The “Sweet” Escape

In the areas of health and wellness, many could really be considered as overcomers. Some have experienced great weight loss (and kept it off); some have brought the ‘high blood’ low; successfully running marathons past 40; easing up on a heavy meat and dairy diet to a balanced, mostly plant based lifestyle, which is huge for many cultural backgrounds (and can be quite weird at holiday gatherings.) Yet many of these same overcomers still struggle in one area…Sweets.

From an early age sweets, desserts, and adding sugar in general, is an enormous part of life.

The reward for being good? Sweets. Good report card? Sweets. It’s your birthday? Mega-sweets. Then, later in life, Valentine’s day? Sweets. New Job? Sweets. Church fellowship? All kinds of sweets. Wanna watch a movie? Okay, that’s primarily popcorn but there is usually a box of Goobers in there somewhere. Don’t blame parents. Again, much of it is cultural. Yet still to this day, even with all the studies about diabetes, mineral deficiencies, chronic fatigue, kidney disease and many other sugar related illnesses, we still struggle with “the tooth.”

Better Decisions, Positive Steps

What can be a grace to many is a mind to just make better decisions step by step. As far as adding sugar as a sweetener, going from white table sugar to “raw sugar” is a positive step. This is because of the table sugar refinement level. Yet, don’t stop there because the truth is that raw sugar is not really raw. It has been cooked and processed to the same FDA standards. It’s just a little tan with trace minerals left. Plus, the calories are about the same so there’s not much advantage to a calorie counter.

From there, raw sugar to honey is a positive step. Honey is closer to a natural form and has well documented antioxidant and antimicrobial properties.The problem is that it also has a high glycemic index, which can quickly raise blood sugar levels. Not best for diabetics or those with prehypertensive symptoms.

Well, honey to Agave nectar is another positive step. Agave nectar’s low glycemic level with a sweeter taste than honey is an outstanding combination. Plus being sweeter than honey it teaches you how to use less sweetener...But (you knew it was coming) Agave nectar is not Agave. It is the processed nectar syrup from the Agave plant which has been heated, hydrolyzed, and filtered to get the desired color and sweetness.

Well, lastly, a move from Agave nectar to Stevia is a positive step. Although the taste can take a little acquiring, what can be said negatively about it? Not only is it a natural sweetener but its range of health benefits and medicinal uses is extensive. Blood sugar levels, digestive aid, and high blood pressure are some key areas of application. Plus, weight watchers will love it at 0 calories. As a note, Stevia is labeled as a dietary supplement by the FDA and cannot be marketed as a sweetener.

The artificial sweeteners were left out of this, as saccharin is a known carcinogen and aspartame, which is the most contested product ever passed by the FDA, has a host of documented related illnesses from migraines to cancer. “The Sweet Misery” is a highly recommended documentary to watch.

By steps of faith, we can be empowered to be and live better every day than the day before. Have faith for them to happen for you. Believe that you receive this:

By God's word and power my mind is renewed (Rom 12:2). It is the will of God that I prosper and am healthy as my soul and mind prosper (3 John 1:2). My body is the temple of the Holy Spirit in me (1 Cor 6:19) and I am empowered to think clearly and exercise self-control (1 Peter 1:13). No addiction can hold me for I am free indeed (John 8:36). I am divinely guided in my eating (John 16:13) and the Lord will perfect what concerns me and never leave me (Psalms 138:8). Through faith in Him I always overcome (1 John 5:4) and can do ALL things (Phil 4:13).



146 Reasons Why Sugar Is Ruining Your Health by Nancy Appleton, Ph.D

Nutrition Beyond the Trends by Mark Anthony, Ph.D

www.foodprocessing.com

Agave Nectar vs. Honey, www.allaboutagave.com
 
Stevia - Nature’s Sweetener by Rita Elkins, M.H.,
Woodland Publishing
Pleasant Grove, UT