SAY NO TO SUGAR

We all know that sugar is not that great for our overall health. Once we have had the sugary white stuff - we will always want more. It can be quite addictive and call out to us when we are tired, hungry, or emotional and it can be extremely hard to quit cold turkey.Don’t worry, you can find a way to break free from its tangled web of sugary sweet deceit with any of these sugar-free and natural sugar alternatives.

STEVIA

You may have heard of the stevia plant before. It is a great option for diabetics or those who want to reduce their sugar intake and weight. It is two hundred times sweeter than sugar and has zero calories. The leaves are dried, crushed and then brewed in hot water to make a liquid form. You can add it to coffee, tea, baked goods and various other beverages and recipes.

ERYTHRITOL

Created from glucose that is made with yeast, the sugar-free product Erythritol, has a fraction of the calories that regular sugar does. It is a smart option for those seeking to step away from sugar as it has only 6% of calories than regular sugar and is commonly used as a low-calorie sweetener.

YACON SYRUP

Perfect for low-sugar diets and those struggling with diabetes, Yacon syrup or powder is a fantastic low-glycemic and prebiotic alternative to sugar. This caramel coloured syrup (or powder) tastes like molasses and is extracted from the tuberous roots of the Yacon plant, indigenous to the Andes Mountains in South America. You can add it to hot or cold beverages and in a variety of baked good recipes.

XYLITOL

Try a sweetener with 40% less calories than sugar. Made from a birch tree extract, this sugar-free sweet stuff is a white crystalline solid that is soluble in water. Xylitol does not cause spikes in blood sugar levels, therefore, making it a great choice for diabetics. You can use it in numerous baking recipes, including keto-friendly desserts, low-carb chocolate brownies and muffins.

MONK FRUIT

Monk fruit powder is a natural low calorie sugar alternative, derived from real monk fruit. The fruit is very sweet, due primarily to naturally occurring antioxidants known as mogrosides which give a cleaner and more intense sweetness. Monk fruit has no calories, carbs, or fat, so it may be a great option for anyone watching their waistline. You can save substantial calories and carbs by simply substituting monk fruit sweetener for table sugar throughout your day.

NATURAL SUGARS

Many home cooks, bakers and chefs use natural sugar alternatives. There are many that have health benefits if consumed in small amounts. Natural sugar alternatives include agave syrup, molasses, maples syrup, coconut palm sugar, cane sugar and honey.