Our Sugar Addiction and How It Affects Our Bodies (Infographic)
As American’s, we have a not so secret and not so subtle addiction to sugar. We have such a strong addiction that the average American consumes 150 pounds of dietary sugar per year as compared to 18 pounds per year in the 1800s. That’s a 733% increase in sugar consumption!
While women only need about 6 teaspoons of added sugar a day and men only need about 9 teaspoons of added sugar per day, states the American Heart Association, but in reality, most of us consume closer to 22 teaspoons of added sugar per day.
How Does All of This Sugar Affect Our Bodies?
Some of the most common symptoms of sugar intoxication include:
- Headaches
- Upset Stomach
- Fatigue
- Gas
- Mood Swings
- Fogginess
The infographic below illustrates a more visually appealing depiction of sugar’s effect on our bodies and the amount of sugar in some of our most favorite daily treats.
What Can You Do to Reduce Your Sugar Consumption?
Aside from reducing the number of foods you eat that are depicted on the infographic above, try the following:
- Eat more vegetables and lean protein
- Opt for unprocessed foods over processed
- Read labels carefully for hidden added sugars
Don’t let sugar ruin your health or your weight loss goals. It’s amazing how little you start to crave sugar once you’ve eliminated it from your diet. Within a few weeks, you’ll stop craving it altogether and over time it will no longer make your taste buds do a happy dance when you eat it. In fact, over time you may find that if you do indulge in sugar-laden food, it won’t even taste good.
