**SPONSORED CONTENT BY GATEWAY MEDICAL GROUP**

LIFE MAY BE A LITTLE TOO SWEET FOR MANY AMERICANS, WHO CONSUME MORE THAN TWICE THE DAILY AMOUNT OF SUGAR RECOMMENDED BY THE AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION.

A teaspoon in your coffee, a sprinkle on top of dessert — sugar is ingrained in the daily diet of almost every American. Consuming too much of the sweet substance can result in weight gain, low energy and, according to a new study published by JAMA Internal Medicine, a higher risk of developing heart disease.

How much sugar is too much? According to the American Heart Association, women should limit their daily sugar intake to six teaspoons (24 grams) or 100 calories per day, while men should consume a maximum of nine teaspoons (36 grams) or 150 calories.

To put these numbers in perspective, the U.S. Department of Agriculture compiled a list of common American dietary staples and an average of corresponding calories from added sugar per serving. The list includes:
• carbonated soda (12-ounce can) — 132.5 calories from added sugar
• cinnamon raisin bagel (4-inch diameter) — 12.8 calories
• nonfat yogurt (6-ounce container) — 77.5 calories

4 WAYS TO CUT THE SUGAR
There are many ways to add sweetness to your favorite treats without adding sugar. Try these tips:

1. Choose fresh or frozen fruits or canned options stored in water or juice rather than syrup.
2. Cut the sugar you add to recipes by one-third. Odds are the food will probably taste just as delicious.
3. Spice up morning meals such as oatmeal and toast with cinnamon and nutmeg rather than sugar.
4. Trade in your soda for a low- or no-calorie soda. Better yet, choose a carbonated, flavored water with no calories to enjoy that familiar fizz without added sugar.

CHOOSING WISELY

When grocery shopping, avoid items that contain the following ingredients, which are all considered added sugars:

• corn sweetener
• fruit juice concentrate
• high-fructose corn syrup
• invert sugar
• malt sugar
• molasses
• syrup

Me? Eat healthy? Yes, you can! Gateway Medical Group is here to help. Both of our two convenient family practice locations are accepting new patients. Give us a call at 931-502-3800 or visit GatewayMedicalGroup.com. Same- and next-day appointments are often available. Patients of all ages welcome! We accept most insurance plans including Medicare and Medicaid.

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This publication in no way seeks to diagnose or treat illness or to serve as a substitute for professional medical care.