Look at you, all living fit this year.Your old self used tojust read about wellness. Now, you’re really doing it. You’re hitting the gym a few times a week(not too shabby), keeping junk food to a minimum (even better), and stocking up on high-protein shakesto help fuel your fit body(yes!). In no time at all, you’ll be a lean, mean goal-achieving machine.

But wait… those protein shakes of yours. How much sugar do they contain? Five grams per serving? Fifteen grams? Even more?

It might seem like a strange question – after all, what’s a little sugar got to do with things? – but every ingredient matters when you’re trying to get in shape. You might also be surprised by the amount of sugar that’s hidden in many “healthy” supplements. Some protein shakescontain more sugar grams than protein, the very thing they’re named after! Seems kind of misleading, doesn’t it?

So, what’s a health-conscious shopper like yourselfto do?

Read the label what you’re buying.

It’s as simple and important as that. Look for a “zero sugar” claim on the front of the package, and make sure to read the Nutrition Facts for specific ingredient amounts. Remember:youwant protein,not sugar.

Now, all this sugar talk probably has you wondering,“Willall my hard workbe flushed down the toilet with the occasional sweet treat?”

Of course not.

The goal is tokeep sugar intake to a minimum.

With that said, a little sugar here and a little sugar there can really add up. When eaten in excess, sugarcan also lead to a host of other issues. Here are justa few:

1. Sugar can create an addiction to MORE sugar.

Anyone who’s tried to have just one tiny piece of a chocolate bar knows what I’m talking about. That one little bite turns into another, and another, and another. Why? Because not only does sugar taste great, it also stimulates the reward center in your brain. You feel instantly happyand want MORE. It’s like a little devil on your shoulder prompting you, “Ooh, this is good! Don’t stop now!”

In fact, research shows that sugar can be just as addictive as smoking, drinking alcohol, or taking other drugs. When you’re trying to stick to a healthy eating plan, this is the last thing you want. To keep binges in check, ditch the chocolate bar and focus on high-protein, zero-sugar snacks instead.

2. Sugar can do a number on your weight.

This seems a bit obvious if you’re a self-diagnosed candy addict. No-one expects to eat sweets morning, noon, and night and still look like a fitness model. But sugar can be deceiving. It pops up in so many unexpected places– like in granola bars, crackers, salad dressings, andcondiments. Then there are the “healthy” protein shakes we mentioned earlier. Some can contain over 30 grams*of sugar per servingas they’re specifically designed for people trying to gain weight.

If getting heavier isn’t on your wish list, take note. While your body needs some sugar for energy, anything above and beyond its everyday requirements will get stored as fat.

It goes like this: When you eat too much sugar, the glucose levels in your bloodstream increase. This causes your pancreas to release insulin. Higher levels of insulin, in turn, cause your body to store more food calories in the form of fat. Moral of the story: be mindful of how much sugar you’re consuming each day. Those extra sweet calories won’t just vanish into thin air.

3. Sugar can suck your energy.

Energy is like time … We all wish we had more of it! So, what do we often do when we need a little boost? Wehit the vending machine or grab a sweet treat. At first, the payoff is great. But soon after, the initial high leads to an even lower low. We feel sluggish, tired, and irritable – all thanks to fluctuating blood sugar levels. When we consume sugar in excess, our blood sugar levels spike and then crash in a short amount of time. If you want more balance and less of a roller coaster affect, you know what to do. Moderate your sugar.

4. Sugar can lead to serious health issues.

There’s a reason why low-sugar and zero-sugar movements have become so popular in the last few years. Thanks to documentaries like “That Sugar Film,” people are more aware than ever of the health risks associated with heavy sugar consumption. Some of these risks include impaired immunity, diabetes, heart disease, heart attacks, and strokes. So, while monitoring your sugar intake is important for the look of your body, it’s even more important for its health.

Now, let’s circle back to protein …

Protein in and of itself is a great addition to your diet as it helps in the building, maintenance, and function of muscle tissue. It also helps to curb appetite and keep food cravings in check.

But, as points 1 through 4 revealed, you’ve got to be on the lookout for extra sugar. To make things easy, reach for a Lean Body RTD. Each creamy shake provides 40 grams of high-quality protein and ZERO sugar. That means no pesky cravings, crashes, weight gain, or health risks to worry about. It’s just you, your delicious protein, and your get-fit goals. The best part is, you can take Lean Body RTDs wherever you go so you’ll always have a deliciousand nutritious snack or meal on hand. When the urge tounwrap a chocolate bar hits, you’llhave the sweet – but sugar-free – taste of Lean Body RTDs instead. You’ll satisfy your cravings and get all of the protein you need.

Remember, it’s not about removing sugar from every corner of your life. But when a delicious, ZERO-sugar protein shake comes along, you’ve gotta grab it while you can! Do whatever it takes. Clear your cupboards, make room in your fridge, and toss the junk. Lean Body RTDs are all you need to keep delicious, sugar-free protein coming.