Fresh fruit to the rescue!

You may have heard, sugar is sugar is sugar. This is true in principle, molecules that make up each type of sugar are the same. However, when it comes to how the body uses sugar, not all are created equal.

Fructose and high fructose corn syrup are not the same things. Fructose is found in foods such as fruit, honey, and some vegetables. Fructose is 

a simple sugar molecule with a specific chemical structure. High fructose corn syrup, on the other hand, is a mixture of fructose and glucose in a roughly 1:1 ratio. Glucose is the body's main source of energy and is found in starchy foods such as pasta, whole grain bread, legumes, and a range of vegetables.

The push to avoid sugar has left people hesitant to eat fruit. The difference between fructose found in fruit and high fructose corn syrup found in processed foods is the other nutrients, or lack thereof, present. Fruit includes fiber, water, and numerous vitamins and minerals, all of which are beneficial for health.

Bottom line, choose whole foods with natural sugar like fruits and whole grains whenever you feel a sweet craving coming on! but do not overdo it either. Everything in moderation.

I love to eat whole oats that have been soaked over night with berries, nuts and a tiny little bit of maple syrup when I'm craving sweets. it is a great tasting dessert the oats are nutritious, have a lot of fiber, protein and help balance blood sugar. Add a little cinnamon, which enhances the flavor and also keep blood sugar levels balance. This makes a great breakfast too!

“To keep the body in good health is a duty… otherwise, we shall not be able to keep our mind strong and clear.” -Buddha