Healthy holiday treats + sugar alternatives



Healthy Holiday Treats + Sugar Alternatives

Tis the season for holiday parties and sweet treats! By all means, enjoy this season and the celebration of those you love and bask in the glory of holiday treats! It's still possible to keep your health in mind, however, by planning ahead and knowing how to make good choices while still enjoying yourself. Here are some healthy holiday treat alternatives to bring to your next holiday party, or to share with friends and family at home.

Substitute white refined sugar for the following:

Raw Honey
-Raw honey will contain enzymes that would otherwise be lost in heat processing and a offers wide range of vitamins and minerals.
1 cup raw honey = 1/4-1/3 cup raw honey

Maple Syrup
-Contains manganese and zinc, and will raise your blood sugar levels slower than refined white sugar

Dates
-Full of fibre to promote regularity and healthy digestive system
-Date puree can substitute 1 cup of sugar in any recipe. Puree ! cup pitted dates with 1/2-1 cup hot water until paste is made.

Black Strap Molasses
-Unlike highly refined sugars, molassses contains significant amounts of vitamin B6 and minerals, including calcium, magnesium, iron, and manganese; one tablespoon provides up to 20% of the recommended daily value of each of those nutrients.

Recipes that will satisfy your sweet tooth without throwing your blood sugar levels too out of whack:

Salted Chocolate Dipped Tangerines
http://deliciouslyyum.com/salted-chocolate-dipped-mandarin-slices/

Pomegranate Pistachio Ginger Bark
http://www.nutmegnanny.com/2014/02/05/pomegranate-pistachio-ginger-bark/

Macademia Nut Macaroons
http://healthyblenderrecipes.com/recipes/raw_vegan_coconut_macadamia_macaroons