DATE PASTE VS REFINED SUGARS

Natural vs Refined Sugars OPTIONS... hmmm lets chat.

There are natural occurring sugars in many foods such as fruits and milk. Then there are refined or processed sugars. What is the difference? Do some types of sugars spike your insulin levels more then others, do some cause more inflammation then others??? Why does it matter? Lets gently dive in.

What is a refined sugar: Refined sugars are those that have been processes, such as cane sugar, table sugar, (white, coconut, brown) powdered sugars, syrups, and sucrose, and fructose... and the list does go on, but I think you get the point. So yes, they are in many of the foods we eat and drink, plus we add them to many of the things we ingest. Can you completely cut them out? Probably not, but you can easily cut them down. WHY?

For me, it is for my osteoarthritis. Refined sugars (and many other things) can cause inflammation in your body. My focus in this blog is the refined sugars! Why - cause I found a brilliant recipe which I have tried in some of my baking and in my coffee etc... I like sugar. No, I love sugar. As many people my age, I have osteoarthritis. Not ideal but shit happens and you simply figure it out and move forward making positive choices in reflection to your body and mind. Sugar CAN make your symptoms worse. There are lots of things that can make it worse. Sugar is one that I can control so why wouldn't I? If cutting back or limiting my sugar intake could possibly assist in lower my inflammation thus in turn reducing my arthritis symptoms, they I am on board! Arthritis is driven by inflammation, so reducing inflammation could in turn reduce or slow down the progression also.

I have been trying different options for sugars. Monk fruit, dates, bananas, apple sauce (unsweetened/refined) Yes, they all have "sugars" but they are not refined sugars. I came across a DATE PASTE and decided why not. And I love it.

Why DATES:

• they are packed with nutrients, including copper, magnesium, manganese, potassium, and vit B6

• they are high in fiber, antioxidants, and anti inflammatory properties

• they can help curb "sugar cravings" hmmm interesting! This actually has worked for me! I am not craving the daily choc chip cookie that I simply required! LOL

• they are low on the glycemic index

• they support bone and brain health

• they are high in polyphenols which protect the body from inflammation

• fricken delicious

WIN WIN WIN!!!

INGREDIENTS:

-25 pitted dates

-water

-1 tbsp coconut oil

-1 tbsp vanilla

-1/4 tsp pink sea salt (optional)

RECIPE:

-Just cover the dates with water. Soak the dates in water for 1 to 2 hours (soft) Less water simply makes the paste a bit thicker!

-Once soft, blend the dates with the water used to soak, coconut oil, vanilla, and salt in a blender till it becomes a paste.

-Put in a mini jar and refrigerate.

Pretty hard - right? Give it a try and let me know what you think? Try it on your pancakes, in your iced coffee, in your smoothie if you want it a touch sweeter, in your baking. You name it... give it a go. SOOOO yummy