Reference Guide for Sugar-Free Foods

It is of vital importance to have a reference guide for sugar-free foods so we shall be able to quickly recognize them. If we are conscious of taking less sugar everyday, then we can choose on sugar-free foods.

Using a reference guide to recognize sugar-free foods is effective in controlling sugar intake. Americans consume 22 teaspoons of sugar daily, according to Los Angeles Times. Such consumption is higher than what is being safely recommended by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). It is important to know which foods are sugar-free even if you are not diabetic.

Sugar-free

Foods free of sugar or carbohydrates are more strict versions of the famous low-sugar, low-carb diet for weight reduction.

Sometimes “sugar-free” in labels simply means lack of refined sugar. These foods contain natural sugar in complex carbohydrates with no sweeteners added. Nuts, vegetables and fruits are raw, unprocessed and sugar-free. Nuts like spinach and cauliflower are high in protein than carbohydrates.

You can see in a reference guide, that “sugar-free” can also mean no carbohydrates, therefore no sugar – either natural or artificial. Examples are those which only have protein and fat like raw meat, eggs, shellfish and fish. Consuming them does not increase your sugar intake. USDA however, recommends between that our daily caloric intake should be 45 to 65 percent carbohydrates.

Artificial sweeteners

Some companies also process foods with sugar substitutes or artificial sweeteners. Hershey’s is one example. It has put sugar substitutes to its chocolate bars. Though these foods are sugar-free, some health experts claim that they are not healthy as they may have refined carbohydrates that are suspected to be a culprit to heart problems.

Sugar-free foods at home

With a comprehensive reference guide, you can have sugar-free foods at home. You can always prepare your own food and decide to make it sugar-free. That can make you in control and ensure that your sugar intake is low. This can take the possibility of overweight and obesity...fortunately, the list of choices is a long one.