Sugar Rush!

I was asked to speak about a topic of my choice; I could have chosen anything about nutrition, exercise or general well-being. I chose to talk about SUGAR....Why? Because sugar is a HUGE problem.
Most people are unaware of how big the sugar problem is. The average american consumes 100-130lbs of sugar per year, which is way TOOO MUCH. Over consumption of sugar can cause metabolic syndrome, type II diabetes, cancer, a weakened immune system, high blood pressure, depression, obesity and so much more.
Then the question is...How much is too much? The American Heart Association recommends no more than 10 teaspoons per day. The average American adult is consuming 22 teaspoons and the average child in America is consuming 32 teaspoons a day. Sugar is in everything...even in things that are marketed as health products. It's cheap, it appeals to taste buds and it's a preservative. Sugar has many names and it can be hidden in packaged/processed foods. Sugar is an addictive substance and is often compared to caffeine, alcohol, or drugs. The side effects of sugar withdrawal are real, but learning how to slowly eliminate added sugars from your diet and your family's can increase life expectancy and change your relationship with food.

This is just a sneak peek of tonight's talk...Want more info? Come to our Healthy Huddle up tonight at 6:45pm at the West Sacramento Rec Center.