Who doesn’t love sugar? Whether it be some French vanilla creamer in your morning coffee, an ice cream sundae on a hot day, or a cocktail on a Saturday evening, it seems to be in everything we want to eat, and not so much in the foods we know we should be eating.

Sometimes it can be hard to spot sugar on a nutrition label. It can have many different names such as glucose, sucrose, lactose, maltose, dextrose, and corn syrup. It’s important to read the ingredients before you buy something because sugar sneaks into many foods you never would have thought of! Here are some foods that are surprisingly loaded with sugar:

• Milk – about 11 grams of sugar per serving
• Yogurt – can have up to 20 grams of sugar
• Energy Bars – some of the popular ones have 25 grams of sugar
• Condiments – ketchup, BBQ sauce, salad dressings

The scariest thing about sugar is how easy it is to become addicted, some are even starting to call it an addictive drug, more addictive than cocaine. If you’ve ever tried to stop eating sugar, I’m sure you’ve felt like it’s nearly impossible! Sugar creates a vicious cycle in your body – storing fat and making your brain think that you’re still hungry.

So what happens to your body if you stop eating sugar?

Many benefits can come from cutting sugar out of your diet. Simple things such as healthier skin and more energy in the morning are sweet. But more important changes will also appear. You will sleep better. Your heart will be healthier. You’ll stop wanting sugar. And you’ll lose weight.

Obesity is a major problem in the U.S., and sugar is a main contributor. Currently, more than 1/3 of Americans are obese. And people who are obese spend around $1,500 more every year in medical costs than those who are not obese. Obesity can lead to:

• Heart disease
• Stroke
• Diabetes
• Cancer
• High blood pressure
• Liver Damage

So eat less sugar – you’re sweet enough already. Stay Tuned for Springfield Weight Loss Center's free tip on weight loss and healthy dieting!