We’re giving up on some foods that are good for our silhouette, but everyone knows that sweets are the hardest to ditch. Temptations are around any corner: cakes, chocolate, candy, ice creams… and the list can go on, and on! However, giving up on sugar doesn’t mean we can’t consume anything sweet anymore. Here are the best substitutes for sugar, to sweeten up your life in a healthy way!
These replacements will help you stay in shape without giving up the little sweet snacks that seem to make your day better. They are much healthier, and most of them have extremely low calorie contents.
Sweetener
Saccharine is much sweeter than regular sugar, and it can be used in much lower quantities. This sugar substitute does not contain calories and is ideal for those of us who want to lose weight, but simply love sweets.
But beware: excessive consumption leads to increased appetite. Consumed moderately, saccharin is an excellent solution to calm down the craving for sweets and stay in shape.
Honey
A 100% natural sweetener, which besides its delightful aroma contains many nutrients, vitamins, antioxidants and even treats various diseases. It is very beneficial for our health, but excessive consumption should be avoided. Honey is not extremely low in calories, and consuming too much of it can slow down the weight loss process.
Maple syrup
Obtained from the maple tree, it has a beautiful smell and is recognized for preventing some types of cancer. This sweetener strengthens the immune system, and is very effective in treating colds and coughs. It has fewer calories compared to honey, and it is extremely healthy. Its taste is rather strong, and therefore not everybody enjoys it the same.
Agave nectar
Extracted from a Mexican, the agave plant is 25% sweeter than sugar. This is a natural sweetener, with a glycemic index much lower than normal sugar. Because it is much sweeter, you need an extremely small amount to sweeten a coffee, or a cup of tea. The most beneficial property of agave nectar is that it absorbs slowly into our system, and does not significantly increase blood sugar levels, which is why it can also be used by diabetics. As with any sweetener, it should be used with moderation.
Stevia
This can undoubtedly be considered one of the healthiest sweeteners. It does not have any calories, just as the agave nectar, and it works wonders in regulating blood sugar levels. This type of sweetener is the most recommended for people suffering from diabetes. Stevia has energizing properties, increasing the ability to concentrate and memorize, all of this while lowering sweet cravings.
Stevia also plays an important role in protecting our teeth from decay. If sugar was considered an enemy of the teeth, this sweetener is more like an ally. Stevia is rich in vitamins A and C, magnesium, fiber, phosphorus and zinc. Due to the fact that it does not have any negative effects, stevia can be safely considered the best substitute for sugar, being the most popular in weight loss diets.
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