Photo Credit: @natasupernova
Too many people believe sugar is the enemy when it comes to their bodies, when in fact, our bodies (and brains) thrive on glucose. Our brains, according to Medical Medium, especially need glucose to function. Without it, people suffer from ailments like brain fog or depression. The brain is made of stored glycogen, which is primarily glucose. When you experience brain fog, it typically means your brain is not getting enough sugar to keep it running properly.
Fruit seems to be feared and avoided the most, whether it’s due to calories and maintaining a healthy weight or diseases like diabetes, but the truth is that fruit is medicine for the body. It offers many benefits from antioxidants for anti-aging, vitamins for a strong immune system, and antiviral properties for healing. Think about it, how can something so natural and colorful be bad for you?
Instead of avoiding ALL sugar, be more mindful of consuming processed sugars that have zero nutritional value, crash your energy, and can lead to serious health issues. Your body craves glucose, and when you deprive your body of healthy sugars, you will indulge in the wrong kind because your body is asking for it. When you eat natural sugar in moderation, your body will be satisfied.
Below are my favorite ways to indulge in something sweet while still being kind to my body.
Whole Fruit
There is no substitute for the real thing, and more often than not, If you include natural sugars in your diet, you will likely have fewer cravings for indulgent desserts because your body will be satisfied. Fruits also contain so many critical vitamins and nutrients, which is why I include fruits like wild blueberries and a banana in my smoothie every morning.
Coconut Sugar
Coconut sugar is exactly what it sounds like – it is sugar sourced from coconut trees and is an excellent substitute for refined sugars like brown sugar and cane sugar. Replace the amount in any baking recipe 1:1, and you won’t even notice the difference.
Maple Sugar & Maple Syrup
Maple sugar, similar to coconut sugar, is an unrefined sugar derived from the sap of maple trees.
You can use the maple sugar as a sugar replacement in recipes 1:1 or sweeten things with maple syrup.
Manuka Honey
Manuka Honey is antiviral, antibacterial, and great for the immune system. Traditionally, manuka has been used for wound healing, soothing sore throats, and improving digestive issues. The sweet taste is secondary. I love adding manuka honey to my matcha lattes in the morning. It also works well as a sugar replacement in coffee.
Cacao Nibs or Cacao Wafers
Cacao Nibs are a great fix for the occasional sweet tooth. Although more bitter than normal chocolate, they are derived from the whole cacao plant, without any additives. They also contain important minerals like magnesium and iron.
My Favorite Treat: Banana Ice Cream with a drizzle of Manuka honey and cacao wafers
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