Reducing the amount of sugar you have is good for your health, waistline and your teeth! Biggest savings can be made by switching from full-sugar carbonated drinks such as cola, to diet varieties. Even better, try sugar-free varieties of flavoured waters. A 330ml can of full-sugar fizzy drink contains around 7-8 teaspoons of sugar, and not a lot else! A 2-litre bottle contains up to 48 teaspoons of sugar!

The use of artificial sweeteners in many products has made it possible to considerably reduce their calorie value. If, however, you simply prefer not to use them, you don’t have to �?but equivalent products will cost you more calories!

Some sweeteners lose their sweetness on heating so should be added at the end of cooking. Others, such as Splenda, are heat-stable and suitable for cooking and baking.

Instead of using sweetener pellets in tea or coffee, switch to the granulated kind. You could then gradually cut down on the amount you use until you might prefer it without any at all.

Sugar-free does not necessarily mean calorie-free but sugar-free chewing gum is so low in calories it can be counted a free food. It can get you through a sticky moment and is good for your teeth �?but do dispose of it responsibly. Sugar-free Polo mints are good to suck when you get the nibble. A word of warning with these snacks �?too many and you’ll be on the run! No more than one tube a day.!

To reduce acid attack on teeth, eat sweet or sticky foods at the end of a meal rather than as between meal snacks 

Happy slimming,

Joan