Over the past few decades, there has been a steady rise in the amount of sugar that Americans consume daily. This isn’t surprising considering sugary desserts and processed foods have become increasingly popular. For both children and adults, compared to a person’s total daily energy intake, sugar should only account for 10% or lower. In fact, if you can reduce your daily sugar intake to less than 25g (5%), additional health benefits may be experienced.
This is all referring less to sugars found in things like milk, vegetables, and fruits, and more focused on processed sugars. When it comes to empty calories and Americans who indulge in them, the main perpetrators are processed meals’ free sugars and those in other foods. By making a few simple diet adjustments, sugar intake can be lowered by today’s retirement age adults.
Let’s look at some areas in which this can be accomplished.
Hidden Sugars
While you may not have considered some traditional food choices unhealthy, you’d be surprised at how many hidden sugars are found within them. A vast array of dairy products, smoothies, beverages, dressings, condiments, and processed foods contain high amounts of sugar.
What’s the conversion of sugar to calories? One gram of sugar equals 4 calories (approximately). So check your next serving and how many grams of sugar are in it. That way you’ll be able to figure out how many calories you’re consuming.
Retirement age individuals – instead of microwaving processed foods with excess sugar, sodium, and fat, – can benefit greatly from eating nutritious, fresh foods. If you’re unable to spend as much time in the kitchen as you used to, remember that home-cooked meals are served every day in today’s independent and assisted living communities.
Sugar in Drinks
Did you know you may be able to help prevent Alzheimer’s disease by drinking green tea? But you will, unfortunately, add to your sugar intake if you fill your cup with honey or sugar as well. Sadly, when it comes to your morning cup of coffee, this also goes for sugar and cream. Over time, try reducing the amount of beverage additives you currently enjoy.
There are a lot of free sugars in other drinks, too, like processed fruit juices, flavored waters, and, of course, soda. More than 5% of the calorie intake recommended can be found in a regular can of soda!
Invest in Your Desserts
Instead of grabbing everyday sweet snacks, invest in deserts of a higher quality. For example, once in a while, invest in a freshly baked pastry or decadent truffle as opposed to grabbing a bag of cookies. Sure, it’s a bit more expensive to indulge in nice desserts, but compared to a daily sugar rush, it’s better to go with an occasional indulgence.
Eat Healthy and Happily At Our Retirement Community
At our retirement community, we provide meals that are nutritious and delicious – as well as a vast array of enjoyable programs and amenities – all designed to keep our residents healthy and happy.
Courtesy of our Sensations Dining program, our residents enjoy three meals a day that take into consideration proper levels of things like sugar, salt, etc. Each meal is chef-prepared, and whenever possible, uses the freshest local ingredients. If your loved one has dietary restrictions, we are happy to oblige. All this, and more, served in a fine dining atmosphere.
Would you like to discuss sales and leasing with a representative? If so, you can phone us at 561.287.6743. With other questions, please phone 561.202-9866. You can also open the lines of communication by filling out and sending in our contact form.
Take time to check out our amazing community. Schedule a tour today.
