Psst! Guess what you guys? Despite what you have been told sugar is NOT your enemy (sorry Atkins diet)! Yes…you read that right! You can enjoy sugar and still lose weight and stay in shape! However that being said, let's get one thing straight. "Sugar" is a very broad term and there are many different forms. They are not all equal. For instance, white, refined sugar is for sure void of nutrition, collagen wrecking (hello wrinkles) and cancer feeding. Yikes! As you can understand this is why I stress how essential it is that my clients keep refined, white sugar under 25 grams a day at a maximum. Then take maple syrup for example that's loaded with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants and that your body can easily process and break down!
Refined sugar may be sweet to the taste buds but it is more health sabotaging than you may know. Aside from obesity, it has been directly linked to:
Type 2 Diabetes
Anxiety and Depression
Dementia
Acne and Premature Aging
Heart Disease
Cancer
Kidney Damage
Fatty Liver
Cavities
I've said it before and I'll say it again. Your body thrives off of real, whole, foods that have not been tampered with! We shouldn't be running away from food found in God's creation. He put it here to nourish us! We can indulge while being mindful of our health if we are willing to make healthy refined sugar substitutions!
How amazing is it that ALL of your favorite sweets can be made with any of the following healthy sugar alternatives?:
organic maple syrup
organic honey
coconut sugar
stevia (also zero calories!)
monk fruit (also zero calories!)
fresh fruit (their sugar is specifically called "fructose")
dates
Okay look, out of this list I know fresh fruit is probably NOT the first thing that comes to mind when you are craving sweets. However, don’t underestimate the power of fruit to kick those sugar cravings! Remember, cravings generally happen as the result of low blood sugar and fruit is a great way to get it back up and stabilize it as well thanks to their high fiber content. They are also loaded with nutrients, boost digestion and burn belly fat. There is a reason they say "an apple a day keeps the doctor away"!
Not only are these refined sugar substitutes loaded with nutrients they also have a lower glycemic index (meaning your get less of a sugar rush and crash after you consume it). Your body actually can recognize, use and process natural sugar alternatives efficiently and effectively!
So YES, I enjoy cookies, waffles, hot chocolate, pudding and much more and so can YOU! You just have to be willing to put in a little extra effort and make a point to substitute some ingredients in order to make a cleaner version of whatever you’re craving. You will be amazed at how much you don’t miss refined sugar and how much better you feel! I promise it makes all of the difference in the world! So get in that kitchen my friend, follow your taste buds and start baking! The sky is the limit!
