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Average American consumes a staggering 80 pounds of sugar a year, poll finds
A new survey from Talker Research shared the shocking truth that the average American consumes a whopping 80 pounds of sugar a year.
It might be sweet and it might be included in your favorite foods, but we have long heard about the dangers of sugar. Sugar can cause chronic pain, and though everything is healthy in moderation, there is a world of healthy sugar alternatives out there.
Americans need to cool it with their sugar intake
The new Talker Research survey on behalf of Hint Water pooled 2,000 Americans about their everyday sugar intake. While 85% said they were actively trying to reduce their sugar intake, the average American admitted to having 99 grams of sugar a day.
The majority of that sugar comes in the morning it seems as 34% of respondents said they had most of their sugar in their morning coffee. Another 28% said they consumed most of theirs through carbonated beverages like soda.
The study revealed that, on a regular day, the average respondent consumes more than twice the amount of sugar recommended by the American Heart Association and significantly less water than is recommended by the U.S. National Academy of Medicine,” said Amy Calhoun Robb, chief marketing officer at Hint Water. “And while its important to showcase how much room we have for improvement, its also important to understand why this is the case.”
Many of us have emotional triggers that push us toward making somewhat unhealthy choices, whether that be sweet treats or a cheeky glass of wine. 39% turned to sugar in times of stress, 36% when bored, 24% when tired, and 17% when lonely.
There are also times when the situation simply calls for a packet of Haribo or the festive Oreo snacks like the movies (31%), finishing a meal (31%), needing a midday energy boost (30%), and having a bad day at work (19%).
How long you you resist a sweet treat?
Some of us feel utterly powerless to resist the charms of sweets and chocolate, but it looks like Americans in particular have difficulty ignoring their desires.
In the shocking poll, Talker Research noted that the average American can only resist their sugar cravings for roughly 13 minutes. Pretty dire if you ask us, particularly alongside the statistic that 12% will always find time to indulge in their cravings.
Whether you just want a post-meal treat or need a boost during your work day, you might find yourself relying more on sugar than you think you do. And from there, it can be easy to lose focus on your health goals, including healthy hydration, said Calhoun-Robb. Fortunately, you dont have to sacrifice your health goals and settle for bland options. It is possible to enjoy delicious-tasting foods and drinks without sugar or guilt, it simply takes a bit of intentionality and finding brands and products that prioritize your health as much as you do.
