Hidden Sugars

I am a former sugar addict. I still crave those delectable sweets, but I try to satisfy any crazy cravings with fruit. While I have come a long way (I allow myself one reasonably portioned "dessert" dessert per week), I find that some of the clean foods I've been eating have added sugars. For someone who is trying to combat a genetic history of heart disease, high cholesterol, and spare tires, any way that I can avoid added sugars is desirable. Not only do added sugars pack on the pounds, but the more you eat the more you crave it (not good when you're a former addict). So what is a girl to do? Well, I did a little research and compiled a list of foods to watch out for because they contain hidden sugars, even in their organic state. I also added list that will help you decipher the names and forms sugar can take...

Sneaky Foods

• protein bars
• flavored yogurt/ greek yogurt
• certain breads (watch out for raisin breads and honey wheat breads)
• low fat salad dressing (they take out the fat, but add sugar for taste)
• ketchup
• spaghetti sauce
• peanut butter

Sugar Names  
Natural Sugar Sources

• sucrose (table sugar)
• cane sugar
• maltose
• fructose
• dextrose
• lactose
• honey
• agave nectar
• Stevia extract (considered a sugar substitute, but research so far has shown that it is not chemically processed)
• sucanat
• sugar beet syrup
• barley malt syrup

*please note that fructose and lactose are natural sugars from fruits and milk products, respectively

Artificial Sugars (chemically processed and to be avoided at all costs)

• saccharin
• aspartame
• sucralose (not to be confused with sucrose)
• neotame
• acesulfame potassium
• sorbitol
• xylitol
• corn syrup
• high fructose corn syrup
• isomalt

There are many more sources of sugar that are out there, but I chose the most common that I see on labels.Also please feel free to correct me as I am not an expert and could always use the guidance of an expert!