Know Your Food

Bowl of granulated sugar and sugar cubes

Sugar and Salt

Most think of sugar and salt as simple, the white sprinkles you shake or pour onto, or into something, but these two S words can “kill” you! The good news is that if you’re reading this and educating yourself on sugar and salt, you will put forth an effort to do better. Sugar and salt have a bitter/sweet relationship with humans (pun intended). If used in moderation, these two Ss can enhance the flavor of your food, but if used too much, your food may taste good, while your body will not feel good!

Here’s what you need to know:

Sugar and salt are acquired tastes, meaning you may not like the taste at first, but after several times tasting it, you will start to enjoy it! This is both good and bad news—the good news is that you can stop using them and get used to the new taste without sugar and salt; the bad news is that you can use them too much and continue to crave that taste. After you read this, I’m hoping you will make better sugar and salt choices—that's all!

Below is a common list of things that you may not realize contain sugar or salt:

Hidden Sources of Sugar:

  • Breads
  • Pasta sauces
  • Canned fruits
  • Breakfast cereals
  • Snack bars
  • Yogurt
  • Condiments (ketchup, salad dressings)

Hidden Sources of Salt:

  • Processed meats (bacon, deli meats)
  • Canned vegetables
  • Frozen meals
  • Bread and bakery products
  • Cheese
  • Snack foods (chips, pretzels)
  • Sauces and marinades

By being aware of these hidden sources, you can make more informed choices for your health!