This country is on a never-ending sugar high! We consume over three times the daily recommended amount of added sugar each day. One easy way to drop your sugar intake is to skip the sugary mixes and bottled beverages and take control of how much sugar’s in your drinks.

Sugar Overload
The American Heart Association recommends that women should eat no more than 6 teaspoons (100 calories) of sugar each day, while men shouldn’t eat more than 9 teaspoons (150 calories). Studies reveal that we’re overindulging on added sugar, consuming 475 calories of added sugar every day.

Close to 40% of added sugar comes from sugary drinks like soda, sports and energy drinks, according to published data in the 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans.  A 16-fluid ounce container of a sports drink has 7 teaspoons of added sugar (105 calories) while the same amount of soda has over 12 teaspoons of added sugar (180 calories). Energy drinks are full of added sugar too, with an 8.3 fluid ounce can of a popular brand containing 6.5 teaspoons (98 calories).

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Blueberry Shrimp Salad - Photo Courtesy U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council

We’re continuing our summer berries celebration  with a salute to antioxidant-rich blueberries. Despite their small size, these nutrition powerhouses are packed with vitamins and minerals.  Serve them up in these five fun recipes, from classics to new twists.

Get all our favorite blueberry recipes »

I usually write about my favorite finds from the farmers’ market or my CSA box, but I also grow some of my own food. After a few years of TLC, my lemons trees have produced their first harvest. I couldn’t wait to dig in!

I didn’t want to waste one bit of these plump and juicy Eureka lemons, so I found a use for everything from the juice to the peel.

What to do with lemons »

There’s nothing better than than an icy glass of lemonade on a hot day, but who needs all those extra calories from added sweeteners? Instead of turning to sugary, packaged mixes, make your own light and fresh versions. Here are our tricks.

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