Sugar Is Outta Here

Yesterday after I dropped my husband off at school for his 2^nd day of his 2^nd year of the UK MBA program I stopped to get gas for the very hungry truck (as I was driving hoping to make it to the gas station I was apologizing to our Dodge for neglecting the fact that he needs fuel just as much as we do.)

Once I pulled in to the gas station I got a very strong hankering for candy… any candy bar preferably chocolate but something I could bite into. I tried to talk myself out of it but I went into the store anyway. Lucky for me the line was way too long for my patience and I left empty handed. But of course was unsatisfied.

Even when we want to stay fit and keep on the right track we get cravings for the sweets… I know from experience… it’s my weakness.

Don’t deny yourself a taste or once you do give in it won’t be pretty. Here are some healthy alternatives that will still hit the spot.

My good friend and awesome runner has introduced me to Agave nectar. She uses it in place of sugar, and it has great benefits for runners as well. Honestly who has ever cut sugar from their diet and seen negative effects (besides the cravings of course)? I want comments if you have…

Chocolate Pudding – Easy (could even be used with a pie shell and berries - or by itself, I love pudding :))

Ingredients

¼ cup unsweetened natural cocoa powder
¼ cup cornstarch
¼ teaspoon salt
2 cups 2% reduced-fat milk or plain soymilk
½ cup agave nectar or honey
2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Combine cocoa powder, cornstarch and salt in a 1-quart saucepan. Add just enough of the milk to make a smooth paste. Gradually stir in remaining milk and agave nectar.
2. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until mixture begins to thicken. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla. Pour into individual serving dishes and chill. Serves 4.

Health benefits of Agave (from allaboutagave.com)

One of the most health-promoting properties of agave nectar is its favorable glycemic profile. Its sweetness comes primarily from a complex form of fructose called inulin. Fructose is the sugar that occurs naturally in fruits and vegetables. The carbohydrate in agave nectar has a low glycemic index, which provides sweetness without the unpleasant "sugar rush" and unhealthful blood sugar spike caused by many other sugars. Agave nectar is a delicious natural sweetener that can be used moderately - by dieters, some diabetics, and health conscious cooks - to replace high-glycemic and refined sugars.

Weight Management Friendly

Agave nectar's low glycemic index makes it suitable for some individuals on low-carb or slow-carb diets (the Atkins Diet, the South Beach Diet) and for a variety of weight loss/management programs. Granulated sugar has an average glycemic index in the high 60's, while agave generally scores under 30. Foods with a glycemic index lower than 55 are considered low glycemic foods. Foods lower on the scale are less likely to trigger the body's mechanisms for fat storage. While it's not a "free" food for indiscriminate consumption, many individuals on a diet or weight maintenance plan find that agave is a healthier substitute for sugar, and that moderate use of agave nectar can help them enjoy foods that otherwise might be off limits.

Other great links: http://www.allaboutagave.com/agave-vs-liquid.php

http://www.allaboutagave.com/agave-vs-granular.php

Substituting Agave Nectar for Liquid Sweeteners

Honey

Replace each cup of honey with one cup of agave syrup.

Maple Syrup

Replace each cup of maple syrup with one cup of agave syrup.

Brown Rice Syrup

When replacing a cup of brown rice syrup, use 1/2 to 1/3 as much agave, and increase other liquids in the recipe by up to 1/2 a cup.

Corn Syrup

When replacing a cup of light corn syrup, use 1/2 as much agave, and increase other liquids in the recipe by up to 1/3 of a cup. Like corn syrup, agave nectar will not crystallize.

Substituting Agave Nectar for Granulated Sugar

White Sugar

For each cup of white sugar replaced, use 2/3 of a cup of agave and reduce other liquids by 1/4 to 1/3 cup. This substitution will also work for Demerara Sugar, Turbinado Sugar, Evaporated Cane Juice, or Sucanat.

Brown Sugar

For each cup of white sugar replaced, use 2/3 of a cup of agave and reduce other liquids by 1/4 cup. Because the moisture content of Brown Sugar is higher than that of white sugar, liquids may not have to be reduced as much when substituting agave nectar.