In previous articles we’ve discussed the health hazards of too much sugar, especially from processed sources, and the importance of restricting or eliminating added sugars. And this festive time of year can be particularly difficult for many to eliminate or avoid added sugar! But just because we’re surrounded by sugary, delicious sweets during this time, doesn’t mean we should just indulge.
Just remember that sugar is incredibly detrimental to your health. Reminding yourself of this fact can help motivate you to not reach for those cookies and treats! To recap, some of the main damaging effects from added or excess sugar include:
- tooth decay
- fat storage and accumulation
- high cholesterol and cardiovascular problems such as heart disease
- diabetes
- cancer
- disrupting and negatively affecting hormones
- being highly addictive
- mental problems such as ADD/ADHD, depression, or Alzheimers
- decreased immunity
And to think this is just a shortened, condensed list! The negative effects of sugar are far reaching, and can affect nearly every system in the body. Making sure to avoid getting too much of this single thing can do a world of good for our health! But how can one enjoy this holiday season and still indulge in some sweetness without getting too much of a sugar overload?
I’ve compiled a list of recipes for some goodies that taste great but will not be an overdose of sugar. An important note as well is to remember that any of these recipes can be tweaked to meet your specific needs. Instead of using a raw cane sugar, for example, you might try using the herb form of stevia, for a no-sugar option. Have fun experimenting to enjoy sweets that aren’t loaded with sugar!
Grain Free Sugar Cookies
Ingredients:
- 1 cup finely-ground almond meal
- A little over 1/8 tsp salt
- 1/8 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup, or stevia to taste
Get the full recipe on ChocolateCoveredKatie.com!
No Bake Coconut Delights
Ingredients:
- 3 cups unsweetened, shredded coconut
- 6 tablespoons coconut oil
- 1/2 cup sweetener (or use 1/2 of one sweetener and 1/2 stevia)
Get the full recipe on WholeNewMom.com!
Black Bean Fudge
Ingredients:
- 1 1/4 cup (250g) cooked black beans drained
- 1/2 cup (60g) Dutch unprocessed cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup (60g) 100% natural smooth almond butter
Get the full recipe on PeachyPalate.com!
Grain-Free Ginger Cookies
Ingredients:
- 1½ cups almond flour
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil, softened
- ¼ cup pure maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon blackstrap molasses
Get the full recipe on DetoxInista.com!
Grain-Free Pumpkin Bars
Ingredients:
- ½ cup pumpkin puree
- ½ cup almond butter
- ⅓ cup honey
- 2 eggs
- 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
Get the full recipe on DetoxInista.com!
Mint Chocolate Patties
Ingredients:
- 1/3 cup dried coconut chunks/shreds
- 1/3 cup cashews
- 1-2 tablespoons melted coconut oil
- 2–3 tablespoons honey/maple syrup/agave
- 1 teaspoon peppermint oil
- Pinch of salt
Get the full recipe on ThisRawsomeVeganLife.com!
Candyland Peppermint Bark
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup coconut butter or Homemade Coconut Butter (Cacao butter might work, but I haven’t tried it.)
- 12 or more drops pure peppermint extract
- 1 and ½ tablespoons agave
Get the full recipe on ChocolateCoveredKatie.com!
