Calorie watchers beware because the foods you are currently eating could contain a hidden cache of sugar, even though food companies don't advertise them as such. In fact, there may be foods within your diet that are jam-packed with the stuff. If you are among many who are trying to cut back on sugary foods in your diet, consider yourself warned.
The following list of foods is among the ones that are overlooked for the sugar content.
5. Salad dressing
We kick things off with the accompaniment that is beloved by most vegans and vegetarians alike. Yes, salad dressing contains some sugar. Specifically, salad dressing contains high fructose corn syrup, which is linked to health disorders such as diabetes and obesity. Not a good start for maintaining a healthy diet.
A better alternative to this sugary food would be homemade vinaigrettes. Not only are they easy to make (vinegar, extra-virgin olive oil, and seasonings), but they are free of sugars.
4. Coffee drinks
This one is sometimes hard to avoid and can seriously compromise your health.
Some coffee drinks contain some sugar and actually can turn out to be a bad way to start your day. If you are watching your calories and you want to start your day right, only choose black for your coffee. As for those lattes, make sure you order them without sugary foods at the drive-thru.
3. Most fast food
This next one seems like an obvious choice, but one we can't ignore. Almost everyone in the world has taken fast food for granted, especially if they're on the go. But they also have to be mindful that most ingredients in Fast Food include sugar, especially those additives. And it can be anything from the enticing burger special to some simple fries. The risk to your health is too big on this one.
Even if you are in a hurry and need a quick bite to eat while you're on the go, always be mindful of what you order at the drive-thru. Look for healthier alternatives to these sugary foods that are on the menu like salads.
2. Yogurt
Yogurt can be one of the most deceptive choices for dieters, especially if you're are trying to cut back on calories for your health. True to a fault, some yogurt can contain small amounts of sugar, especially those fruit flavored ones, making them seem ideal for your diet. Unless it's plain yogurt, you run the risk of increasing your calorie intake on a daily basis. Just read the labels and stay clear from the fruit-flavored ones.
1. Cold Cereal
Breakfast foods are supposed to be healthy and there are many that fit the bill.
Though not completely. The culprits include Cold Cereal and oatmeal. While they are labeled as "healthy" and do provide much needed nutrients, including calories for your diet, they aren't necessarily healthy. Anything below five grams of sugar is cool, but if it's over that limit it should raise a red flag as a sugary food.
Also, remember that there are a plethora of breakfast foods that don't require sugar to make (eggs, salads, etc).