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As humans, we are predisposed toward sweetness, a taste that signifies an abundant source of carbohydrate energy in nature. Not only are we physically programmed to seek it, sweet foods are emblems of celebration and joy, joining us socially and satisfying us emotionally. The problem is, not all sweet things are created equal. Our choices for satisfying cravings are often heavily processed foods, high in artificial ingredients and empty of nutrients. A diet rich in processed sugar and/or high fructose corn syrup not only contributes to weight gain, but can be dangerous, even toxic, to our bodies. Thankfully, our desire for sweetness can be sated without sacrificing our health. The richest, most wholesome sources of sweetness can be found in nature.
Most of us scoff at the thought of giving up sugar entirely, especially as it is a fact of both social gatherings and solitary indulgences. Not many birthdays seem complete without a showy, sugary cake, and sometimes a dose of chocolate savored solo is the most appropriate answer we have for turning a bad day around. It is hard to imagine life without sweetness in our diets. Many of us turn to "sugar free" or "low sugar" versions of our favorite treats. Unfortunately, many of these products are replete of artificial sweeteners and ingredients that pose other health hazards. The key is not to give up delicacies entirely, but to choose natural, unprocessed forms of sweetness and use them in moderation. The following tips suggest ways to treat the sweet tooth while also best treating our bodies.
Go with nature. Honey, agave nectar, maple syrup, and palm sugar all deliver rich, nuanced caramel flavor with minimal processing and, in many cases, lower glycemic indexes. Consider swapping one of these in places you would normally use sugar or an artificial sweetener. Your coffee, tea, oatmeal, or yogurt will thank you.
Experiment with baked goods. Replace some or all of the sugar called for in recipes with mashed bananas, pureed dates or applesauce. Read the applesauce ingredients carefully to avoid those made with sugar or other artificial ingredients. Because chemistry matters in baking, this tip won't work well for meringues. However, it will add layers of flavor, moisture, and nutrients to cakes, muffins, quick breads, and cookies.
Avoid hidden sugar. Sometimes we think we are being healthy by picking up a smoothie or frozen yogurt. These can be laden with hidden sugar. Select smoothies made with fruit only, and consider other frozen treats like homemade fruit juice popsicles. Or, try a nut-based vegan ice cream made with agave syrup. Not only are they endlessly creamy and decadent, the nuts used to make the ice cream base are good sources of protein and energy.
Add some heat. Try grilling a banana or peach, or roasting an apple or pear. A halved grapefruit slipped under the broiler will toast the top beautifully. Heat creates caramelization, drawing out natural sugars and building flavor.
Scale down, choose wisely. If you cannot avoid sugar entirely, consider smaller portions and go for a little sliver of something homemade and concocted of whole ingredients as opposed to supermarket treats that use high fructose corn syrup and preservatives. Select high-quality dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate with higher sugar contents. Eat slowly, and savor. Satisfying a sweet tooth can be healthy and a pleasure.
Editor's note: Take the Sweet Treat Poll!
Photo of Millie's Handcrafted Vegan Gelato by Lauren Wilkinson
This post was written just for me especially with my infamous sweet tooth. I've also found that brushing my teeth immediately after eating a huge meal works because of the sweetness in the toothpaste. That's not to say, I'm eating the toothpaste instead.
@Darlene - great tip about the toothpaste. When I was doing research for my Gastronomy certification (involving tons of reading about delicious food), I would brush my teeth to stave off hunger. It works!