High Sugar Diet

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Almost every kid loves foods containing sugar. An average teen consumes about twice as much sugar as they should. Added sugar can enhance the taste of some foods that some kids may not otherwise eat. Foods that are high in added sugar (pastries, cookies, cake, candy, frozen desserts, and some fruit juices) tend to also be high in calories but low in other valuable nutrients. 
 

The problem is that a high-sugar diet is often linked with obesity. Eating too many sugary foods can also lead to tooth decay. A little sugar, particularly if it's in a food that provides other important nutrients, isn't going to tip the scale. It is a good idea to cut down on added sugar in your diet, especially high fructose corn sugar. . Here are some things to remember:

• Natural sugars are found in many foods, including fruit and dairy products.
• Snack foods, candy, and soda often have large amounts of added sugars
• Soda leads to the erosion of the enamel of the teeth.
• Fruits are healthier choices.
• Enjoy low-fat milk, water or juice that is 100% fruit juice with no added sugar.
• High sugar content can add up quickly in snack foods. These "empty calories" usually contain few other nutrients.

Ensuring that you're getting a balanced, nutritious diet isn't as hard as it may seem. Simply make good carbohydrate choices (whole grains, fruits, veggies, and low-fat milk and dairy products), limit foods containing added sugar (especially those with little or no nutritional value), and keep active every day.