America’s problem with obesity is in the news daily, but a new report shows some good news–American sugar consumption is on the decline.
According to data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, American consumption of sweeteners is nearly 14% lower than it was at its peak in 1999. At that time Americans consumed nearly 422 calories in sugar and sweeteners on average.
“There was a period of time in the field where it just felt like depressing news after depressing news,” says Marlene Schwartz, director of Yale University’s Rudd Center for Food Policy & Obesity. “It just felt like we were losing this battle. Now I feel like things are turning around.”
Schwartz, who was in Washington for the first lady’s announcement, says she thinks fewer soft drinks in schools may have helped.
Although this is definitely a promising sign that we’re all taking our overall and oral health more seriously, most Americans are still eating 2-3 times the amount of sugar they should be each day.
Keep in mind that a healthy diet is a key to great oral health as we’ve written about previously. Stay away from sugary breakfast foods and stick with healthy foods when planning your family’s meals. If you want tips on how to eat healthier, members from the Schumacher & Bauer team are happy to help.
Source: U.S. News and World Report, “Surprise: American Sugar Consumption is on the Decline,” by Danielle Kurtzleben, February 25, 2014
