Oh are proud to support NHS staff from Cambridge University Hospitals Trust and Royal Papworth Hospital. To show our support to hard working colleagues we have adjusted our logo to incorporate the NHS Rainbow.
Oh are proud to support NHS staff from Cambridge University Hospitals Trust and Royal Papworth Hospital. To show our support to hard working colleagues we have adjusted our logo to incorporate the NHS Rainbow.
We are all eating too much sugar and it’s bad for our health. Experts agree the need to cut sugar intakes by half to reduce obesity, diabetes and dental decay. CUH are taking part in the national Sugar Smart campaign with the help of local food partnership Cambridge Sustainable Food. Together we aim to raise awareness about the dangers of excess sugar consumption and support people to make sustainable changes to reduce sugar intake.
Sugar consumption has doubled over the past 30 years and rising obesity levels, especially in childhood, have become a serious health concern. Excessive sugar intake is strongly causative because it is a cheap and available source of extra calories. Soft drinks with >5-8% added sugar have been targeted for tax from 2018, as they are the single largest dietary source of added sugar. Childhood obesity often persists into adulthood, with the related problems of diabetes, heart disease and cancer developing earlier in life. Soaring numbers of tooth extractions for child dental decay make the case for reducing sugar intake clear.
So, HOW MUCH SUGAR IS RECOMMENDED?
For adults and teens 7 teaspoons daily 30g daily
School age children 6 teaspoons daily 24g daily
Early years children 5 teaspoons daily 19g daily
This includes all sugar added to and hidden in foods and drinks.
This advice, if acted upon, will help drive down obesity and improve health and wellbeing.
Find out how much sugar you are eating by taking the Know your Labels Quiz
Add up the snacks and note their sugar content with the Weekly Diary
WHERE DO WE FIND SUGAR?
Sugar is found naturally in a variety of sources such as fruits, vegetables, honey and milk. Those foods contain valuable nutrients as well as sugars and form part of a healthy, diverse diet. Sugar is added to foods and drinks like cakes, biscuits & cereals; sweets, desserts & confectionery; jams & spreads; milkshakes and soft drinks. These foods are high in sugar and calories, and are best thought of as an occasional treat rather than a daily essential. Hidden sugars are easily consumed without realizing and are found in processed foods like bottled sauces & condiments; breakfast cereal & bars; flavoured yoghurt and ready meals.
GET TO KNOW WHAT’S ON THE LABEL
Get this FREE Sugar Smart app on your smartphone
Scan the product barcode to see the sugar content
Remind yourself of sugar recommendations
Get Sugar Swap ideas
Find out all the words used on labels for sugar
Test you knowledge of sugary words with our Wordsearch
WHAT CAN I DO TO REDUCE SUGAR?
Make a Sugar Pledge
ONE CHANGE FOR ONE WEEK
Swap the Pop sugary drinks contribute one third of our sugar intake
Swap sugary drinks for sugar free ones
Drink milk for sustained energy levels and a calcium boost
Keep hydrated by swapping for plain water
Dump the Junk boost brainpower and maintain energy levels with slow release carbs
Eat cereals with no-added sugar – start your day with porridge, wholegrain cereal or muesli
Add natural sweetness in the form of dried fruits or a drizzle of honey to natural yoghurt
Give up sugar in tea and coffee (you could try sweetener instead)
Be sweet to your team and bring in low sugar treats for a special occasion
Beat the Crash avoid feeling drained mid shift with proteins, healthy fats and wholegrains
Avoid sugar cravings by eating a sustaining meal, sandwich, wrap or roll
Eat protein-rich snacks like nuts, seeds, quinoa, beans or whole natural yoghurt
Keep topped up with dried, fresh or frozen fruit throughout your working day or shift
Support your team, department or shift with SUGAR SMART ideas
Share your photos, tweet your pledge, tag your mates #CUHsugarpledge
For more information and ideas on sugar swaps see our wellbeing pages at XXX
Complete our Sugar Smart Quiz for entry into our FREE PRIZE DRAW
Great TED Ed talks:
How sugar affects the brain by Nicole Avena:
How food you eat affects your brain by Mia Nacamulli:
How the food you eat affects your gut by Shilpa Ravella:
Hidden sugar in breakfasts by Jamie Oliver:
Understanding sugar intake on food labels:
Further sugar information and guidance:
For more swap ideas:
