Sugar Detox Challenge

Hunt down hidden sugars hiding in your cabinets and pantry. Throw away foods containing high amounts of added sugars, everything from tomato sauces to ketchup and peanut butter. Be especially wary of low-fat items as they often contain more sugar to make them taste better.

Eliminate Hidden Sugars

When purging your kitchen, be on the look out for these names:

• Fructose
• Maltose
• Sorbitol
• Evaporated cane juice
• Syrups
• Xylotol
• Sugars ending in "ol" or "ose"

The American Heart Association recommends no more than 6 teaspoons of added sugar a day. That equals about a 100 calories worth of sugar. Unfortunately, it’s less than the sugar in one candy bar or can of soda. This doesn’t include all the natural sources of sugar from fruits, some vegetables and even some whole grains. Many Americans consume close to a whopping 22 teaspoons a day.

Cut Your Consumption

Instead of buying and consuming processed foods that include sugar, try buying healthier and whole-food alternatives with low or no added sugar. You can add up to one 1 teaspoon of sugar to these foods. This puts you in control of the amount of sugar you’re consuming.