Americans, on average, consume 110 grams of Sugar a day. The USDA recommends 20 max, for women.

Simple table sugar, which is half fructose, half glucose, is metabolized in 4 steps:

1) MOUTH: Sugar mixes with saliva, which contains an enzyme that starts to break it down. Sugar also reacts with bacteria, creating a harmful acid that can erode tooth enamel, leading to cavities.

2) STOMACH: The sugar then travels to the stomach. After about 15 minutes, it moves to the small intestine at intervals. There, it is processed with intestinal amylase, a type of enzyme, and divided into fructose and glucose.

3) BLOOD: The pancreas pumps out insulin to manage the glucose influx. Glucose enters the bloodstream with levels peaking about 30 minutes after you've eaten. Meanwhile, fructose heads to the liver.

4) BRAIN: Insulin moves glucose into cells throughout the body, providing a sugar *rush*. After about two hours,, insulin and blood glucose levels dip, leaving you hungry and lethargic. Extra glucose is partially turned into FAT.

The amount of added sugars in foods and beverages increased 19 percent between 1970 and 2005, according to the USDA.

Be sure to read the labels and try for some balance in your diet. Include protein and some fat with each carb you eat. When fiber rich carbohydrates are paired with protein or fat, they take longer to digest and keep hunger at bay.

Try tracking your sugar intake for a few weeks and see if you feel better with fewer grams....

Happy New Year!