September brings a renewed focus on health routines, with families returning to school and work. This week, dietitians are drawing attention to common myths about sugar, hoping to clarify facts for New Yorkers handling grocery aisles and restaurant menus.
Registered dietitian Laura Feldman, speaking outside a Midtown health food store on Friday afternoon, pointed out that many customers remain unsure about the impact of added sugars. "Some believe all sugars are equally harmful, others think swapping honey for white sugar makes a big difference," she said. "Neither is exactly true."
Recent conversations have centered around the misconception that fruit is off-limits due to its sugar content. Feldman explained that naturally occurring sugars in whole fruits are processed differently by the body than added sugars in sodas or desserts. She noted a spike in questions from parents packing school lunches this month.
Restaurant menus in the city now list added sugars on certain items, a change prompted by local health regulations. Feldman recommends diners check these numbers, but warns against assuming that low-sugar labels always mean a healthier meal choice. "Context matters," she said. "A salad dressing with a little honey isn't the same as a sweetened soft drink."
With autumn routines settling in, dietitians advise New Yorkers to look beyond headlines and seek specific guidance on sugar consumption. As Feldman put it, "Ask questions, read labels, and don't believe everything you hear about sugar—whether it's a truth or a lie."