15 "Healthy" Foods You Won't Believe Are Full Of Added Sugar

Protein Powders

3 women on the shoulders of 3 men in a swimming pool. Photo Credit: Envato @samuelperales

As a common energy booster before and after workouts, as well as a resource, to build and tone muscle effectively, protein powders are good for many people with some control. Make sure to look out for sugars that could be in the protein powders that give you the boost that you want or not.

Watch List:

Anything that isn’t clearly labeled should be questioned, including concentrates that aren’t specified. Sucrose, maltodextrin, sucralose, xylitol, fructose, and aspartame are all potential ingredients that may increase the sugar count in a protein powder. Be careful about how much you use them when they are higher in sugars.

Sports Drinks

4. Photo Credit: Envato @OxanaDenezhkina

Again, marketing wins the day here. Sports drinks are advertised as extremely healthy for you and mostly natural. While sugar does help for using these before, during, and after high-activity, they contain way more sugar than is necessary. To get the flavors right it takes more sugar than is needed for health benefits.

Watch List:

In many cases, water is just as effective at replenishing electrolytes lost from activity. Many sports drinks use sugar alternatives like sucrose, fructose, dextrose, maltodextrin, and high-fructose corn syrup to offer the energy boost needed. Try regular water instead to help cut back on sugar intake while still maintaining health during peak exertion.

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