Average person in USA consumes 45.3 lbs of sugar a year

When I read this I just had to share it.

Have you ever stopped to think for a minute about the types foods people
eat everyday? For example, just look at the handful of giant food
conglomerates like Pepsi, Coca Cola, Dole, Nestle, General Mills
(Pillsbury, Betty Crocker) that heavily influence what the average
consumer in the U.S. eats, day in and day out. Their products are on the shelves EVERYWHERE.

...And what's the one indisputable common denominator between all of these companies and the majority of their products?

SUGAR!

Not only is sugar bad for your health (and your waistline), it's VERY
addictive. In fact, it's so addictive that on average a person in the
U.S. consumes a whopping 45.3 pounds of sugar a year...that's pretty gross when you think about it!

But here's the kicker - that 45.3 pounds of sugar only includes "pure" sugar consumption. That means sugar from soft drinks, junk foods, pastries, chocolate, juices, shakes, ice cream, honey, syrup (well you get the idea). That number does NOT include breads, pasta, rice and other starchy foods that also turn into sugar in your body.

I can't imagine what the total amount of sugar one's body has to metabolize on a daily, weekly and yearly basis (poor liver!).

The problem is, we've all gotten so used to eating sugar that our view of normalcy has become completely distorted. If it's not sweet, it doesn't taste good. Even the "healthy" foods and drinks are filled with sugar -- or what they disguise as something healthy like apple juice, evaporated cane juice, dates, just to name a few.

Even worse are the "organic" labels that fool people into thinking that even though there's sugar in them it's somehow better for you? It's no wonder we're faced with an epidemic rate of obesity and diabetes.

There was a New York Times article written by Gary Taubes' titled, "Is Sugar Toxic?" If you haven't read it yet, I highly recommend it. Here's the link:

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/04/17/magazine/mag-17Sugar-t.html?_r=3

And if you don't have time to read the article, at least take a look at
this eye-opening graphic:

http://www.nytimes.com/imagepages/2011/04/17/magazine/mag-17Sugar-t_CA1.html

That picture really puts things into perspective, huh?!

So what can you do to cut down on these sugary foods?

Well, you have to start by redefining "normal".

If you've been under the assumption that your sugar intake is normal, you may want to take a second look. And keep in mind, as I stated earlier, that sugar doesn't have to be sweet. Refined carbohydrates like bread, cereal, pasta, rice all turn into sugar...and these foods add up quick.

It's important to know that sugar in your body triggers a powerful hormone called "insulin", which among many things is responsible for storing fat in your body. So more sugar means higher insulin response which programs your body to store more fat. It may be a simplified way of looking at it, but the it gets the important point across.

If you've been struggling with your weight, take a look at your diet - especially your sugar/carb intake. Even if you think you eat healthy, you may be surprised to find out how much sugar/carbs you actually eat. Try taking a carb count for one day - just keep track of how many grams of carbohydrates you consume and take a look at your total at the end of the day.

The optimal amount of daily carbohydrate intake varies with body size, lean body weight and activity levels, but it's been my experience (working with thousands of people), that 100 grams of carbohydrates per day is the ballpark figure you want to be shooting for if you want to lose weight and get some good definition on those abs.

Now if 100 grams seem too low, just keep in mind that it's low relative to what's considered "normal" by today's standard, which is FAR from what normal *really* is. Reducing your sugar/carb intake isn't easy (at first), but the trimmed waistline and improved health benefits are well worth it. Also, cutting down on carbs doesn't mean starving yourself, it means making better choices.

Here are 7 tips to help you eliminate excess sugar/carbs form your diet:

#1 - Consume protein with every meal.

#2 - Avoid refined carbs like breads, pasta, rice and all wheat flour products.

#3 - Cut out soft drinks and drink water instead. If you need to add some taste squeeze a wedge of lemon or lime in the water.

#4 - Skip starchy foods like breads, muffins, bagels and cereal for breakfast. Instead, have some eggs and fruit or a protein shake.

#4 - Go for a salad instead of a sandwich. If you feel that it's not satisfying enough, add extra protein and fat (like avocado) into your salad.

#6 - Avoid sweets and starchy snacks, especially in the mid-afternoon when you're energy level starts to wane and your sugar cravings hit. Instead, snack on nuts, fruits, jerky, cottage cheese or Greek yogurt (if you eat dairy).

#7 - Stay away from breads, pasta, rice and even potatoes at dinner time and replace them with cruciferous vegetables that are hearty and healthy like broccoli, cauliflower and brussel sprouts.

Stay Fit,

-Shin

==> http://www.maxworkouts.com/contest/rules

Also look at: http://tinyurl.com/3ubj37d

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