instant oatmeal

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The Ingredient That Revs You Up (and Then Brings You Down)

From instant oatmeal to vanilla almond milk, added sugars are ubiquitous in processed foods and drinks, and can cause weight gain, heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure and more. Here's why they ultimately leave you feeling drained, though: They cause your blood sugar to spike, and then, just as quickly, drop. If you can replace these high-sugar foods with ones that your body processes more slowly, you won't get those spikes and you'll see an improvement in your energy levels, says Lisa Cimperman, RD, a former spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. You know the drill, but it bears repeating: Whole grains, fruits and vegetables, and lean proteins are all good options.