10 reasons why Vista is much more than a spoon full of sugar
The trouble with sugar is that not only has it contributed to the obesity epidemic, but it has also led to the development of various diseases such as diabetes, tooth decay and gastrointestinal distress.
Sugar is often found in some unexpected places too! It's not just in foods from a gas station or a convenience store. Pizza, which many people do consider as healthy fast food, can actually have up to 45 grams of sugar per slice. Even some "healthier" cereals can contain up to 20 grams of sugar per serving. And that doesn't include the added sugar you'll find in a typical glass of orange juice, which can be as much as 15 grams of sugar per serving.
So where is the peril? The main problem is that most people don't realize how quickly sugar can be consumed. A single soda can contain 32-50 grams of sugar, depending on the size and the brand. And since we tend to drink these beverages with meals instead of eating a healthy meal, our body has no time to metabolize it properly and it usually leads to increased blood sugar levels and may result in spikes in insulin levels.
There are other reasons why sugar is bad for our health as well. It has been linked to weight gain and diabetes, which contributes to heart disease, stroke and cancer. It also contributes to digestive issues and tooth decay. But of course no argument would be complete without mentioning the risk of obesity, which is now at epidemic proportions in this country.
Several studies have shown that the reason why obesity rates continue to rise so rapidly is because it's not just a lack of exercise or nutrition - it's a combination of both. Sugar plays a large role in this as well since it can be found in otherwise healthy food items that we consume on daily basis as part of our diet.
So how do we fix it? The first step is to make the shift from white sugar and high fructose corn syrup (HFCS), which most people use in their food and beverages, to natural sweeteners. This includes honey, maple syrup and even stevia. Not only are these products healthy for you, but they can also satisfy your sweet tooth without doing any harm to your body.
The second step is to adopt a healthy lifestyle that includes exercising and eating healthy on a daily basis, so you don't have to worry about consuming too much sugar or any other harmful ingredients infused in the food you eat.
The third step is to look at the sugar content of the foods, drinks and other products you consume and make sure they're not leading to any health conditions you may want to avoid. If you see that some of your favorite foods contain more than 30 grams of sugar or HFCS, then it's time for a major lifestyle change!
And the fourth step is simply to cut out all the junk food from your diet! But after all, we can't really say "no" to our sweet tooth so here are 10 more reasons why we shouldn't disregard the fact that our diet should include some healthy sweet treats every now and then.
Some of the best healthy sweets include:
1. Fruit-flavored yogurt and other similar dairy products like kefir and sour cream, which contain probiotics that help to keep your gut microbiome balanced. These are also good sources of calcium.
2. Dark chocolate is an excellent source of antioxidants that fight free radicals in our body and prevents cancer as well as cardiovascular disease. It also helps boost our mood when we're feeling down. As long as you stick to a few servings per week, dark chocolate can actually be a healthy treat for your body! The darker the better!
3. Dark chocolate covered nuts may seem like a guilty pleasure, but their healthy fats and fiber content can help boost your energy levels when you feel sluggish.
4. Almond butter is a great source of protein, fiber and potassium. It's also low in sugar and contains the essential amino acid lysine, which is important in keeping your metabolism running smoothly while also keeping inflammation levels under control. Almond butter also contains iron which is important for our blood, as well as calcium that helps keep your bones strong.
5. Salmon and sardines are great sources of lean protein, which is essential for your body to maintain a healthy weight. These fish are also packed with Omega-3 fatty acids that help to lower inflammation and regulate blood sugar.
6. Avocados provide a healthy dose of monounsaturated fats and potassium, which helps with heart health as well as lowering your risk of stroke.
7. Berries like raspberries, blueberries and blackberries contain antioxidants that fight free radicals in our body that can lead to cancer if they're not properly regulated.
8. Spinach is packed with vitamins and minerals like lutein, beta-carotene, folate and iron. It's also an excellent source of fiber that helps keep digestion regular.
9. Dark chocolate covered espresso beans are a rich source of magnesium that helps regulate the nervous system and keeps our bones strong while also boosting our energy levels!
10. Organic coffee is a rich source of antioxidants that help to fight free radicals in the body which can lead to cancer and heart disease. It's also been shown to promote weight loss as well!
If you really want to indulge your sweet tooth, then make sure you incorporate these sweets into your diet regularly. You can do it without any guilt or feeling remorseful, just take it as a part of your healthy diet and you'll soon realize how amazing they are for you!
Sources: Huffington Post and Time Magazine.org.
Do you have sweet tooth? What's your favorite way to satisfy it? Share with us in the comment section below!
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Conclusion
1. The final step is to cut out all the junk food from your diet! But after all, we can't really say "no" to our sweet tooth so here are 10 more reasons why we shouldn't disregard the fact that our diet should include some healthy sweet treats every now and then.2. Some of the best healthy sweets include:3. Almond butter is a great source of protein, fiber and potassium. It's also low in sugar and contains the essential amino acid lysine, which is important in keeping your metabolism running smoothly while also keeping inflammation levels under control. Almond butter also contains iron which is important for our blood, as well as calcium that helps keep your bones strong.4.