Cut back on sugar

Sugar consumption is on the rise around the world. According to a recent report from the University of North Carolina, the average American eats 300 calories of added sugar every day. "Added sugar" refers to sugar added to foods and sugars naturally present in honey, syrups and fruit juices.

Recent guidelines from the World Health Organisation recommend that adults and children cut their daily intake of added sugars to less than 10 per cent of their total energy intake, which reduces the risk of obesity and tooth decay.

In the UK, for example, sugar accounts for an average of 16 to 17 per cent of total energy intake.

Sugar is found in obvious places like fizzy drinks and sweets, but healthier-sounding foods like yogurt can contain a surprising amount of added sugars, so check labels to see how much you are taking in.