Enjoy a bite, then put your fork down. Photo: ~ www.davidleetong.com ~, Flickr

The American Heart Association is now urging everyone to cut back on sugar intake. Easier said than done, since sugar is present in many food items, like commercially packaged bread. Still, you should try, because Americans are consuming an average of 22 teaspoons a day.

FitSugar is talking about slashing sugar from your diet, and if you jump on board, it could save more than your heart -- it could help trim your waistline, too.

Here's what you want to do: Cut back on added sugars -- those found in your favorite soda, that gooey piece (or two) of chocolate cake, the candy that sits in a bowl on your desk. Don't worry about natural sugars found in fruit, veggies or dairy products. Just pay attention to food labels and nix all products that list the bad guys: Sugar, corn syrup, fructose, dextrose, molasses or evaporated cane juice.

Ladies, the AHA recommends you limit your sugar intake to 6 teaspoons (100 calories) a day. If for nothing else, do it to save your skin.