Healthy Sweet alternatives for the ones watching weight - Luke Coutinho, Co-founder of youcarelifestyle.com

 

Mumbai: Have a sweet tooth? There is nothing wrong with that. Being healthy and having a sweet tooth, can go hand in hand when you learn how to do it the right way, choose the right alternatives, control portions, eat mindfully, at the right time, and with gratitude (not guilt!) after eating a meal or when hungry, many people indulge in sweets; chocolate, ice cream, dessert, or anything else that is sweet. All of us have grown up eating sugar, and we did fine. The problem is not that occasional cupcake or croissant. The problem is consistent cupcakes and croissants because it has refined sugar. Refined sugar, as the name suggests, is stripped of every single nutrient from sugarcane and is processed to such a high extent that while it adds sweetness to your foods, it adds zero value to our health. Instead, it creates more inflammation, weakens immunity, creates hyperactivity in our brain, messes up our blood sugar balance, makes our liver sluggish, accelerates aging, numbs taste buds, and gives a false sense of happiness and dopamine rush.

Furthermore, excessive sugar consumption can result in many health problems, such as obesity, heart disease, high blood sugar levels, inactivity, tooth decay, and aging. Moreover, too much-refined sugar can deplete other essential nutrients. Due to this, it is very critical to limit your sugar consumption. We are referring to refined sugar here when we say sugar. You need to pay attention to what you put into your body. Various foods contain refined sugar, including bakery goods, packaged foods, canned juices, and artificial sweeteners.

To satisfy a sweet craving, you can choose pure, chemical-free, ethically sourced jaggery, dates, fruits, and dry fruits. Consider replacing your pastries and cakes with a dark chocolate (70% or above) piece sweetened naturally with dates or raw honey. You may also opt for a Sattu laddoo, Til laddoo, Makhana kheer, or Chia pudding to satisfy your sweet tooth. This will help you manage your weight, boost your immunity, lower your blood sugar levels, make you more active, and improve your skin's appearance significantly. However, it is imperative to remember to consume in moderation.