Truth about Sugar – and 5 Great Alternatives<dataavatar hidden data-avatar-url=https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/9edcf8614fe64a5e7244b5bdbb82a041?s=96&d=mm&r=g></dataavatar>

With Easter in our distant past many of us may be wading through the residual chocolate or living in the marshmallow hangover.  This seems like a great time to remind and clarify the impact sugar really has on us, and to suggest some extremely satisfying yet clean and guiltless alternatives.

• Excess sugar coverts to fat. Simple fact.
• Sugar interferes with satiety. It doesn’t satisfy hunger, but actually increases your craving and weakens your will power.  You may experience a short term energy boost, followed by crash.
• Feeds an addiction – releases dopamine which is a neurotransmitter that makes us want more…and more!
• Impacts your ability to focus, learn and remember.
• Feeds inflammation in your body. Perhaps you suffer from chronic inflammation such as arthritis, Chrohn’s (or digestion issues), allergies or asthma.  Or struggle with low energy, brain fog, excess weight around your waist, or skin problems. All of these are signs of inflammatory issues or diseases, and all of these symptoms and conditions are worsened by sugar.

With so much added sugar hidden in the average daily diet, such as soups, pasta sauces, dressings, cereals, it is important to eat clean and natural.  Eliminate processed conveniences.

Sugar Alternatives – Keep it simple, and reach for natural options such as:

• Dates
• Honey
• Maple syrup
• Bananas
• Sweet potato

My favourite satisfyingly sweet snacks:

• Rice cracker topped with natural nut butter and fresh berries or banana slices
• Sliced apples with almond butter
• Smoothie made from frozen banana, teaspoon of nut butter, teaspoon of raw cacao and a cup of your favourite milk or milk alternative
• Quark or yogurt with fresh fruit and ¼ cup of raw oats and seeds with a bit of honey or maple syrup.  Shake of cinnamon or dab of vanilla is great with this mix.
• And when all else fails: Piece of dark (70% or higher) chocolate!

Refined Sugar Free Recipes:

3 Ingredient Banana Oatmeal Cookies
Sweet Potato Muffins
Carrot Cake Batter BitesRaw Chocolate Truffles
Raw Chocolate Truffles

And to step it up for a dinner party or special occasion try this:

Raw Raspberry Fig Tart

So take the challenge.  We’ve all indulged, now let’s move on.  Toss the treats that remain.  Eliminate the temptation.  Try these light fresh alternatives as a cleanse for spring.  Next step: make it permanent!  A change like this is easier and so much more rewarding than you would think!