10 Foods That Will Sneak Sugar into Your Diet: Ways to Clean Up Your Diet

Are you ready to learn about foods that sneak sugar into your diet? Are you eating sugar and have no idea? Do you want to be healthier and lose weight?

I'm Michelle, a mom of four, and a proud military wife. My passion? Helping women like you embark on a journey to wellness from the inside out, so you can not only feel better but live your absolute best life.

If you've been wrestling with the challenges of weight loss and getting in shape, you've landed in the perfect spot. Here, we're all about cultivating healthier habits, staying consistent with exercise, and achieving sustainable weight loss.

No magic pills involved—just practical advice and actionable steps for a truly healthy lifestyle.

Drawing on my background with a doctorate in physical therapy, coupled with my roles as a health coach, personal trainer, and yoga teacher, I'm here to guide you on this transformative journey.

So, lace up those shoes, get ready to move, and join me as we delve into today's exciting topic. But first, let me share a little personal story from a couple of years ago.

Today's blog is all about the sneaky nutrition pitfalls that might be throwing a curveball into our well-intentioned healthy habits.

Sugar is snuck into so many of our foods and we have no idea. Even me, someone who is pretty good with nutrition still misses things that have added sugar in them.

Sugar is one of the top inflammatory foods, so if you are looking to get healthy and really feel healthy, decreasing or limiting sugar is a great start!

Head to your favorite podcast app and tune into episode #79 on Healthy Beyond 40.

Hidden Sugar: My Personal Surprise

Let me share a little personal journey with you. A few years ago, I started grappling with autoimmune issues, and in my quest for better health, I made some dietary changes—bidding farewell to dairy and gluten, among other things.

The goal? Preventing a full-blown autoimmune disorder without resorting to medication. Fast forward to today, and I'm thrilled to say that I've managed to sidestep the need for drugs, haven't revisited the rheumatologist, and those troublesome symptoms are a thing of the past.

Now, dining out can be a bit of a challenge when you're steering clear of gluten and dairy. My husband and I love hitting up Noodles and Company for their gluten-free options. On one such occasion, I decided to check out the nutritional info for a bowl I'd been enjoying.

Brace yourselves—this seemingly savory dish packed a whopping 44 grams of sugar! Yes, you read that right. A non-sweet meal with more sugar than I could have imagined. It wasn't just the sugar content; the bowl boasted 1000 calories and 2,000 milligrams of sodium. Talk about a reality check!

The revelation hit me hard because, honestly, I hadn't been paying much attention to hidden sugars. It's incredible how sneaky sugar can be, finding its way into unlikely places. Beyond the shock, I've come to believe in the power of real, whole foods, and I'm eager to explore this journey with you. Let's navigate the world of mindful eating together!

Discover more about Sugar Cravings: Goodbye Sugar Cravings {Hello Healthy Weight Loss}

10 Foods That Are False Advertising as “Healthy”

The food industry has dramatically changed what we eat. With processes and packaging on the rise, not to mention a surge in sugar consumption, navigating the world of supposedly healthy foods has become quite the challenge.

For all of these foods listed, I want you to read your labels. See what is in the food you are eating!

Today, I've got a list of 10 foods that might have slipped under your radar. Let's uncover the truth together!

1) Sweetened yogurt: Whether it's the regular variety or the frozen goodness of fro-yo, they often come loaded with sugar. Take my client's experience—she was enjoying her yogurt with nuts and all, but it turned out to be a sugar-packed delight. We made a simple switch to unsweetened Greek yogurt, added a bunch of berries, and voilà! A tasty, healthier alternative.

2) Veggie straws: Despite the name, these crunchy delights don't count as your daily veggies. In fact, some may even have a higher glycemic index due to added cornstarch.

3) Electrolyte drinks or juices. While super athletes might benefit, for most of us, it's unnecessary liquid sugar without the essential nutrients we need.

4) Granola bars, protein bars—they seem like healthy snacks, right? Not so fast. If they're packing a hefty sugar punch, you might as well be having a small cookie. Always check those labels!

5) “Whole Grain” Foods: those tempting claims like "whole grains," "gluten-free," and "organic." Don't be fooled. Take a closer look at the ingredients; sometimes, it's just a fancy label disguising not-so-healthy processed foods.

6) Sweetened milk alternatives: soy, oat, almond. If they're adding sugar, it's a sweet trap. Opt for the unsweetened versions to dodge the unnecessary sugar dose.

7) Trail mix, often thought of as a healthy snack, can be tricky. Watch out for inflammatory oils and hidden sugars, especially in the dried fruits.

8) Salad Dressings: Now, omega-3s versus omega-6s—a crucial balance for a healthy body. Be wary of salad dressings made with omega-6-rich soybean oil; consider making your own with olive oil for a healthier twist.

9) Sauces: particularly barbecue sauce, can be sugar-laden culprits. Check those labels, and be mindful of the sweet surprise they might be packing. They are packed with extra sugar. I was geniunely surprised at how much sugar was in these sauces such as BBQ and ketchup.

10) 100-calorie packs. Just because it's low-cal doesn't mean it's a healthy choice. Examine the contents; high carbs and sugar might outweigh the calorie count. Take a peek into your pantry and read those labels. It's all about making informed choices for a healthier, happier you.

Struggling with sugar cravings? Check out this blog: Why am I Craving Sweets All of the Sudden {Stop Sugar Cravings}

Check Food Label for Hidden Sugars

Feeling stuck? Not quite sure what to do? Set up a free call and let’s figure out what’s missing!

Alright, my health-savvy pals, we've uncovered some surprising truths about the so-called healthy foods lurking in our kitchens. Take a moment, peek into your pantry, and let's be detectives together. Maybe there's a granola bar or a sweetened yogurt trying to pull a fast one on you.

I get it – no one loves tossing out food. But think of it as a culinary cleanse, a chance to make room for truly nourishing choices. Don't let the packaging fool you; we've got the power to make informed decisions about what we put into our bodies.

Here's to a pantry makeover, waving farewell to those sneaky impostors, and embracing a journey towards healthier, happier choices. Your well-being is worth it, and I'm cheering you on every step of the way!

Mentioned in this episode:

👉 Scholarship Program: Apply here → https://forms.gle/qRwjr5EYVt1E77ti9

👉 Omega Balance Test Kit + Balance Oil: https://www.zinzino.com/shop/2014446354/US/en-US/products/premier-kits/balance-tests-kits/910465

👉 Learn more about omega's & inflammation: 

https://www.micheleriechman.com/fish-oil

👉 Healthy Beyond 40 Facebook Group: Connect, Stay Accountable, and Explore Exciting Challenges and Yoga Classes:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/micheleleefitness

👉  My Favorite Multivitamin + Immune System Support: Check out the Xtend+ here and the Xtend here.

The Xtend+ contains no synthetic vitamins, which makes it a little more pricey.  Both provide the same immune system support, that I have been so happy with!  We use both in our family!

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Related episode:

#65 | The Power of Omega 3: Achieving Optimal Omega Balance & Effective Fish Oil Supplementation

#54 | Healthy Breakfast Ideas: Fuel Your Morning, Balance Your Blood Sugar, & Increase Your Energy

Work with me:

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https://tidycal.com/micheleriechman/free-coaching-call

👉 1-1 Personal Training & Health Coaching: We can create a custom package to meet your needs!

Discover more here: https://www.micheleriechman.com/workwithme

👉 Healthy for Life Membership

This membership is great for those who are looking for a budget-friendly way to get a great workout in, help with their nutrition, and do not need 1-1 support.

Sign up here: https://programs.micheleriechman.com/courses/fitness-membership

👉Grab my 5 favorite smoothie recipes so you can start having one healthy, super nutritious meal a day! These are designed to balance your blood sugar and optimize your metabolism.

https://programs.micheleriechman.com/f/5-smoothie-recipes-for-weight-loss

You got this,

Coach Michele

Disclaimer: This podcast and website represent the opinions of Michele Riechman and her guests. The content here should not be taken as medical advice. The content here is for informational purposes only.  Please consult your healthcare professional for any medical questions or advice. 

*Affiliate links are mentioned that I do make a commission from.  I am an independent partner with Zinzino.