Excessive sugar intake is unhealthy for your loved one and can cause multiple health complications, such as diabetes, weight gain, heart disease, or high blood pressure. A sugar-free diet can be difficult to follow as sugar is present in almost everything from processed foods to sweetened drinks. However, cutting down on sugar doesn’t mean that they have to completely abstain from it. Incorporate these top sugar alternatives in your loved one’s meals to satisfy their cravings without compromising their health!
Applesauce
Unsweetened applesauce is loaded with many essential vitamins, minerals, and fibers that are great for your loved one’s health. It is most popularly used to bake sweet treats, such as cookies and muffins, due to its moisture and low calories.
Honey
Raw honey is a great sugar alternative as it is a natural sweetener that is sweeter than sugar. That means that you can get a sweeter taste with fewer calories! Honey also provides many health benefits thanks to its antioxidant qualities, helping your loved one to fight allergies, colds, and common infections. It is delicious and easy to add to a variety of food, such as hot or cold beverages, cereal, yogurt, or oatmeal.
Coconut Sugar
Coconut sugar contains many natural vitamins and minerals, such as iron, zinc, calcium, and potassium. Choosing organic and unrefined coconut sugar as a substitute is a great choice as it reduces the chances of spiking blood sugar levels. It is also easy to use for baking or to add in beverages.
Maple Syrup
Natural maple syrup is made from the sap of sugar maple trees. It is packed with loads of minerals and antioxidants that are similar to those in coconut sugar. Even though maple syrup is higher in calories, it is sweeter and more flavorful. This means that you only have to use it sparingly to get the same taste. Remember to check that the maple syrup you are purchasing is the natural one, not maple-flavored syrup!
Rapadura
Rapadura is unrefined cane sugar that contains many nutrients and vitamins, such as phosphorus, calcium, and magnesium, as well as vitamins A, B1, B2, and B6. It also contains antioxidant properties that help to fight harmful molecules called free radicals. It provides the same sweet taste without being processed heavily like regular sugar.
Rebaudioside-A
Rebaudioside-A, or Reb-A is a type of sweetener curated from a plant called Stevia. It is more than 200 times sweeter than regular cane sugar and comes without any carbohydrates, calories, or artificial ingredients. It can be easily blended into hot or cold beverages and into baked sweet treats.
Splenda
Splenda is an artificial sweetener that works in the same way as Stevia. It is more than 600 times sweeter than regular sugar, which means that you can enjoy it with significantly fewer accompanying calories! You can use it sparingly in your food and beverages where necessary,
Retirement Community at TerraBella Little Avenue
If your loved one needs some help with their daily diet or keeping healthy, our retirement community at TerraBella Little Avenue might be just the place that they need. We offer Assisted Living or Memory Care services to provide your loved one with some extra assistance with daily living activities. We also have a wide range of stylish amenities to empower your loved one to keep up a fun and healthy lifestyle.
To find out more, visit our website or contact us at 704-448-5760.
