9. Added sugar.
Eating clean means not eating foods with added sugar. When you read the food label on the packaging, you’ll notice the amount of added sugar. In cereals, added sugars can be as high as 45 grams or more per serving. One teaspoon of granulated sugar equals 4 grams of sugar. That’s like pouring 11 packets of sugar on your cereal in the morning. You would be healthier by eating plain oatmeal and adding your own sugar. You certainly would never add 11 sugar packets to your bowl.
How much added sugar should you have a day? According to Viau, ZERO – none, nada, nothing. The crazy thing is added sugar in almost everything, so be a sugar snob. Common products like peanut butter, soups, juices, flavored yogurt, applesauce, canned tomatoes, couscous and pasta – almost anything you can buy in a box or packaged has added sugar.
The truth is we need to watch the amount of hidden sugars we consume and begin to make smarter choices by reaching for nature’s sugary sweet items. Watching your sugar intake drastically reduces what you purchase in the commissary or grocery store. It will drastically reduce your bill, too.
I could write a small book with all the information I learned on my commissary tour and Kathy Viau. But she suggests starting with small steps, easy digestible facts and clear direction. The ultimate goal is to succeed
Eating clean takes effort, but once you understand how food impacts your health, the food decisions becomes clear and easier to make. It’s a slow process, one that can take months to fully understand. However, the benefits out way the effort. Once you have the knowledge, it’s about putting it to practice. You’ll never look at food the same again – and your body will thank you for it.
There are many places to turn to for helpful tips to get started. For example, your local library has clean eating recipe books, references and magazines that are free and at your fingertips. If you like online resources, I’ve sorted through a few to help you to get started or to improve your knowledge base. Happy eating!
