The new year is here (again??)! Which means many of us are looking at our goals, ambitions, and affirmations for 2023. One of the most common resolutions each year is to “give up” sugar. We’re here to tell you that it is probably NOT a good goal. Yes, the sugar epidemic is a major problem in our world today but, in our experience, it is more effective to use healthy sugar substitutes and to enjoy sugar sparingly than to completely “restrict” it.
When it comes to reducing your sugar intake, you may feel like you're giving up all the sweets in life. But here's the truth: there are several healthy, natural sugar replacements worth looking into. One of our favorites is monk fruit! If you're looking for a way to cut back on your calorie intake, stabilize blood sugar levels, and avoid the sugar addiction, monk fruit is a great option to enjoy sweetness without sacrificing flavor!
The health risks associated with consuming too much sugar
No wonder so many are looking to limit sugar consumption this year. Sugar can be enjoyed in small portions but harmful in large quantities and when it takes the place of essential nutrients in our diet. Large quantities or frequent sugar spikes can cause exacerbated symptoms of illnesses, chronic headaches, acne breakouts, spikes in blood sugar levels and weight gain and more. But hey, you don't have to go cold turkey! You'd just be wise to practice some healthy restraint when it comes to sugar for your body's sake!
The healthy sugar alternative that’s 100-250 times sweeter
For those looking to reduce sugar intake but miss the sweet taste of sugar, monk fruit is an ideal sugar substitute! First discovered in 13th century China, monk fruit is a melon-like fruit that offers a healthy alternative to sugar. Whether when baking, cooking or using as a sugar substitute for drinks, monk fruit has gained popularity as it is roughly 100-250 times sweeter than sugar and contains zero calories. So why not switch up your sugar game and try this natural sugar alternative? You'll taste the sweetness without all the negative side effects of regular sugar!
Monk fruit is safe for diabetics and people with other medical conditions
It's not often that something so delicious can be eaten safely by diabetics and others with medical conditions. Monk fruit is a safe alternative to sugar for people who need to watch their sugar intake and it boasts incredible sweetness without the extra calories! Working this "miraculous" ingredient into your diet doesn't have to mean sacrificing flavor; you can use monk fruit in recipes such as cookies, cakes, or snacks - all without compromising your health. So, if you're looking for guilt-free indulgence, monk fruit may just be the answer.
How to incorporate monk fruit into your everyday life
It’s ok to enjoy a treat made with “real” sugar every once in a while (moderation is key!), but when possible, try to replace it with monk fruit! Incorporating monk fruit into your daily routine can be a tricky endeavor, but with the right guidance and a bit of creativity, it could be much easier than you think. You can use them in your morning mug or when baking at home.
We love monk fruit so much that we added it into Daybreak Cacao+ Morning Mushrooms, making your functional morning mug delicious while still being completely sugar-free! While, as is, our morning beverage is lightly sweetened with monk fruit, it is totally ok to add more monk fruit (or another natural sweetener) to your morning mug to your preferred sweetness level!
Reducing the amount of sugar in your diet has plenty of benefits and, luckily, you can still enjoy a sweet taste without the negative side effects. Monk fruit is a great alternative to sugar because it is calorie-free, doesn’t cause spikes in blood sugar levels, and has anti-inflammatory properties. You can easily find monk fruit at your local grocery store or health food store. If you’re looking for something ready-made, our Daybreak Cacao mix is lightly sweetened with monk fruit and makes the perfect morning beverage. Have you made the switch to sugar alternatives like monk fruit?