ArcaMax

According to the University of California Sugar Science Team, added sugar is hiding in 74% of packaged foods sold in grocery stores. No wonder Americans end up eating around 57 pounds of added sugar annually -- and then can't figure out why they're prediabetic, gaining weight or have gastro woes.

It's obvious you're getting sugar with that syrup on your pancakes, in the soda you're drinking, and in the baked goods you have for dessert. (We can talk about just how dangerous all that is another time). But I bet you're not thinking about sugar when you have that power or protein bar to fuel your workout, enjoy what you think of as a healthy yogurt, or put dressing on your "See, I'm getting my veggies" salad.

Those are the kinds of hiding places you have to look out for by reading ingredient labels. If you see ingredients ending in "ose," such as glucose, fructose, lactose, maltose, dextrose, and sucrose, avoid those foods. Be alert to all syrups (corn, fructose, rice), any type of sugar and molasses, juice, caramel, honey and agave.

For a sweet treat, choose a whole fresh fruit, enjoy cereals with 100% whole grains and NO ADDED SUGAR of any kind (raisins and dried cranberries included). Opt for plain yogurt -- you add fresh fruit. And try baked apples with oat and almond crumble.

To learn more about the dangers of consuming added sugars and syrups, check out my book "What to Eat When" and the coaching program on "waist loss" at 4YOUngevity.com.

Health pioneer Michael Roizen, M.D., is chief wellness officer emeritus at the Cleveland Clinic and author of four No. 1 New York Times bestsellers. Check out his latest, "The Great Age Reboot: Cracking the Longevity Code for a Younger Tomorrow," and find out more at www.4YOUngevity.com. Email your health and wellness questions to Dr. Mike at questions@4YOUngevity.com.

(c)2026 Michael Roizen, M.D.

Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.

(c) 2026 Michael Roizen, M.D. Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.