As I’ve shared on this blog and Accidentally Green’s Facebook page before, sugar has been such a struggle for me. I want my family to eat healthy. (Have you read my eBook First Bites? Eating decisions really are so important.) But baking is my favorite hobby. And I love baking amazing desserts from scratch. Creating gourmet cupcakes with scrumdidliumptious homemade buttercream frosting has been my latest guilty pleasure.
But refined sugar is just bad. And so, as we’re ready to enter the season of excessive candy binges – trick or treat! – I thought I’d research exactly why refined sugar is bad and what unrefined sugar options are available.
First things first
Before you think I’m vilifying all sugars, it’s important to note that natural sugars are good sugars. Natural sugar that’s found in fresh fruits and vegetables help your body – because it comes along with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fiber. 1 And natural sugars are a form of carbohydrates your body needs for energy. As long as sugar hasn’t been added to a product, naturally occurring sugar is a good thing to consume.
Sugar just tastes good. Scientist Marcia Pelchat asserts, “We’re born to like sugar.” 2 In the womb, babies prefer sweet tastes – and out of the womb, breast milk naturally tastes sweet. Because of this, breastfed babies naturally make pleasurable, comforting connections with sweet food and drink. 3
When you’re in the mood to indulge in something sweet, swap out unhealthy, sugary food with fresh fruits and vegetables – it will boost your glucose level and help you resist high-calorie foods. 4 (As a quick explanation, the Mayo Clinic details, “Sugar gets absorbed into the bloodstream and becomes blood sugar, or glucose, where it acts as fuel for your entire body for functions ranging from breathing to jogging.”) 5
What’s next?
Today I’m linking up with:
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If you're searching for ways to live a healthier life that honors God, yet you're not incredibly environmentally conscious, then you're in the right place. While I try to glorify God and use my ten years of journalistic experience to create a healthy home for my family, most of my choices just tend to be green ... quite accidentally. – Hilary
We are neighbors on the better mom link up! Excited to meet you this week:) Good informative post as always.
Thanks for the great info!
We’re neighbors at Grace Laced this wk 
Blessings! simplyhelpinghim.com