Welcome to the new year, where resolutions to eat healthier often take center stage! But sometimes, despite our best intentions, hidden sugars lurk in our diets, sabotaging our efforts to make nutritious choices. These sugars, cleverly disguised under various names on nutrition labels, can sneak their way into our meals and snacks, adding unnecessary calories and potentially harming our health in the long run.
Fear not! The journey to a healthier you doesn’t have to mean sacrificing flavor or enjoyment. Here are some sneaky sources of hidden sugars and delicious swaps to help you conquer those cravings without compromising on taste or health.
1. PEANUT BUTTER
A beloved staple in many households, peanut butters are often loaded with extra, unnecessary ingredients including sugar. We started making our own one-ingredient peanut butters because of how difficult it was to find a good quality peanut butter with no added ingredients. No shock here, but we recommend:
- Spread The Love NAKED Organic Peanut Butter
- Spread The Love NAKED CRUNCH Organic Peanut Butter : This link will open in a new tab.
2. MILK ALTERNATIVES
Milk alternatives, such as almond, soy, oat, and coconut milk, have gained popularity among health-conscious individuals and those with dietary restrictions. However, some store-bought versions can contain added sugars and other additives. Some of our favorite brands include:
- MALK: This link will open in a new tab. Almond or Oat Milk
- Elmhurst: This link will open in a new tab. Milks
3. CEREAL
Even breakfast cereals that are deemed "healthier" can be deceptively high in sugar. Unknowingly starting your day with a bowl of sugar can be avoided with our favorite swap:
- Lovebird: This link will open in a new tab. Cereal
- Purely Elizabeth: This link will open in a new tab. Granola
4. YOGURTS
Often hailed as a healthy snack or breakfast choice, many yogurts, especially flavored ones, are loaded with added sugars. Opt for plain, unsweetened yogurt and add your sweetness with fresh fruits or a drizzle of honey. Here are some recommendations:
- Stonyfield: This link will open in a new tab. Organic Greek Yogurt
- Siggis: This link will open in a new tab. Plain Icelandic Yogurt
- Chobani: This link will open in a new tab., Plain
5. PASTA SAUCES
Pasta sauces, often a quick go-to for a delicious meal, can surprisingly harbor hidden sugars. These sauces, whether store-bought or homemade, might contain added sugars to enhance flavor. Hand's down our favorites are:
- Rao's: This link will open in a new tab. Pasta Sauce
- Carbone: This link will open in a new tab. Marinara
6. CONDIMENTS
Ketchup, barbecue sauce, and salad dressings can be sugar hotspots. Look for sugar-free or low-sugar alternatives, or better yet, make your own at home using natural ingredients.
- Any & all Primal Kitchen: This link will open in a new tab. condiments and salad dressings
- Acid League: This link will open in a new tab. Vinaigrettes
- True Made Foods: This link will open in a new tab. Veggie Ketchup
7. BEVERAGES
Fruit juices, energy drinks, and even seemingly innocent flavored waters often contain added sugars. Opt for freshly squeezed juices or infuse your water with fruits and herbs for a refreshing, sugar-free alternative.
- Spindrift: This link will open in a new tab. Seltzers
- Traditional Medicinals : This link will open in a new tab.Tea
8. BREAD
Bread, a dietary staple for many, can surprisingly contain added sugars, even in seemingly wholesome varieties.
- Dave's Killer Bread: This link will open in a new tab.
- Base Culture: This link will open in a new tab. for a gluten-free option
By becoming a savvy label reader and making mindful swaps, you can kick those hidden sugars to the curb and embrace a healthier, more balanced diet. Remember, small changes can lead to big results on your journey to a healthier you!