One of the hardest parts to overcome in a "clean eating"
nutrition plan can be the issues that arise if someone has
what is commonly known as a "sweet tooth". If you have
one... you know it. The chocolate calls you from across the
room. You probably take carmel, whipped cream, AND syrup in
your morning latte. I'm right there with you in this
category. I LOVE SWEETS! I've come to the conclusion that
cutting them out completely only drives me to binge when I
can finally get my hands on them. There are ways to cope
with your sweet tooth in your clean eating plan.
Sugar: This is all natural. Some nutritionists (and your
LIVE personal trainer) are of the opinion that if you are
going to have sweetener of any kind, have the real thing!
They feel that while it impacts your blood sugar the most,
this is the safest choice as you can get it in the natural
form. Many feel that knowing you are using the real thing
will help you curb the quantity you chose to use.
Stevia: Also a naturally occurring option. More and more it
can be found in mainstream grocery stores in the baking
isle right next to Splenda! Give it a chance. Some people
really love it and find it to be an excellent alternative
to other sweeteners. You can even buy it in convenient
packets to carry with you!
Agave Nectar: This can usually be found in the section with
honey of a natural foods grocery store. It is a thick
liquid similar to honey and can easily be added to many
foods where you might normally use sugar to sweeten.
Aspartame (Nutrasweet... the blue stuff): This is a
chemical compound touted as being 180 times sweeter than
regular sugar. But don't kid yourself! It has calories!!! 4
calories per gram to be exact. Phenylketonuria is also of
concern. This is a genetic disorder in which the body
cannot process some of the enzymes in the aspartame. Don't
start running to the doctor just yet. Chances are, if you
have it, you already know it. All products containing
aspartame must also carry the warning "Phenylketonurics:
Contains Phenylalanine" on the label so that they are
easily identified.
Sucralose (Splenda): This sugar derivative is 320 - 1000
times sweeter than sugar itself. It is manufactured through
selective chloronation of sucrose. Since it is stable under
heat, it can even be used in baking! Note that although
the nutritional label on Splenda's packaging states that a
single serving (1 teaspoon = 5 g) contains zero calories,
Splenda actually contains two Calories per teaspoon.
Saccharin (Sweet-N-Low... the pink stuff): This sugar
substitute is 300 times sweeter that sugar. However, some
don't care for it because of an "aftertaste". Some soft
drinks are sweetened with saccharin. Some studies have
linked it to the development of cancer. Therefore,
saccharin products are required to carry the warning "Use
of these products may be hazardous to your health. This
product contains saccharin which has been determined to
cause cancer in laboratory animals."
Fruit: If fruit seems to satisfy your sweet tooth, try
incorporating lower glycemic choices into your diet!
Strawberries are my personal favorite. Other choices might
include, blue berries, razberries, or plums. Apples,
oranges, and grapefruit are also excellent options since
they are accompanied by high fiber content. This slows the
glycemic reaction to the fructose in the body.
In the end, none of these options are without impact to
your clean eating diet. However, they are ways to address
and manage your nutrition plan in a way that sets you up
for success. Ultimately, only you can decide what is right
for you and your body. This is just a short list of some
options to help you make an educated decision.
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About The Author: Everything Pills has been in the
professional fitness and nutrition business for over 10
years. http://www.everythingpills.com/ - visit the website
for more information on weight loss, core fitness programs,
optimal diets, and all discount prices on nutritional
supplements.
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