The world today is fast-paced and there is no doubt the pace will get quicker with the majority of people continuing to look for shortcuts to get healthier, fitter and to lose weight!.
I posted a short video on my instagram today (ianyoungonline) showing how it can be easy to fall into the trap of misleading food labels. Many products advertised as low fat or high protein are not as healthy as they appear to be. Surprisingly, they often hide significant amounts of sugars. For example, many yogurts marketed as "high protein" can contain more sugar than protein, leading health-conscious consumers astray. In this blog post I want to shed a little light on the dangers of hidden sugars and how to navigate these seemingly healthy options.
The popularity of low fat and high protein foods has created a false sense of security among almost everyone - .many might assume that these options are automatically healthy, but the reality is much more complicated. Take yogurt as an example and the numerous brands that add refined sugars to improve flavour, which negates any benefits from their protein content.
It is essential to realise that not all foods promoted as healthy genuinely are. For instance, a typical flavoured yogurt can boast around 15 grams of refined sugars, the "high protein" one on my instagram post had close to 15g!
Yes you believe you're being healthy and making better choices but the reality is you are SERIOUSLY underestimating your actual sugar consumption!
The Hidden Health Risks
I think the majority of us by now understand that excessive sugar intake can lead to serious long-term health issues. There is a lot of research indicating that high sugar consumption is linked to increasingly higher obesity rates (these numbers have tripled since the 1980's) heart disease and diabetes, two of the leading health concerns today. Even with low-fat foods, the added sugars often thwart the intended health benefits, resulting in weight gain and poorer body composition - simply because many of us "don't read the small print".
Monitoring sugar intake is crucial for making informed dietary decisions - as I say to everyone who is serious about changing their body composition you must know exactly where you are to start with - in my opinion its a great idea to track calories at the start. Without tracking you truly don't know where you are and where you've to get to, you're simply guessing!
 Apps like MyFitnessPal (I would use this) can simplify keeping track of what you consume, thus helping identify hidden sugars. Make it a habit to scan product packaging or research nutritional information before making purchases. This diligence can prevent regrettable dietary choices and you can self educate yourself along the way.

The Importance of Label Reading
Reading food labels can seem tedious, but it plays a vital role in protecting your health. Sugars often appear under various names such as high fructose corn syrup, agave nectar, or sucrose, making them easy to overlook. Always check for total sugars and added sugars on nutrition labels to grasp what you are really consuming.
Some brands cleverly promote their products by highlighting protein content (as in my Protein Yogurt on my Instagram) while downplaying sugar content in smaller print (ALWAYS read the small print). For example, if a yogurt claims to have "15 grams of protein" but also contains "25 grams of sugar," the advertised benefits become less meaningful. Informed label reading empowers you to make healthier decisions and avoid misleading products.
Practical Steps for Healthier Choices
Read Nutrition Labels:Â Always verify the total amount of sugars, including both naturally occurring and added sugars.
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Research Brands:Â Get to know brands that are transparent and honest about their ingredients. Seek out alternatives that use whole ingredients.
Prioritise Whole Foods:Â Choose whole food options like Greek yogurt. These can offer sufficient protein without the hidden sugars.
Track Your Intake:Â Use tracking apps (like what I do with MyFitnessPal) or a simple notebook to monitor your daily sugar and protein intake. This practice will provide a clearer picture of your eating habits and help you stay on course - BE INFORMED!
Empowering Your Nutritional Choices
By making conscious choices and showing diligence, you can successfully navigate the confusing landscape of food labeling and hidden sugars. Options that appear to be healthy may actually detrimental to your goal if they contain sugars that could harm your overall well-being with "longterm" use.
If you're struggling and don't know where to start with tracking macros / calories or even having a simple plan in place drop me a message if you want to work with me and we can make sure you'll be on a better, healthier path sooner rather than later.
Ian
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