Tips for Reducing Your Sugar Intake in 2023

Sugar is becoming a problem in the United States. In fact, Americans are consuming about 3x the recommended sugar intake per day. However, recent studies are showing sugar can be attributed to weight gain and obesity, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease. This year, make a pact with yourself to cut back on your and your family’s sugar intake and be on your way to a healthier lifestyle. Here are a few tips to help cut back on your sugar intake in 2023.

Ways to Reduce Your Sugar Intake in the New Year

Set Realistic Goals

If you’re someone who consumes a lot of sugar daily, it might not be realistic to expect that you’ll be able to give it up overnight completely. That’s why setting smaller goals you can realistically achieve is important. Maybe start by cutting back on sugary drinks or desserts a few days a week. Or, if you eat processed foods regularly, try switching to brands that use alternative sweeteners, like Lotta Products’ premium baking mixes.

Go For Low-Sugar Groceries

If you’re buying foods high in sugar, passing them over for healthier options can be difficult. Next time you’re at the grocery store, look for Whole Foods, including fruits, proteins, and vegetables. It’s also a good idea to have a meal before grocery shopping, so you’re not shopping while hungry, which can lead to unhealthy choices. However, if you have a sweet tooth that week, Lotta Products baking mixes use 75-85% LESS sugar with a premium plant-based sugar replacer. Get all of the sweets you love, low in sugar without sacrificing taste, when you shop for Notta Lotta Sugar baking mixes.

Know Sugar Alternatives

There are many ways to replace sugar in a recipe to reduce your overall sugar intake! The list goes on: unsweetened applesauce, molasses, honey, fruit purées. Be sure to research so your low-sugar alternative conversions turn out just as delicious!

Avoid Temptations

One of the best ways to avoid temptation is to plan ahead. When you know you’re going to be in a situation where sweets are readily available, take the time to prepare ahead of time. This could mean packing your own snacks and drinks so you’re not tempted by unhealthy options. Or, if you’re going out to eat, look at the menu in advance and make a healthy choice that sounds good to you.

Make Slowly Changes Over Time 

If you find that you’re struggling to stick to your goals, don’t give up! Just remember that changing your eating habits is a process that takes time. Instead of getting discouraged, focus on making slow changes over time. Every little bit counts; eventually, those small changes will add to big results.

Look at The Labels

Sugar is in a lot of foods. Many times you might not even know it! Check for sugars on labels as you’re shopping. And remember, sugars can have hidden names. Here are some hidden sugars to keep an eye out for:

• Corn sweetener
• Ethyl maltol
• Corn syrup
• Dextrose
• Fructose
• Fruit juice concentrates
• Glucose
• High-fructose corn syrup

Reducing your sugar intake doesn’t have to be an all-or-nothing proposition. By setting realistic goals, planning ahead, and making slow changes over time, you can easily reduce your sugar intake in 2023—and improve your overall health in the process!