Reading Food Labels to Avoid Too Much SUGAR!

We've already established that I'm a sugar addict. I tried to commit to a sugar fast. Don't ask me how it's going. After caving the first time, let's just say I haven't gotten back on the no-sugar-bandwagon.

I'm about to re-commit myself. Why? Because I'm convinced that the only way you can really "spot reduce" is by controlling what goes into the mouth. I'm often asked questions such as: "How do I lose my love handles?" "How can I get rid of belly fat?" etc. I've already ranted about certain workout myths, such as the myth that doing lots of crunches will give you a flat tummy. In my opinion, crunches are usually counter productive. But that's another post for another day.

Most of us just don't spend enough time working out, if we're to have the freedom to eat whatever we want all. the. time. (if we want to look how we want). This is where diet is crucial! Yes, exercise is a #1 priority. But we are normal people with normal lives. I'm one of those people who actually really loves working out. But I love spending time with people, doing other things even more. As a wife-baby mama-housekeeper-chef-chauffer-part time personal trainer-teacher-church-goer-friend- neighbor-blogger, I can't work out any longer than the time I've already allotted myself. In fact, if we're being honest, I probably am much less productive in other areas of my life because of my daily workout routine.

This is where diet really plays a major role. How you look is largely determined by what you eat. LARGELY determined. I'm going to go out on a limb and say PROBABLY more than exercise. I work out a lot. According to my Heart Rate Monitor (with which I'm obsessed!), I burned around 3,500 calories last week. But I probably ate enough junk to balance out the calorie deficit.

SO, if we mommies want to lose our mummy tummies for good, we have to be disciplined low-sugar-occasional-indulging eaters. Here are a few hidden sources of those darn sweeteners to watch out for:

1. READ THE LABELS. You have to know what to watch out for! Sugar isn't JUST sugar. If the label says any of the following, watch out! Maltose, dextrose (glucose), fructose, fruit juice concentrate, corn sweetener, corn syrup, high-fructose corn syrup, maple syrup, honey, malt syrup, and brown rice syrup.
2. FAT-FREE DOES NOT MEAN LOW SUGAR! If something is low fat or fat-free, higher amounts of processed sugar are often added to make up for the missing flavor created by the missing fat!
3. EASY ON THE SAUCE! My husband loooovvvves sauce. He was leery when I first introduced him to Heinz Organic Ketchup. But once he tasted it, he could NOT tell the difference. So many sauces we eat on a regular basis are packed with sugar! Barbecue, spaghetti, hot sauces, ketchup, and relish to name a few. More than half of the calories often come with added sugar. Look for low (or no) sugar options, like my ketchup. Otherwise, lighten up, and always request sauce and dressing on the side!
4. WATCH OUT FOR "ALL-NATURAL". This healthy-sounding terminology really doesn't mean jack! There are no guidelines for it's use, so READ THE LABEL. Many supposedly "all-natural" items are loaded with refined sugar, especially high fructose corn syrup.

So I'm re-committing to having a sugar-free month in April! Wanna join me? How do you control your sugar cravings and intake?