Contact Us
 
Find a Doctor
I'm looking for
I'm looking for
Doctor's office
Enter your doctor's name to get office information.
Labs
Find labs in your network
Enter your primary care doctor's name to find labs in your network.
Urgent care centers
Find urgent care centers in your network
Enter your primary care doctor's name to find urgent care centers in your network.
Medical Services
Medical Services
Health Insurance
Classes and Events
Health and Medical
Wellness and Fitness
Community Classes
Pregnancy and Parenting
Seniors and Aging
For Professionals
FollowMyHealth®
Driving Directions
Print
Cart
Update Information

Cancel

Save

Forgot Password

Please enter your e-mail address.

Sharp Health News

Keep it sweet: sugar and its alternatives (infographic)

Oct. 7, 2016 by

The average American consumes 22 teaspoons of sugar a day, averaging three times the recommended allowance. But can you blame us? Many foods hide their sugar status, and studies reveal the addictive cycle that sugar spins. Patti Ennis, program manager of clinical nutrition at Sharp Chula Vista Medical Center shares facts, myths and a few tasty alternatives.

Keep it sweet: sugar and its alternatives (infographic). Sugar – how much is too much? Although sugar is linked to health concerns, overconsumption is the true culprit. Learn how limits and alternatives could sweeten your overall well-being. We eat 22 teaspoons of sugar each day. However, our maximum allowance per day is 6 to 9 teaspoons – 6 for women and 9 for men. One regular soda contains 9 teaspoons of sugar. These on-the-go favorites seem innocent enough, but they’re also hiding high amounts of sugar: Granola bars have 2 ½ teaspoons per serving (one bar). Yogurt has 3 teaspoons per serving (5 ounces). Raisins have 5 teaspoons per box (1/4 cup). Energy drinks have 5 ½ teaspoons per serving (8 ounces). Iced tea has 9 ½ teaspoons per serving (16 ounces). Blended iced coffee drinks have 10 teaspoons per serving (12 ounces). Ever wonder why you crave sugar? It all starts with that cupcake. You eat sugar, your blood sugar levels spike, sugar cravings start, and your blood sugar levels crash. Break the sugar cycle by making small, simple changes to your diet. Cut a little out each week and fill up on fruits and vegetables instead. Get the skinny on six natural and artificial sugar substitutes. Remember that sugar is sugar, and even the following natural alternatives cause your blood sugar to rise. Stevia, a processed sweetener, is technically artificial, despite being derived from a shrub – so it’s really a food additive. Honey is ideal in drinks and on hot cereals, but shares similar make up to table sugar. Agave nectar is great for teas and coffee, but its extreme sweetness make it tough for baking. Some studies suggest the following artificial sweeteners may leave you craving more sugar, so use them in moderation. Aspartame is found in more than 6,000 products, but loses its sweetness when heated. Sucralose is best for baking, and one packet is as sweet as 2 teaspoons of sugar. Saccharine is best used in beverages, as it reacts differently to baking than sugar does. Although artificial sweeteners are approved by the FDA, it does not mean unlimited consumption is OK, says Patti Ennis, clinical nutrition program manager at Sharp Chula Vista Medical Center. Incorporating sweeteners in your diet should be used in moderation. Try water or low sugar beverages instead of diet sodas or beverages that contain artificial sweeteners.

View the printable version of this infographic.

You might also like:

Healthy grilling

5 tips for your most healthy barbecue yet

These simple tips can help make your next backyard barbecue healthier (and just as flavorful).

May 24 2019

Is your diet plan too strict?

Is your diet plan too strict?

Focusing on body cues, goals and lifestyle can improve your health in ways a trendy diet never can.

May 22 2019

The future’s so bright …

The future’s so bright …

Sunglasses are a year-round must in sunny San Diego.

May 24 2019

Choose the doctor who's right for you.

At Sharp, we make it easy to find an exceptional doctor — right where you live and work.

Get started

All Categories
Contact Sharp HealthCare
Call us

1-800-827-4277

If this is a life- or limb-threatening emergency, please call 911 immediately.

Email us

Please do not use this form to convey personal or medical information.

How would you like to be contacted?
Date of birth
Optional

Find other numbers

View our phone directory

What's This?

These important numbers are located on your billing statement.

Find your Sharp Rees-Stealy account number

Find your Sharp Rees-Stealy account number

Find your Sharp hospital account number

Find your Sharp hospital account number

Find your SharpCare account number

Find your SharpCare account number
What's GDPR?

The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) governs the processing of personal information gathered from individuals while they are in the European Union (EU) and parts of the EEA (European Economic Area, which currently includes Iceland, Lichtenstein and Norway).

We are sorry, but we are unable to process hospital price estimates if you live or are travelling within the EU or affiliated nations.

To learn more, call us at 858-499-5901.

What's This?

Many surgery and procedure names sound similar. If possible, please provide the current procedure terminology (CPT) code, which can be found on the order from your doctor.

If you cannot provide the CPT code, please contact your doctor's office for the CPT or a detailed description of services.