Still researching...

Google'd the question:  How many grams of sugar is allowed per day.
Found the following article from the March 5 Chicago Tribune:
Daily Sugar Limits: How Much Sugar Should You Eat?

For the first time, Americans now have a benchmark: No more than 25 grams of added sugar a day for women (not much!)  and 37.5 grams for men (hey, how come they get more??), according to new guidelines established by the American Heart Association.

TIPS

•Sweeten your own yogurt and gradually cut back.  Okay, so yogurt is pretty much my only source of calcium it seems (not a milk drinker, cheese eater, etc.).  I like my Yoplait fat free.  The one I ate today had 14g of sugar.  How am I supposed to get calcium?

Use your added sugars in a way that enhances flavor of already nutritious foods, such as flavored yogurt (okay!) or chocolate milk (okay!), rather than a soft drink or candy.

Eliminate sugars that don't come with other nutrients. If you have a sweet tooth, try limiting portion size (I can do this!)—though others who have given up sugar say it's best to go cold turkey.

All sugars, even ‘natural sugars' such as honey or agave nectar, for example, should be counted when trying to decrease total sugar intake. Many people believe because it's all-natural that it's better for you. It all counts towards sugar.  And, see, this is what frustrates me.  Here I try to eat fruit (apples, bananas, etc.) and it seems like I'm just adding to the sugar!

Pay attention to how many times sugar is listed in the ingredients by any of its names. Kellogg's Smart Start, for example, has 14 different references to sugar. (why doesn't this surprise me...I like this cereal). 

OTHER QUESTIONS:

• What about sugar substitutes?  Can I still have those?
• What is the difference between blood sugar and triglycerides.  I know my trig level...no clue on blood sugar.  

FOOD TODAY SO FAR:

1 1/2 c. dried cheerios

water

small sliver of banana bread

small 1/2 sliver of raspberry danish

Chicken deli-meat on whole grain wheat bread

Strawberry fat-free yoplait light yogurt

AND...I did 20 minutes of cardio before lunch (do I exercise before lunch or after?)