We all know that sugar is bad for you, but it’s hard to avoid it when it is everywhere and in everything. It is important to know the different types of sugars to understand the amount of consumption you need and what to avoid. 

Natural sugar is a simple carbohydrate found in some foods and drinks. Many healthy foods, like dairy products, vegetables, and fruit, have natural sugars like lactose and fructose. They provide the body with calories, or "energy." Foods with natural sugars also provide essential nutrients that help prevent disease.

But when there is added sugar, like fruit juices, it adds more calories but no nutrients. Your body digests those added sugars very quickly, causing you to burn through the energy, which is why you may feel a crash/ burn out. Added sugars can be in many foods that we don’t expect it in, like yogurts or fruit drinks, but it can be in less obvious things like bread, sauces, and salad dressing. So make sure you read the food label to see how much is being added into your daily foods. 

Sugar substitutes, like NutraSweet and Sweet’N Low, are synthetic artificial sweeteners.They often contain few or no calories and taste much sweeter than refined sugar. They’re sometimes called "intense sweeteners."

Natural sweeteners include honey, molasses, and coconut sugar. They may seem like healthier choices than refined sugar, but they aren’t much different. Your body processes honey and sugar the same way since they’re nutritionally similar.

Always remember that less is more. We don’t have to avoid sugar completely or quit it cold turkey, moderation is key. Think about other healthy alternatives to satisfy that sugar rush and before you know it, you won’t need to turn to added sugars.