Most diet plans eliminate, or at least reduce, the obvious sources of sugar so you lose weight fast. The trickier part comes in uncovering and avoiding the many hidden sources of sugar. We actually consume a lot of these hidden sugars in processed foods, and even in many natural foods we think of as "healthy." As a result, we often end up eating too much sugar, even when we think we are not. Knowing your foods may have added, hidden, sugars is an important first step. It is helpful to understand that some of the foods you think about including in your diet plans - whether you are trying to lose weight or simply eat better - may actually do more harm than good due to their added sugars.

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These are some surprising, yet common foods which contain added, hidden sugars. Consider removing, or at least decreasing, the following from your diet plans so you can continue to lose weight.

• Tomato-based pasta sauces
• Fat-free salad dressings
• Smoothies
• Barbecue Sauce
• Multigrain cereals and crackers
• Fruit juices that are fruit-flavored or concentrates
• Yogurt
• Granola Bars
• Flavored coffees
• Canned fruits

Even more frightening is the fact that most fast food restaurants understand how highly addictive sugar is; people develop dependence on sugar just as much as they do for illegal drugs. Recent experiments have shown that sugar offers the hallmarks of addiction: bingeing, withdrawal and craving. Of course, restaurants want you to enjoy their food, then crave it so you keep coming back for more. It is no surprise then to learn nearly everything on McDonald's menu contains at least some sugar - from the drinks to the breads to the ketchup. Even their "healthy" fruit smoothies contain more sugar per serving than Coca-Colas.

Another example is Pei Wei Asian Diner. Some people who eat there may realize some of the entrees' sauces contain sugar. Did you know that every item on their menu contains sugar? Only one item does not - the steamed Edamame beans that came in their shell with salt on the outside. Most likely, if you go to most restaurants and ask for the ingredients, you would find nearly every menu item contains the dreaded hidden sugars.

You can easily find sugar-free alternatives which taste just as good as those with the hidden sugars. It is even possible to go out to eat when armed with the knowledge about the hidden sugars. When in doubt, read labels or simply ask restaurant staff to find out the foods' ingredients and nutritional information. An even better alternative is to search for healthy recipes and then make your own foods and salad dressings at home. Doing this is truly the best way to cut down on the amount of sugar you add and eat. The less sugar you include in your diet, the more success you will have in losing weight and living a healthy lifestyle.

Resources:

One Life 5 Surprising Sources of Sugar

The New York Times Debunking Sugar-Consumption Myths

CNN Health Uncover 6 Hidden Sources of Sugar

Psychology Today 7 Things McDonald’s Knows About Your Brain

Please contact us if you have questions or want to learn more about our weight loss programs or Botox and Fillers: