Refined white sugar isn’t in candy, sweets and desserts; it seems to be hidden in nearly everything these days. Packaged convenience foods, condiments, breakfast cereals, and salad dressings are just a few examples.
As a result, Americans are consuming way too much sugar.
Why is this so concerning?
Well, high sugar diets have been linked to high cholesterol, heart disease, cancer, diabetes, weight gain, and even premature aging.
Thankfully, there are actually plenty of accessible and healthier alternatives to refined white sugar that will leave you feeling every bit as satisfied.
1. Dates
Dates are often called nature’s candy (and for good reason). They make a perfect snack when cravings for candy strike, and they can also be used to sweeten up desserts and smoothies.
Simple Date Smoothie
(Serves 1)
Ingredients:
1 cup of unsweetened vanilla almond milk
1/3 cup of chopped pitted dates (make sure that they are soft)
3-5 ice cubes
Ground cinnamon (to taste)
Directions: Add all ingredients (minus the cinnamon) to your blender, and blend until smooth. Pour into a glass, sprinkle with some cinnamon, and serve cold.
2. Organic Raw Honey
Everyone knows that honey is sweet, but did you know that it has also been shown to boost immunity and aid in sleep? It is also a natural energy booster.
3. Stevia
Derived from the sweet leaf plant, stevia is a great, natural, calorie-free alternative to sugar and also an ideal replacement for all of those chemical-laden artificial sweeteners.
4. Cinnamon
This spice not only adds a subtle sweetness to foods, but it has also been shown to stabilize and even lower blood sugar levels. I love sprinkling it on toast, oatmeal, and even my morning coffee.
5. Coconut sugar
Coconut sugar is a healthy alternative to traditional brown sugar, and it is even high in minerals such as potassium, magnesium, and zinc.
6. Pure maple syrup
Maple syrup is so useful when it comes to sweetening up desserts, dressings, and vegetables. Just be sure to steer clear of traditional pancake syrups, as they usually contain high fructose corn syrup, and make sure that whatever syrup you buy lists pure maple syrup as its only ingredient.
The jury is still out on agave and whether or not it is really a healthier alternative to sugar which is why it is noticeably absent from the list. If you are a fan of agave, I’d recommend using it sparingly.
With the six options above, it should be easy to cut back on your white sugar consumption for the sake of your health (and appearance). Even if you have the world’s biggest sweet tooth, I guarantee that you won’t feel a bit deprived!
