You’ve heard the saying that Knowledge is Power, right?
Sure, but it’s hard these days to stay well-informed, don’t ya think? I mean, we have unlimited access to infinite information. Sometimes, I can’t help but laugh when I look around in a public place and EVERY PERSON is on their cellphone, undoubtedly researching topics of the utmost importance (George Clooney’s relationship status or the number of calories in a Wendy’s frosty).
He’s single by the way…
Anyway, I find it incredibly daunting to stay up-to-date on everything that’s important to me. I mean, we live in a society where researchers change their opinions as often as we change our underwear.
The media’s latest obsession is sugar. Although there’s growing consensus that we should be cautious about sugar consumption, most of us choose to ignore the warnings and opt for our daily super-sized vanilla latte. It made me curious: As Americans, how much sugar do we actually eat?
Check this out:
In 1822, the average American consumed 45 grams of sugar every 5 days. This is the amount of sugar found in one 12-oz can of soda. Guess what? In 2012, the average American consumed 756 grams of sugar every 5 days! Yowsa!
With studies linking sugar to a variety of maladies including cancer, I think our culture has discovered its latest legal addiction. I’m certainly no scientist, but I think we can all agree that our culture as a whole consumes far too much sugar.
For me, it all comes down to balance and awareness. For example, I loved San Pellegrino Aranciata Sparkling Water until I discovered that one 12-oz can has 32 grams of sugar – a WHOPPING 8 teaspoons.
HELLO – it’s suppose to be sparkling water right? NO, as it turns out, it’s a sparkling water BEVERAGE. (SIDEBAR: Why’d ya have to deceive me like this San Pellegrino?)
Although bummed, I’m grateful as this little life lesson taught me to become an avid label reader. These days a quick sugar-gram math calculation allows me to make choices that work for my body.
So, will I splurge with my beloved San Pellegrino Aranciata? NO WAY! It’s not worth it to me. But, if I’m celebrating my best friend’s birthday with a fabulous cake, I say bring it on! In the end, it’s all about 95% healthy, 5% indulgence!
