No matter how diligently you count calories, it’s also very important to monitor your sugar intake when you’re attempting to shed a few pounds. Foods like cookies, ice cream, and sweet soft drinks are obviously off limits, but there are also a number of other sugary foods that might surprise you. Here are two common sources of sugar that might be flying under your radar.

1. Fat-free salad dressings. Seeking out fat-free foods in the grocery store may seem like a simple way to stay on track with your diet, but many of these products attempt to maintain the same bold flavor by loading on the sugar. Salad dressings in both creamy and oil-based forms are loaded with sugar from sources like honey and concentrated fruit juice. Be sure to check the nutrition information before you buy.
2. Multigrain cereals. Don’t just assume that all grains are automatically healthy. Multigrain cereals offer important fiber and whole grains that your body needs for energy, but unfortunately, many leading brands also include as many as six grams of sugar per cup. Many dietitians suggest opting for the plainest version of your favorite cereal and adding fresh fruit or a teaspoon of sugar instead.

15 Surprising Sources of Added Sugar [SparkPeople]
6 Surprising Sources of Sugar [Huffington Post]

CC-BY-SA-2.0/Flickr/cyclonebill

The tapas tradition has become a popular choice for new restaurants in the United States. Eschewing the traditional meal structure of appetizer, entree, dessert in favor of a number of small plates meant to be shared among the table, it’s a great way to sample lots of different dishes with friends at a good price. One of the best places in Austin for tapas is Winebelly, a hip little bistro that has built a devoted clientele of noshers.

When you walk in the door, you’ll notice that this place is always packed. Some of the more popular plates include the awesome parmesan truffle fries, which are earthy and delicious, and the cured white anchovies with vinegar and salsa verde. Larger offerings that win raves include the delectable beef carpaccio with arugula and hearts of palm, as well as the steamed mussels with sofrito and bacon in a cider broth. Their wine pairings are also expert.

Winebelly
519 W. Oltorf Street
Austin, TX 78704
(512) 487-1569
austinwinebelly.com
www.yelp.com/biz/winebelly-austin

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr/supersalome

There are a number of reasons to give up regular dairy milk, from food allergies to personal diet choices. If you’ve decided to take the plunge into dairy-free milk substitutes, these simple and tasty alternatives to cow’s milk will make the transition easy.

1. Soy milk. This is one of the most popular milk alternatives, and it’s been around for quite some time. Soy milk is made with filtered water, whole soy beans, and thickeners that give it the same thick, creamy consistency as regular milk, and they also make it easy to bake with. Most brands of soy milk even contain the same amount of protein, Vitamin D, and calcium as cow’s milk.
2. Almond milk. If you want to cut out milk in order to reduce your calorie intake, almond milk is a great alternative choice. This nutty mix of filtered water and ground almonds has only around 60 calories per cup, but it offers the same thickness and consistency as dairy milk.
3. Rice milk. Rice milk has a more neutral flavor than many other milk substitutes, and it’s a bit thinner. However, it contains the same amount of calcium and Vitamin D as cow’s milk, and it offers a light, sweet flavor that’s mild and pleasant.

Meet the Milk Substitutes [Cooking Light]
Non-Dairy Alternatives to Cow’s Milk [SparkPeople]
5 Delicious Milk Substitutes [FitSugar]

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