Who doesn't love a good cookie now and then? Our bodies and our minds are conditioned to crave the sweet stuff. Our language even reflects that obsession: "sweetie", "sugar pie", "honey bunch"...we equate sweetness with love and comfort. In fact, sometimes when we think we are craving that last piece of pie or wanting to chomp another chocolate truffle, what we are actually hungry for is loving connection. Next time you find yourself with an insatiable cookie craving, try pausing. Take a deep breath and ask yourself what kind of sweetness you might really be missing.

There are many reasons to look for a white sugar alternative. Known side effects and health risks from refined sweeteners like white table sugar and high fructose corn syrup are myriad. Those little blue, pink, or yellow packets aren't any better, either. Because they have been stripped of vitamins, minerals and fiber, refined sweeteners can spike our blood sugar, which can lead to cravings and mood and energy fluctuations. And there's not enough room here to even begin to address the health risks associated with the chemical substitutes. By using natural, minimally processed sweeteners instead, you can actually reduce cravings for sugary things, level out blood sugar fluctuations, and even stabilize mood swings.

But for those times when nothing but the edible thing will do, at least try to make healthier choices! There are sugary goodies out there with a little bit more nutritional value than your average Oreo or Twinkie. You can even make your own using healthier substitutes for highly processed white granulated sugar. Below are a few examples of other options. Most of these are even sweeter than regular sugar, so you don't need to use as much. Don't forget, when using liquid sugars in recipes, reduce the amount of other liquids, or you may end up with goopy goodies.

Raw Honey

Honey is one of the oldest natural sweeteners on the market. It will have a different flavor depending on the plant source, with some even very dark and intensely flavored. Wherever possible, choose raw honey, as it is unrefined and contains small amounts of enzymes, minerals, and vitamins.

Maple Syrup

Maple syrup is the concentrated extract of the sap of maple trees. It adds a rich, deep flavor to foods and drinks, Make sure to look for 100% Grade B pure maple syrup, not maple-flavored corn syrup. As with all sweeteners, organic varieties are best.

Agave Nectar

Agave (my favorite!) is made through the extraction and purification of the juice of the agave cactus. It does not stimulate insulin secretion as other sugars do, so it does not create a "sugar rush". It has a great light, mild flavor.

Blackstrap Molasses

Blackstrap molasses is a sweetener that is actually good for you. It contains significant amounts of a variety of minerals that promote your health. Blackstrap is a great source of iron, which can help boost your energy (especially if you're a menstruating woman), and also contains beneficial quantities of calcium, magnesium, copper, manganese, and potassium.

Ingredients:

2 - 3 apples
2 - 3 peaches or pears
2 tablespoons maple syrup
1/2 cup unsweetened, unsulphered raisins
juice of 1 lemon
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 cup walnuts (or other nuts of your choice)
1/2 teaspoon fresh ginger, finely minced
2 tablespoons honey
1/3 cup water

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Serves: 4

Directions:

1. Wash, core and chop fruit into chunks.
2. Place fruit in a large saucepan with 1/3 cup of water and add in the maple syrup and raisins.
3. Cook over medium heat for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Add lemon juice and cinnamon.
5. Continue to cook for another 10 minutes or until the fruit softens.
6. While the fruit is cooking, roast the chopped nuts for 5 minutes in a skillet over medium heat, stirring often.
7. Drizzle the honey over the nuts and add in the ginger. Be careful to continue stirring as the honey can burn easily.
8. Top the warm fruit with the roasted nuts, serve and enjoy!

Wondering how to ease the transition from the sultry days of summer to the crisp fall season? Join me for a fabulous fall workshop!

Together we'll explore how to adapt to Autumn's rhythms through food, meditation, and play. This two-hour workshop will also serve as an introduction to a week-long group cleanse, where we'll be using a specifically designed menu to help re-align our bodies to this special time of year.

Included in the program:

• Handouts, recipes, and a special "goody"
• Tasty samples of fun fall foods
• Week-long cleanse menu and guidelines
• Membership in the online cleanse support group
• Personal phone support during the cleanse

Date: Sunday, October 29th
Time: TBD
Location: TBD
Cost: $30, FREE for current clients

Attendance at the workshop is not necessary to join in the cleanse. If you are interested in participating in either the workshop, the cleanse, or both...please contact me at 646-246-7250 or email trishbalbert@gmail.com

email: trishbalbert@gmail.com

phone: 646-246-7250

web: http://www.awakenwellness.com