When reducing added sugars, work on making small steps and changes that will gradually make your diet healthier — and have a goal in mind. The 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends that less than 10 percent of total daily calories should come from added sugars. That translates to about 9 teaspoons, 150 calories or 36 grams of added sugar per day if you are following a 1,500 calorie diet. These numbers do fluctuate and the full recommendations can be found below.

Remember that these guidelines do not include naturally occurring sugars found in fruits, vegetables, whole grains or dairy products. Instead, they pertain only to sugars you add to foods and drinks or during the processing of foods (for example: maple syrup in oatmeal, or corn syrup added to a granola bar).

Now that you know the daily recommendations, take an inventory of the added sugars in your diet. If you find that you are over the daily limit, try making small changes to gradually decrease the amount you have per day.

ONE SMALL THING: Sugar-sweetened beverages often have upwards of 10+ grams of sugar per serving. Try swapping your sugar-sweetened beverages for plain or sparkling water flavored with mint, citrus, lemon or a splash of 100 percent fruit juice. This will decrease the amount of added sugar in your diet significantly.

In addition to sugary beverages, sugar is often added to tea and coffee. Try reducing the added sugars (yes, including honey or maple syrup) in these beverages. If you add four teaspoons to your drink, try adding three and then two and so on. You may hardly notice a difference!