More experts are weighing in on sugar consumption, and for good reason in light of the obesity epidemic. Today, the average American consumes about 22 teaspoons of sugar a day, which is 355 calories. Soft drinks and other sugar-sweetened beverages are the number-one source of added sugars in the American diet.

According to study published October 2009 in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, five-year-old girls that consume two or more 8-ounce servings of sweetened beverages a day were more likely to be overweight as teenagers than girls who consumed lower intakes of sweetened beverages. The authors did not find an association between milk and fruit juices and future weight status. It is important to remember that this is only one study, and previous studies have not always shown this same association. Since 1970, calorie consumption is up 24 percent from all foods, not just foods with added sugar.

Most health professionals will agree that high-nutrient foods should be included in the diet over high-sugar, low-nutrient choices. Foods with added sugars from under-consumed food groups such as whole grains (e.g., sweetened oatmeal) and milk and milk products (e.g., chocolate milk) are still a good nutritional value.

This handout can help your clients sort out their beverage choices: Put Your Beverage to the Test.
 
Maureen Bligh, M.A., R.D.

Project Manager