We’re headed into the weekend, folks. And this weekend is all about love for me.
We’re not T-Rexes, so let’s open those arms up wide! Happy weekend!
Monthly Archives: May 2012
Give Up The Agave
Stay away from agave nectar, folks. There is a major misconception that agave is a healthy sweetener. It’s not. It’s actually quite unhealthy.
For one thing, it is not low-glycemic, so it’s really not any different from sugar. It’s just sugar masquerading as a health food. Take off that mask, agave! You won’t fool us!
Second, it’s highly unregulated. So we really don’t know what’s in it or how it’s made – some even contain corn syrup. Yuck. Healthy is knowing what goes into our bodies.
As an alternative, cook/bake with coconut nectar or coconut crystals which are a low-glycemic option. The nectar is like syrup and the crystals are closer in texture to sugar. And if you don’t like coconut, don’t worry – these sweeteners don’t actually taste like coconut. The Coconut Secret brand is organic, raw, gluten-free, vegan, dairy-free, and GMO-free. Buy online or look for them at Whole Foods or your local health food store.
So make sure to read labels to see if the “health” food you’re about to buy has agave in it. And if a recipe calls for agave, sub in coconut nectar instead and you’re good to go.
Filed under Agave, Coconut, Gluten-free, GMO-free, Low-glycemic, Organic, Raw, Sugar, Tips and Tricks, Vegan
Sugar Ain’t So Sweet
You may be starting to hear that sugar is the cocaine of food. That’s because it’s just that addictive. And the manufacturers know it. That’s why they’re sneaking it into our food with all different names – evaporated cane sugar, fructose, sucrose, high fructose corn syrup, corn syrup, malt syrup, cane crystals, corn sweetener, dextrose, fruit juice concentrates, lactose, maltose, molasses, honey, and agave nectar. And this isn’t the entire list. So watch out for these names and any others that sound a little suspicious. And check the grams of sugar on the labels. The lower the better. Your jaw just might drop if you knew how much sugar you’re actually consuming, without even realizing it.
Sugar, in all of its many forms…
- is associated with a whole host of health problems ranging from anxiety to high cholesterol
- makes you tired
- makes your body cling to those extra pounds
- and makes you crave…more sugar!
It might be hard to kick it completely, so I’m recommending cutting back whenever and wherever you can. Start small, my friends. Remember the baby steps I talked about in my last post? Gradually reduce here and there by cutting down on sugary drinks, cutting back on those white carbs (the body processes white carbs and sugar the same way), skipping dessert whenever you don’t really need it, and saving those baked goods for only the most special occasions!
Let’s hear what baby steps you’ve started to take!
Filed under Baby Steps, Sugar
Baby Steps
This is important.
If you want to get healthier, the best thing to do is take baby steps. Don’t attempt to make radical changes to your diet or lifestyle overnight. Small, gradual changes bring lasting results.
Do one thing each week to push yourself. Once your taste buds adjust, you’re ready to push them a little further. Once your workout gets a little easier, go a little harder.
You can’t lose 50 lbs overnight. And you can’t suddenly wake up and run a marathon without training. So you can’t go from eating pizza and cookies to suddenly eating spirulina and kale night and day. It won’t stick. It’s a process and it can be fun to challenge yourself.
So be patient. Embrace the journey. Going slow means going the distance.
Filed under Baby Steps
Health Coach Jillian 