Taming a Sweet Tooth

BY CHARLYN FARGO

Most of us know we probably need to cut back on the added sugars we consume, but how do you do that when you have a craving for something sweet?

These days, the average American eats an estimated 17 teaspoons of added sugar each day. A study in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health states that added sugar consumption worldwide is at a “pandem- ic” stage. Research shows a clear association between eating too much table sugar and higher risk for tooth decay, Type 2 diabetes, obesity and cardiovascular disease.

An answer for some has been to use more artificial sweeteners. The Food and Drug Administration has declared all sweeteners on the market to be safe; however, they have been under scrutiny by other groups. Consumers have turned to more natural sugars, such as honey, ma- ple syrup, molasses and coconut sugar. The truth is that sugar is sugar, whether it comes from sugar cane or a tree, and as sugar, it is high in calories.

Should you try other sweeteners? Stevia is a well-known natural sweetener, derived from the leaves of the stevia plant. It has no calories and no nutritional value but is sometimes blended with sugar alcohols, like erythritol. Monk

Continued on next page wellness retreat for those serious about a health transformation. With the guidance of the property’s health experts, Virgos will be guided through multiday programs that combine cutting-edge diagnostics, gut-resetting diets and natural healing methods to reach their latest wellness goals. (lanserhof.com/en/ lanserhof-sylt/)

Libra (September 23 – October 23)Saint-Tropez, France: Ruled by Venus – the planet that governs love and beauty – Libras cherish a refined and romantic vibe. Vineyards by the gulf, gourmet picnics, and artisanal boutiques will make Libras feel like the main character of their romance movie. At the end of the night, return home to Hotel Lou Pinet, an inviting family-owned hotel with a vintage Bohemian aesthetic that makes guests feel like they’re visiting an old friend. (www.maisonspariente.com/en/ hotel-loupinet)

Scorpio (October 24 – November 21) - St. Moritz, Switzerland: The zodiac’s most intense and passionate sign, Scorpios can find soul-invigorating activities at The Carlton Hotel in St. Moritz. There, Scorpios can venture out on a torchlight hike, where they’ll explore the pristine mountains in near-complete darkness,. Or they can ice-skate over frozen lakes as the sun sets over the mountains (tschuggencollection.ch/en/ hotel/carlton-hotel)

Sagittarius (November 22 –December 21) - Angra dos Reis, Brazil: The thrill-seeking Sagittarius gravitates towards places where they can roam and be free. Angra dos Reis, where beaches meet forests on over 300 islands, is a perfect destination for exploration. Hotel Fasano Angra dos Reis, a refined hotel with 60 suites and incredible activities, offers upscale boat tours to neighboring islands, guided hikes through the Atlantic Forest, and even access to a private island, making it the perfect home away from home for the adventurous Sag. (www.fasano.com.br/hoteis/fasano-angra-dos-reis)

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