Most Americans consume nearly 20 teaspoons of added sugar every day. That’s more than triple the recommended daily limit for women and double for men.
The best thing you can drink is water!
The Rhode Island Multi Cultural Leadership Committee held a healthy beverage lesson plan on Tuesday, April 30th at the Saint Vincent Church Food Pantry in Providence. It emphasized reducing sugar in beverages.
More than thirty people attended the event.
“We love to keep our community healthy!” said Ruben Tejada, one of the leaders of the Rhode Island Multi Cultural Leadership Committee.
“The Rhode Island Multi Cultural Leadership Committee is committed to providing American Heart Association wellness education to our underserved communities due to the important impact it has on the people we serve, “ said Tejada.
“This education is not readily available to these communities and is not shared or understood within these communities which gives our mission that much more purpose,” he said.
Staying healthy for good can start with the beverage choices you make.
Replacing sweetened drinks to cut back on added sugars and empty calories can be as simple as switching to water.
Sugar-sweetened beverages like soda and energy/sports drinks are the number one source of added sugars in our diet.
A 12 -fluid ounce can of regular soda has about 150 calories and 10 teaspoons of added sugar.
Try quenching your thirst with these tips that use less added sugars:
Take steps to reduce or replace sugary drinks in your diet by replacing most of your drinks with water. Reduce the amount of sugar in your coffee or tea gradually until your taste adjusts to less sweetness.
Choose water and make it more accessible by carrying a refillable water bottle. Add a splash of 100% fruit juice or slices of citrus, berries and even cucumbers for a boost of flavor.
Make family favorite drinks like hot chocolate, lemonade, smoothies, fruit punch, chocolate milk and coffee drinks at home with less added sugars.