Hello Loyal Soup People!
I’m going to get right to the point this week. Sugar is bad. You may hear about all kinds of different diet ideas – Paleo, Keto, etc. But one thing that everyone can agree on is that we all need to cut down our sugar intake. Consuming too much sugar can lead to type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, a greater risk of stroke, higher rates of obesity, and many more health problems. Also, unless you are burning a LOT of calories per day, your body turns sugar straight into fat.
Sugar can sneak into the most unexpected foods! Yes, we all know soda, cookies and cake are full of sugar. But so are many tomato sauces, ketchups, and breads – foods you wouldn’t think of as having added sugar.
Sugar also likes to hide under pseudonyms such as “nectar,” or “glucose.” And the “healthier” sounding versions aren’t any better for you. Pure cane sugar sounds more natural than high fructose corn syrup, but it has the same impact on your body.
How to avoid added sugar? Check out the nutrition label. Underneath the “total sugars” line you’ll find “added sugars.” That should be as close to zero as possible. Naturally occurring sugars, such as those found in fruits and vegetables, are fine. Added sugars – that’s when we run into trouble.
Try to slowly wean yourself off of sugar. Each week, select a few sugary foods that you could do without. You’ll slowly start seeing your cravings change. The goal is to gradually eliminate overly sweetened foods from your diet, and get your body to start craving more natural foods. One meal at a time!
Love,
Soupermom
*NOTE – Soupermom is not a licensed dietitian, doctor, personal trainer, or anything like that. She’s just extremely knowledgeable about healthy living!! But if you slip and fall while taking her advice, it is not her fault!
Marilyn Polon (Soupermom), Co-Founder and CAO (chief anxiety officer) has been worried about Soupergirl since the company launched in 2008. Actually, even before that. Her career has also been random and fascinating. After twenty years as a speech therapist, Soupermom changed careers and became a volunteer coordinator. She then had a wonderful stint as a docent at the Corcoran Gallery of Art. She was then dragged out of retirement by her daughter who insisted that they start a soup company. Could that be any more random?
All of the company’s recipes come from Soupermom’s kitchen. Honestly, she’s a testament to the power of healthy eating. Her hobbies include really long hikes, walking, doting on her granddaughters, and coming up with new recipes for Soupergirl. She is also a guru of all things health related but gets the words to every single song she sings incorrect. All of them. Loudly. Lastly, her laugh is contagious.