Now I haven't been to the dentist for a official diagnosis, but I most definitely have a sweet tooth. I think it was genetic from my step dad, Michael Blanc, for he is the one that showed me bunny tracks ice cream and that cookies make for the best pick me up. Speaking of cookies, I am cookie obsessed, by far my favorite dessert bar none! No matter what diet trend is sweeping the nation, I refuse to give up cookies because a life without cookies is a life half lived (feel free to quote me on that one). Even though sugar is a part of my diet, it is very easy to let it get out of hand because it is in almost every processed food! Today, we are going to talk about ways to reduce your sugar intake (minus cookies).
Good vs. Bad
I want to start by saying sugar is not your enemy. As you all know I don't believe in saying there are good and bad foods, I do think there are foods and better for you foods. Sugar is hard to cut out entirely, but there are ways to be more conscious of the amount of sugar are consuming and the type of sugar you are consuming. Moral of the story is that sugar is not bad, but too much sugar is bad.
Read the Labels
Like I mentioned, sugar is in a majority of processed foods or foods that come with a label. In order to know what you are putting into your body it is important to identify in the ingredients if sugar is present and how much is present in said food. Start by going down to the ingredients list, did you know that the ingredients are listed in the order of prominence in the food? If sugar is first or second, maybe look for another option. Next, find the sugar. It comes in a variety of names: sugar, cane sugar, brown sugar, corn syrup, high fructose syrup, cane juice, honey, or my favorite dehydrated cane juice.
Soda
A can of coke has 10 teaspoons of sugar in it! If you are looking to limit your sugar consumption, limit your pop consumption immediately. I also found that cutting out even diet pop lowered my sweets cravings. Naturally flavored water, teas, and sparkling water are all great sugar free alternatives.
Sweet Swaps
We all need something sweet every now and then. If I'm not going to have a cookie, I will go for a fresh fruit based dessert instead. Broiled peaches and grapefruit are a great warm, fruity dessert. Juice fresh seasonal produce and freeze for a sweet treat with no added sugar! A banana smoothie with coconut milk, banana, and frozen mango will also satisfy any milkshake madness.
Stay Sweet!
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