary, but there are several ways to help yourself manage sugar, including our easy-to-implement Mind Your Health educational seminar (MYH seminars), Sugar Savvy—Get the Scoop. This one-hour seminar teaches employees:
What sugar is and its effect on health
Sugar myths vs. facts
Tips for choosing foods and beverages with less sugar
The pros and cons of sugar substitutes
Other MYH seminars to help employees learn more about nutrition and how to make better food and beverage choices include:
Delicious Vegetables – Adding Nutrients the Tasty Way
Fiber – Making it Fit
Healthy Eating – Step up to the Plate
Healthy Lunches – At Home or on the Go
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