We Mustache You A Question ??

Sweet Substitutes for the Holiday Season

Candy canes, cookies, and gumdrops. Oh my! The holidays are when families gather, friends exchange gifts, and the average daily sugar intake increases substantially. We’re not here to curb your Christmas spirit but to offer some alternatives to the traditional sugary treats you’re accustomed to enjoying this time of year.

Pick the Fruit

Not all sugars are the same. There are many fruits, for example, that taste sweet and delicious without raising your blood sugar. Berries, peaches, apples, and oranges are some of the sweet treats you could reach for instead of dessert this season. We know what you’re thinking. Those berries aren’t nearly as sweet and delicious as a piece of pie. But, you’ll find that as you eliminate processed sugars, the naturally occurring sugars in fruit taste sweeter. And if you’re still looking for a special dessert, add a little whipped cream on top!

Every Drink Counts

It’s not only desserts that are raising blood sugar levels this time of year. Around Christmas time, families bring out the hot chocolate, upgrade from regular to peppermint or pumpkin spice lattes, and consume much higher quantities of alcohol. All of these drinks are bound to increase blood sugar, and in combination, they can affect your health long-term. If you’re not willing to eliminate any of these special drinks, consider making some adjustments to your standard order. For example, when you order your favorite latte, you can request a smaller portion of the sugary flavoring. And, when you’re enjoying a glass of wine or cocktail at your next holiday party, moderate your sugar intake by following it up with a glass of water.

Experiment with Alternatives

Finally, there are many natural alternatives to processed sugar. Honey, maple syrup, applesauce, stevia, and agave nectar are just a few options that you can use to sweeten foods and as sugar alternatives in baking. As you prepare your favorite holiday desserts, you may enjoy experimenting with something new.

Blood sugar maintenance is critical as we age. Elevated glucose leads to diabetes which can increase your risk of other life-threatening diseases. Thankfully, with some attention to detail and a little creativity, you can enjoy all of your favorite sweet treats of the holidays with a new healthy twist.

Adrienne Freeland is a freelance writer who specializes in helping business owners communicate more clearly. Using skills developed in her former career as a professional fundraiser, Adrienne collaborates with her clients to craft engaging, targeted content.

Sugar Free Sugar Cookies

Ingredients

2¾ all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

½ teaspoon baking powder

1 cup butter

1¼ cup Splenda

1 egg (beaten)

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 teaspoon milk

Directions

1. Sift together baking soda, baking powder and flour in a bowl. Set this bowl aside.

2. In a mixing bowl, creme together the butter and sugar alternative.

3. Once the butter and sugar alternative is creamed together, add the egg, vanilla extract, and milk and mix for about 10 seconds until somewhat mixed in.

4. Slowly pour in half of the contents from the first bowl (flour etc), mix for a few seconds and then add the remaining contents from the first bowl.

5. Cover the dough and refrigerate the dough. When you are ready to bake the cookies. Preheat your oven to 350ºF and prep a pan for nonstick.

6. Bake for 12 minutes or until they begin to brown.