Tips for Cutting Down on Sugar in Your Daily Meals

Added sugar is found in many packaged drinks, cakes, sauces, and snacks. Consuming too much sugar over the long term can increase the risk of weight gain, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and tooth decay. The Indonesian Ministry of Health recommends limiting sugar intake to about four tablespoons per person per day.

The simplest step is to cut back on sweet drinks. Replace sweet tea, syrup drinks, or soda with water or unsweetened tea. If it’s hard to quit all at once, reduce the amount of sugar gradually so your taste buds get used to a less sweet flavor.

Make a habit of reading the nutrition facts label when shopping, because sugar is often listed under other names such as corn syrup, sucrose, or fructose. Choose whole fruit as a sweet snack and eat more fiber-rich foods such as vegetables and whole grains, which help you stay full longer.

If you have a family history of diabetes or want to know your blood sugar level, consult a doctor through DokterIN for appropriate advice.