So what is life without a little bit of sweetness? There are so many options out there, but where do you begin? Let's weigh our options ... so to speak.
Many major brands use artificial sweeteners including Equal, Splenda and Truvia to maximize sweetness while keeping calories low. Many of these products, though on the market for many years, are more recently being found to have unpleasant short and long term effects. Aches and pains, headaches and digestive issues can be found in these little packets, even in moderation. It is important to know that though some of these products are based in natural beginnings, that through processing and chemical and genetic engineering those Frankenstein sweeteners are not your best choice.
Once sugar is refined and bleached, it looses its nutritional benefit. Natural sweeteners such as raw cane sugar juice retains its natural levels of magnesium, phosphorus, and potassium. This is no reason to pour on the pounds, as the raw variety has roughly the same amount of calories as it's processed counter part. Americans are consuming well over 10O pounds of sugar a year, so it seems we all could stand to reduces our intake. Also you should know that Agave, though a natural sweetener, is twice as sweet as sugar and effects your glycemic index accordingly.
There are natural sweeteners that won't take you to diabetic levels. Xylitol and Stevia both came onto the market as dietary supplements and are now being produced as sugar substitutes. They have no known side effects and have the ability to sweeten items with use of small amounts. They are not great for cooking or baking, yet enjoying one of these sweet substitutes in your morning coffee or tea can make a big difference in your over all sugar intake.
If you are looking to switch-up your sweeteners, shifting slowly and steadily can help you make a more permanent change. Your body will react, so give yourself at least a couple of weeks to allow your body to eliminate the residual of the old sweeter. (Please be mindful the artificial sweeteners can take longer to get off of but stick with it.) Take your new substitute with you and use it in moderation. Commit to reducing the amount of refined sugar in your diet ,commit to reading the labels of everything you put in your mouth. ( Even toothpaste uses sweeteners!) You'll soon be enjoying the results of clearer thinking, more energy and better taste (in your mouth, not in men of fashion!)
Want to kick the sugar habit for good!? Here's a great resource Beyond Sugar Shock
Discuss, debate and support matters around wellness as a goal, as a lifestyle and as a movement. Continue the conversation at the Interval Fitness Group on Facebook
Many major brands use artificial sweeteners including Equal, Splenda and Truvia to maximize sweetness while keeping calories low. Many of these products, though on the market for many years, are more recently being found to have unpleasant short and long term effects. Aches and pains, headaches and digestive issues can be found in these little packets, even in moderation. It is important to know that though some of these products are based in natural beginnings, that through processing and chemical and genetic engineering those Frankenstein sweeteners are not your best choice.
Once sugar is refined and bleached, it looses its nutritional benefit. Natural sweeteners such as raw cane sugar juice retains its natural levels of magnesium, phosphorus, and potassium. This is no reason to pour on the pounds, as the raw variety has roughly the same amount of calories as it's processed counter part. Americans are consuming well over 10O pounds of sugar a year, so it seems we all could stand to reduces our intake. Also you should know that Agave, though a natural sweetener, is twice as sweet as sugar and effects your glycemic index accordingly.
There are natural sweeteners that won't take you to diabetic levels. Xylitol and Stevia both came onto the market as dietary supplements and are now being produced as sugar substitutes. They have no known side effects and have the ability to sweeten items with use of small amounts. They are not great for cooking or baking, yet enjoying one of these sweet substitutes in your morning coffee or tea can make a big difference in your over all sugar intake.
If you are looking to switch-up your sweeteners, shifting slowly and steadily can help you make a more permanent change. Your body will react, so give yourself at least a couple of weeks to allow your body to eliminate the residual of the old sweeter. (Please be mindful the artificial sweeteners can take longer to get off of but stick with it.) Take your new substitute with you and use it in moderation. Commit to reducing the amount of refined sugar in your diet ,commit to reading the labels of everything you put in your mouth. ( Even toothpaste uses sweeteners!) You'll soon be enjoying the results of clearer thinking, more energy and better taste (in your mouth, not in men of fashion!)
Want to kick the sugar habit for good!? Here's a great resource Beyond Sugar Shock
Discuss, debate and support matters around wellness as a goal, as a lifestyle and as a movement. Continue the conversation at the Interval Fitness Group on Facebook