Wednesday, June 8, 2011

Splaining Sugar

I found a really great article explaining how different sugars effect the body, how you become sugar dependent, and the difference between processed and unprocessed sugars.  Read it here.    (BTW, isn't this illustration fantastic?)

I found this article particularly interesting because I just had a discussion about sugar with a fellow sweet-tooth the other day.   I was explaining how I managed my longing for sweets by eating both fresh fruit and dried fruits (dried apricots and dates are always in my house for when I just got to have sweet).  

My friend looked at me and said "but you're still eating sugar, isn't sugar just sugar?"

But, as I explained to her, and this article explains as well, not all sugars are created equal.   Natural sugars found in there natural states don't have the negative effects on your health and weight that processed sugars do.  

BTW, here's a great "raw" berry tart for dessert for this time of year.   I make this all the time and everyone loves it.   Plus, it's so easy to make, and takes less then 15 minutes to put together.

First take an equal amount of pitted raw dates and raw pecans and process in a food processor with a couple of tablespoons of water until it's sticky and you can pat it into a pie plate.   Pat this "dough" into a pie plate then fill with whatever fresh berries are in season.  I've used various combinations of raspberries, blueberries, sliced strawberries and black-berries.

If you want to be decadent (and no longer "raw") serve with either fresh whipped cream or ice cream (just a small dollop or scoop!!).   

I swear that people love this dessert and haven't a clue they're eating healthy (or, at least mostly healthy if you use the whipped cream or ice cream).   I once brought this dessert to a party, and one guy ate practically the whole tart before anyone else was able to get any.  

 

6 comments:

  1. I'm going to make that dessert. It sounds great.

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  2. I agree with the article that fresh fruit is fine but be careful with the dried fruit.

    Many are very high in sugar due to the concentrated state of the fruit. The sugar content can actually be as much as a candy bar!

    Check out this table on the sugar content of fruit compared to candy bars:
    http://thepaleodiet.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/Fruits-Sugars.html

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  3. This is a great article. I have this argument all of the time. There is a commercial for fructose that says sugar is sugar and that the body doesn't know the difference. FALSE advertisement at its best. Thanks for sharing this.

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  4. And be careful of Turkish apricots...apparently, they are loaded with radiation...

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  5. Losing Weight After 45 is a BitchJune 10, 2011 at 6:20 PM

    Just to put your minds at ease, I only eat California dried apricots. I actually don't like Turkish apricots.

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