How to break the sugar habit

BOSTON—A sugar-laden diet can be a killer. That's the conclusion of an international study from the Harvard School of Public Health. The authors attributed 180,000 deaths worldwide each year—25,000 in the United States—to consumption of sugary beverages, explains the July 2013 Harvard Women's Health Watch. Sodas and fruit drinks aren't our only sources of sugar. The average American eats between 22 and 30 teaspoons of added sugar each day, according to the American Heart Association.

"The harmful effects of sugar are primarily due to the weight gain from added sugar in the foods we eat and sugar-sweetened beverages," says Dr. Michelle Hauser, certified chef and nutrition educator and clinical fellow in medicine at Harvard Medical School. "Most of the deaths are related to heart disease, cancer, and diabetes."

How much sugar do we actually need? In reality, "you don't need any added sugar," says Dr. Hauser. According to American Heart Association guidelines, women should get no more than 100 calories a day (about 6 teaspoons) from added sugar.

It's relatively easy to control the amount of sugar spooned onto food or into beverages like coffee and iced tea. It's harder to know how much sugar is hidden in pre-sweetened packaged and processed products. That's why it's so important to read food labels.

To cut back on sugar, don't try to eliminate all sugary foods at once. Instead, try switching to a healthy diet made up of more satisfying foods-whole grains, fruits, vegetables, healthy oils, and lean protein.

Read the full-length article: "How to break the sugar habit and help your health in the process"

Also in the July 2013 issue of the Harvard Women's Health Watch:

• Normal memory loss—or dementia?
• Switching from brand-name to generic medications saves money
• How safe are sunless tanners?

Harvard Women's Health Watch is available from Harvard Health Publications, the publishing division of Harvard Medical School, for $20 per year. Subscribe at www.health.harvard.edu/newsletters/womens or by calling 877-649-9457 (toll-free).

ULTIMATE GUIDE TO PREVENTING AND BATTLING TYPE II DIABETES IN TODAY'S FAST FOOD CULTURE

How to Prevent Diabetes – I Beat It and You Can, Too!  by Dr. Dorris Woods.

Current statistics on diabetes are very problematic as they continue to spiral out of control.  As many as 5,225 new cases of diabetes are diagnosed each day according to the American Diabetes Association.  This is hardly surprising.  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that as many as 79 million adults in the United States are pre-diabetic, a condition that increases the risk of developing type II diabetes.  In addition, the CDC estimates that another 26 million adults in America already have diabetes.  While Native Americans, Asian-American, African-Americans and Mexican-American are at higher risk for developing the condition due to genetics, adults over 45 years of age are also at risk.

In an effort to stop the spread of this preventable disease, highly-respected clinical nurse, college professor, and author, Dorris Woods, Ph.D., wrote the book, How to Prevent Diabetes – I Beat It and You Can, Too!  In an effort to help educate Americans on the devastating effects of diabetes and how they can live a healthy lifestyle, Dr. Woods shares her own intensely personal experience of being diagnosed as pre-diabetic, and how she was able to prevent the disease through portion control, weight loss, diet, and exercise. Throughout the book, Dr. Woods also provides a simple but effective plan of action that readers can follow to reduce their own chances of becoming a diabetic, or bring their diabetes under control
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In this inspiring, insightful, and informative book, Dr. Woods also reveals:

• How a diagnosis of diabetes is mad
• Why it is important for Americans to get a blood glucose test
• How emotions can sabotage weight loss efforts
• Warning signs of type II diabetes
• Advice on portion control for weight loss and diabetes management
• Why Americans need to read food labels to compare sodium, fat, and sugar content
• Dr. Woods' "Obesity-Buster Fitness Kit," and easy ways to incorporate exercise into your daily schedule
• Tips to living a healthy and fulfilling lifestyle for anyone

"Pandemic levels of obesity have triggered epidemic levels of diabetes.  Many serious conditions such as heart attacks, strokes, kidney failure, and amputations are related to diabetes," says Dr. Woods.  "Millions of people are not aware they have diabetes, or are pre-diabetic."

About Dr. Dorris Woods

A highly successful medical professional, college professor, and author, Dorris Woods, Ph.D., is a registered nurse and a diabetes educator currently. She is on a mission and intensely involved as a diabetes prevention catalyst.  She holds a license in advanced clinical practice in nursing.  She also holds a bachelor's degree in Nursing and Psychology from Indiana University, a bachelor's degree in Psychology from Regents College, two master's degrees from UCLA – one in Pediatrics and Nursing Administration, and the other in Mental Health.  Additionally, Dr. Woods holds a master's degree in Counseling from California State University, Los Angeles, as well as a Ph.D. in Higher Education Administration from Claremont Graduate University.  Dr. Woods ranks among the top five percent of people educated in America holding six college degrees.  She was listed in Who's Who Among Women in American.

Dr. Woods is also the author of the book, Breaking Point: Fighting to End America's Teenage Suicide Epidemic.  Throughout her career, she has written articles and conducted workshops on the topic of teenage suicide.

With a diverse ethnic background, Dr. Woods was born and raised on a farm in central Mississippi with twelve siblings.  Currently, she lives in Culver City, California with her loyal canine, Cookie.  She is a widow and the mother of three children.  She loves to read and travel in her spare time.

Website: www.How-to-beat-diabetes.com

How to Prevent Diabetes – I Beat It and You Can, too! is now available on Amazon andBarnes and Noble.  E-books are also available on Kindle.