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September Sugar Strike update!
Sunday is the last day of the sugar strike,
&
what have I learned?
I learned that I can go a month making better choices. I read alot about the unhealthy side effects of sugar consumption...that sugar creates in imflammed state in your body, similar to stress...and wreaks havoc on body systems.
I discovered that cooking with healthier sweeteners like honey, Sucanat and molasses do make fantastic tasting desserts, like Spiced Harvest Bars!
1 1/2 cups Sucanat
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup whole wheat flour
1/4 tsp ginger & nutmeg
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup apple sauce
1/2 cup skim milk
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 can (15 oz) pure pumpkin
1 eggs + 1 egg white
Mix all ingredients in a bowl, spread in a sprayed pan, 9x13 and bake at 350 for 20-25 min.
I also found that as a consumer, I made better choices when buying packaged foods, opting for brands like Kashi, that use honey in cereals, and granola bars...and avoiding hidden artificial sweeteners.
I also learned to identify between hunger and boredom. I tried to figure out when I was munchy only eating when I was actually hungry, drinking a glass of water first. I also realized that eating sugar makes you WANT sugar...and after a few days that craving took an extreme nose dive... I found I didn't think about treats very often, a piece of fresh fruit did the trick!
BUT!...even healthy sugars have calories, so watch your portion sizes...
- With the holidays approaching, I will definately be changing up favorite recipes using natural sweeteners:
- honey
- molasses
- Sucanat
- dried fruit
- stevia
- maple syrup
and...healthier substitutes for ex.; vanilla & apple sauce for oils & sugar, plain or greek yogurt for creams and buttermilk, and of course my favorite,
75%+ dark chocolate...mmmmm
best health, Ruthann
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