Monitoring your sugar intake is always an important part of leading a healthy life, since consuming too much sugar can lead to many health risks. And if you’re borderline diabetic, it’s especially crucial to limit how much sugar you eat every day in order to keep your blood sugar levels healthy. Unfortunately, that may be more difficult than it seems initially; while there are many obvious sugar-laden foods to avoid, there are also many sneaky, even seemingly “healthy” foods that could have you fooled.
To shed some light on a few surprisingly sugary foods you should be careful not to eat in excess if you want to reduce your risk of diabetes, we spoke to dietitian Krutika Nanavati. She told us that dried fruits and granola bars are two unexpected choices to be aware of. Read on to learn more about the risks of these seemingly harmless snacks.
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1. Dried fruits
Fresh fruit is a great addition to any diet. As Nanavati notes, it can be a great source of fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants. However, dried fruits are a different story; this variety may be loaded with sugar. Even worse, it's easier to over-eat.
"Dried fruits are often high in sugar and calories," Nanavati warns. "They also have a higher glycemic index than fresh fruits, which means they can cause a rapid spike in blood sugar levels after eating." Yikes!
She points out that a 1/4 cup of raisins alone contains 29 grams of sugar and 130 calories. Meanwhile, a 1/4 cup of fresh grapes has only 6 grams of sugar and 30 calories. Stick with the fresh fruit!
2. Granola Bars
Many people keep granola bars stocked in their pantries as an easy breakfast or snack. They're simple, tasty, and often marketed as healthy. Unfortunately, most varieties are much less healthy than they seem. That's because they tend to be high in sugar and other additives.
"Granola bars may seem like a healthy snack, but they are often loaded with added sugars, syrups, and oils," Nanavati says. "They also tend to be low in protein and fiber, which can help regulate blood sugar levels and keep you feeling full."
According to her, the average granola bar will pack in about 11 grams of sugar and 120 calories. "Some granola bars also contain chocolate chips, candy pieces, or dried fruits, which can add even more sugar and calories," she warns.
Instead of relying on granola bars, try munching on some healthy nuts instead. These can do wonders for your health, keep you satisfied, and please your tastebuds without loading your body with sugar.
The bottom line
If you've been diagnosed with prediabetes, it's time to get serious about cutting back on sugar—and that includes the sugar that's lurking in unexpected places. So while you avoid that fruity candy and those sweet pastries, remember to limit your intake of dried fruit and granola bars too. You'll be on your way to a healthier body in no time.
READ MORE: How To Prevent Blood Sugar Spikes And Insulin Resistance, According To An Expert
