Sugar... it is everywhere! And while it is delicious, it can also be quite detrimental to your health. But all is not lost, with a little knowledge, some bravery in the kitchen, and a new outlook, you can still enjoy sweets, no deprivation required.
You've probably heard a lot about sugar in the news lately. Last year Mayor Bloomberg tried to ban sodas of a certain size in New York City because of their sugar content (the New York Supreme Court ultimately ruled this was politically out of bounds and struck down the initiative). Sugar has been linked to cancer risk, and it is no secret the sweet white stuff can contribute to obesity and diabetes.
Then there are the fake sugars - all those pastel packets on the table at the restaurant, and of course the ever-controversial high-fructose corn syrup. While these ingredients aren't technically sugar, and do not impact your blood sugar levels or contribute calories in the same way, there is plenty to be wary of, starting with the chemical process to make them and ending with the suspected detrimental health impacts of many of them. Here's my rule of thumb: If you can't buy the ingredients off the shelf to make something, think twice before eating it. In other words - you can't buy the ingredients to make your own high-fructose corn syrup because it takes such a highly complex process to refine it into anything resembling an ingredient. So maybe if it is that complex to produce, it isn't meant to be consumed... in a vast majority of packaged food products, no less.
Is sugar okay in moderation? Perhaps. That's largely an individual decision. But "moderation" is pretty hard to achieve when sugar, or derivatives and chemical replacements, are everywhere.
So, what to do when the sweet cravings strike, but you'd like to cut down on sugar and artificial sweeteners for the sake of your health? A quick search online finds plenty of delicious recipes. Look for natural sweeteners such as: brown rice syrup, maple syrup, dates (amazing to sweeten green smoothies), coconut sugar, honey, stevia, and many more.
Join me on January 14th at 7pm at The Yoga Center of Collinsville for a Sugar Blues Workshop. We will go into greater detail on the above information, and I'll even have a chocolate shake and carrot cake cookies for sampling that I guarantee will knock your socks off... sugar free, naturally sweet, and so delicious.
Register HERE.
Can't make the class? I'd be happy to speak with you about other health coach offerings: talks for your organization, private health coaching, group programs, etc.
Colleen Brunetti
www.WillowTreeWellnessCT.com
(860) 833-9788
colleen@WillowTreeWellnessCT.com
