How To Calculate Your Daily Sugar Limit Properly

Last Friday, the Drug and Food Administration proposed that the daily amount for added sugars should not exceed 10 percent of the calories we eat. So, do you think you’re consuming too much? Don’t think that only the white crystals in your coffee count as sugar, no. Sugar can be found in many places and in various forms: fructose comes from fruits and honey, lactose from milk and yogurt, sucrose from sugar cane, the list goes on and on.

So, what’s the best course of action? Damon Gameau, an Australian actor and filmmaker advises that you should always read the nutrition label – not rely on your taste buds.

To sum it up, here’s a short guideline how to limit your daily sugar intake:

1. The first and most important goal is to limit, not remove added sugars.

2. FDA suggests no more than 10 percent of daily calories from added sugars.

If you take 2000 calories, take 50 grams of added sugars, which amounts to about 12 teaspoons.

3. The “rule of 4” can help you calculate added sugar intake.

Take the number you get from calculating 10 percent of your daily calories and divide it by 4 to get your daily sugar grams; then divide the grams by 4 to get the amount of teaspoons you need, it’s easier that way.

4. Always read the nutrition label for added sugars – don’t rely on your taste buds!

Taking too much sugar leads to the deterioration of looks and possible health problems (some of which are fairly serious). Don’t mess around, start calculating!