Limit Your Consumption of Sugar, Saturated Fat, & High Sodium

Consuming excess sugar and fat can lead to weight gain ( really!!!). According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, sugar contains no nutritional value, but it does contain calories ( 16 calories per teaspoon) and these calories add up very quickly. Sugar is hidden in many of the foods we eat on a daily basis ( pasta sauce, bread, crackers, protein bars, etc.), so be sure to check all nutrition labels. Eating less processed foods (foods that come in bags and boxes) will also decrease the amount of sodium you consume and less salt will help your body maintain a healthy blood pressure level.