Cut Back on Added Sugars
Healthy eating is important at every age. Eat a variety of fruits, vegetables, grains, protein foods, and dairy or fortified soy alternatives. When deciding what to eat or drink, choose options that are full of nutrients and limited in added sugars, saturated fat, and sodium. Start with these tips:
Think about your drinks
Balance your meal by drinking water instead of sugary drinks like soda, lemonade, or sports drinks. Try some sparkling water with a lemon wedge or a small piece of fresh fruit.
Enjoy a sprinkle or two
Skip the sugar and top your coffee with a dash of cinnamon, nutmeg, or cocoa powder instead. This adds a little variety to the flavor of your coffee.
Satisfy your sweet tooth
Indulge in a naturally sweet dessert – fruit! Enjoy a fresh fruit salad, baked apples with cinnamon, or a piece of fruit right out of the fridge.
Split the sweets
Share dessert with a friend. Half a pastry or slice of cake means only half the added sugars (and calories) for each of you.
Pick lower-sugar options
Choose packaged foods that have less or no added sugars such as plain low-fat or fat-free yogurt, unsweetened applesauce, or canned fruit packed in its own juice or water.
Check the label
Added sugars are now prominently displayed on the Nutrition Facts label of packaged foods. Use this information to compare added sugars on similar products. Keep in mind that there are many names for added sugars, such as fructose, dextrose, maple syrup, and cane juice.
