I'm just naturally sweet

Hi there wellness warriors!

I wanted to take the information from my newsletter a step further and talk about a few sugar alternatives. If a sugar craving hits and you're unable to conquer it with the tips I mentioned, try to eat something that is sweetened with something other than refined sugar. Since refined sweeteners have been stripped of vitamins, minerals and fiber, they can spike blood sugar, which can actually exacerbate your cravings later instead of fulfilling them! Some refined sugars to look out for are refined table sugar, high fructose corn syrup, NutraSweet, saccharin and Splenda. Using naturally and minimally processed sweeteners instead of a refined sugar can help reduce your cravings for those sugary devils.


Here are a few natural sweeteners to substitute in drinks, food and baking. Since they are all approximately 1.5 times sweeter than refined sugar, you can use less. You can find them in most supermarkets or natural food stores. When replacing sugar with liquid sweeteners in a recipe, reduce the amounts of other liquids.

Raw Honey
Everyone seems to love honey, one of the oldest natural sweeteners on the market. Honey will have a different flavor depending on the plant source. Some are very dark and intensely flavored. Wherever possible, choose raw honey, as it is unrefined and contains small amounts of enzymes, minerals and vitamins.


Agave Nectar
Agave is made through the extraction and purification of the juice of the agave cactus. It does not stimulate insulin secretion as other sugars do, so it does not create a "sugar rush." It has a delightfully light and mild flavor. There has been a lot of controversy over Agave Nectar lately, so I actually tend to lean towards Raw Honey or Maple Syrup instead of Agave. If you want to read more and decide for yourself, you can go here: http://www.globalhealingcenter.com/natural-health/is-agave-nectar-safe/


Maple Syrup
Maple syrup is the concentrated extract of the sap of maple trees. It adds a rich, deep flavor to foods and drinks. Make sure to look for 100% pure maple syrup, not maple-flavored corn syrup. As with all sweeteners, organic varieties are best.


Happy sweetening!
Katie

Adapted from "The Cane Mutiny," New Age Magazine, March/April 1999.