Sweeten up your day Naturally

 

Everyone loves sugar and sweet stuff...however there are many ways to replace the processed sugar with more natural ones.

Limiting your overall sugar intake can help to overcome sugar cravings as your body will get used to less sugar content in the blood stream and it’s easier to create a new habit.

The recommended amount of daily added sugar intake is only 6 teaspoons (24g) for women and 9 teaspoons (36g) for men, according to the American Heart Association.

The recommendation is for added sugar, but not for the natural sugar that is found in nature.

Added sugar means such as table sugar, brown sugar, sweeteners, high-fructose corn syrup and honey.

Natural sugar is found in fresh fruit and vegetables.  Natural sugar is generally accompanied with other nutrients, fiber, minerals and vitamins, and are less likely to cause a spike in blood sugar levels.

Natural sugar alternatives are derived from natural sources such as: Stevia (from the plant Stevia Rebaudiana), honey, mable syrup (from the sap of Mable trees), dates and sweet fruits like bananas.

 

Here is a beautiful recipe for sugar-free Energy Balls:

 

• 1 cup rolled oats
• 1/2 cup of desiccated or shredded coconut
• 1/2 cup natural peanut butter (not sweetened) or almond butter
• 1/4 cup chia seeds
• 1/4 cup ground flaxseeds
• 1/4 cup unsweetened almond milk or other non-dairy milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp cinnamon (optional)
• Pinch of salt 

1. Mix together all dried foods (oats, coconut, seeds)
2. Mix together in a separate bowl peanut butter, almond milk, vanilla extract and salt and cinnamon
3. Add all ingredients together
4. Roll the mixture into small balls and roll them in extra coconut for coating (optional)
5. Refrigerate at least 30 min
6.  Store the energy balls in an airtight container in the fridge
7. Enjoy!!!

 

These sugar-free energy balls are a nutritious snack that provides energy and they are full of antioxidants, protein, healthy fats, fiber and essential vitamins and minerals.

 

 

Here is a recipe for a delicious, sugar-free and non-dairy

Raw Chocolate Cake:

 

Ingredients for the crust:

• 1 cup pitted dates
• 1 cup raw almonds
• 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• pinch of salt

For the filling:

• 2 cups raw cashew nuts (soaked for 2-4 hrs)
• 1/2 cup coconut cream
• 1/4 cup coconut oil
• 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Instructions:

1. For the crust combine all ingredients to a food processor and mix until sticky dough formed
2. Press the dough into a springform pan and place it in a freezer while you make the filling
3. Add all the ingredients for the filling and mix in the food processor until smooth and creamy.
4. Pour the filling into the crust.
5. Place the cake into the freezer for about 2-3 hours until firm.
6. Top up with fresh strawberries, blueberries and raspberries and whipped cream (optional)
7. Enjoy!!

 

This raw and sugar-free chocolate cake is a healthy and delicious dessert that is free of refined sugar and dairy. The natural sweetness of the dates and the creaminess of cashew nuts and coconut cream make it a satisfying and indulgent treat. The unsweetened cocoa powder provides a rich chocolate flavor and richness of nutrients.

 

 

 

Here is a sugar-free recipe for a Raw Caramel Slice:

 

Ingredients:

For the Base:

• 1 cup raw almonds or cashew nuts
• 1 cup pitted dates
• 1/4 cup raw cacao powder
• 1/4 cup desiccated coconut
• 1 tbsp of coconut oil

For the Caramel:

• 1 cup pitted dates
• 1/2 cup almond or peanut butter
• 1/4 cup coconut oil
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the chocolate topping:

• 1/2 cup coconut oil
• 1/2 cup raw cocoa powder
• 3 tablespoons maple syrup

Instructions:

1. For the base, mix all ingredients together in a blender/ food processor.
2. Press the mixture into a lined 20cm x 20 cm baking tray and place it in the freezer while you make the caramel.
3. For the caramel, blend the dates, almond/peanut butter, coconut oil and vanilla until smooth
4. Spread the mixture onto the baking tray and put it back to the freezer.
5. For the chocolate topping, add all ingredients together and spread it over the caramel layer and place it to the freezer.
6. Let it sit in a room temperature before serving and top up with strawberries/ blueberries for decoration.
7. Enjoy!!