Substitute Saturday: corn syrup

I was originally going to post one on all refined sweeteners, but I'm going to break it up instead. Let's just start with getting rid of corn syrup, shall we? ;) If you must use a refined sugar, cane sugar is better than high fructose corn syrup. I could write a book just on HFCS, but just know that those commercials with the pop-cycles are NOT accurate. Corn sugar, as they're calling it now, and cane sugar do have the same amount of calories, but they are used differently by the body. Corn sugar has a much greater effect on blood sugar for most people, and it blocks the "full" signal in your brain when you're eating.

Many brands now have a "no HFCS" option. Heinz ketchup is one. Nestle chocolate syrup has sugar, whereas Hershey's has HFCS. These are 2 brands we personally have switched to. Just look at labels and be aware. Coke & Dr. Pepper come out with this option seasonally as well, so if you're a Coke drinker, stock up then! Apple sauce & canned fruits taste just as good if not better without the added sugar. Look for "in 100% juice" on your canned fruit, and "unsweeted" on applesauce. Of course, it's sweetened... with apples!!

List of foods that are HFCS free. (needs to updated, as many more are coming to the market, thanks to supply & demand!)

Check here for dangers of HFCS.

Substitute:

Cane sugar for now. ;) Even better, use unrefined brown can sugar. Like Sugar in the Raw. They should have this on the health food or baking aisle.

Substituted so far...

• Stevia or xylitol FOR: artificial sweeteners 
• Cane sugar FOR: high fructose corn syrup

Substitute Saturday: artificial sweeteners

I wanted to start a healthy substitutes thread, and alliteration led me to choose Saturdays, so I'll try to do one per week. :) Making healthy choices is difficult. A common misconception is that you have to change your whole way of doing... well, everything. If are able to move to a farm, get animals, learn how to milk them, slaughter them, & get eggs from them, start a garden, and buy a wheat grinder, more power to ya! Until then, making healthy choices doesn't have to be hard if you start with simply substituting your unhealthy ingredients for healthier ones. We are currently in the process of doing this. Join us!

Can't remember why artificial sweeteners are terrible for you? Check out my former post on it here.

Or check this out. 

 More info to check out:

Makes you fat.

Contain dangerous ingredients.

A study that links it to health risks. 

Substitute:

Stevia or Xylitol 

Stevia is extracted from plants, is calorie free, and is even known to have health benefits.

Xylitol is lower in calories than sugar, and is processed differently by the body. It has a much lower impact on blood sugar, and is considered safe for diabetics. It is extracted from the fibers of many fruits & vegetables. I like it better, because it has no aftertaste like Stevia does. You can find both in the health section of most grocery stores & at stores like Whole Foods. 

Substituted so far...

• Stevia or xylitol FOR: artificial sweeteners

Book Review: Raising Godly Tomatoes

GO HERE...

Why I Detest Legalism, Pt 2

cultural issues....
GO HERE!

6-12 Month Must Haves!

HERE!

Keaton laughing @ WipeOut

Keaton watching Wipe Out & cracking up. So funny! Click here.