Substitutes, what do you use?

People have been asking if I am not using processed sugar what AM I using.  Well, that just happens to be a great question!  I have a whole list of things that you can use instead of sugar.  Things that you are going to feel going about putting in your body!

1. Raw. Unfiltered Honey. Let me repeat, RAW. UNFILTERED HONEY!!!  

2.  Maple Syrup. The benefits of maple syrup are aplenty: It comes directly from a plant’s sap and contains over 50 antioxidants. Make sure to grab the real stuff (sorry, Aunt Jemima)

3. Applesauce. Instead of a half-cup white sugar in a batch of oatmeal cookies, swap in an equal amount of applesauce!  Homemade would be my first choice but, you can get the no added sugar at the store.

4. Puréed Banana. In the next loaf of banana bread, try using extra-ripe bananas and eliminating the sugar. The fruit naturally becomes sweeter as it ripens, so there’s no need for extra sugar

5. Processed Dates. Grab a bunch of dates for an extra boost of antioxidants in the next baking experiment . With a low glycemic index and some subtle sweetness, it may be perfect for  the base of homemade granola bars . Substitute two-thirds cup for one cup of regular sugar.

6.  Coconut Sugar. Get a little tropical and use coconut sugar in a fruit smoothie. Made from the sap of coconut flowers, this natural sugar comes in block, paste, or granulated form. Plus, it’s loaded with potassium, which helps keeps our bones strong.



A simple recipe for granola that is a favorite in our house:

Clean Eating Granola 1 cup oats(not quick oats) 1/3 cup walnuts (you use use almonds, cashews etc) 1/4 cup sunflower seeds 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce 1/4 cup raw honey 1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp vanilla extract Directions: Preheat the oven to 325°F In a large bowl, mix the applesauce, honey and vanilla. In a separate bowl, mix the other ingredients together. Combine the dry ingredients with the wet mixture and mix well. line a baking tray and spread on the granola. Make sure it’s evenly spread so everything cooks evenly. Bake for 20-25 minutes depending on how brown you want it (The browner it is the crisper it will be ). Make sure you keep your eye on it and give it a toss after 10 minutes to make sure nothing burns. leave to cool then transfer to an air tight container.