What Will Happen if You Quit Sugar for 21 Days (6 Healthy Alternatives of Refined Sugar)
Let's face it, losing weight is not easy. Even after putting a lot of effort, time and money, most people fail to get the desired results. However, in this article, I am going to share with you one simple way by which even putting least amount of effort, you can get the most maximum results. And that simple way is to quit table sugar.
No, I'm not asking you to compromise on your sweet tooth. All you need to do is replace the refined sugar with healthier alternatives which serve the same purpose, are easily available near you and come at fairly the same prices.
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Introduction
One of the worst foods that most people consume on a daily basis is refined sugar. It is not just unhealthy, but also addictive. So much so that it was found to be eight times more addictive than cocaine, a drug which is banned in most countries.
Sugar is one ingredient on which the packaged food industry is thriving on colas, juices, biscuits, ketchups, chocolate, flavored cereals you name it, they are all loaded with sugar. Every time we eat refined sugar, our brain releases feel good chemicals. This is the reason we crave for sugary foods again and again.
But what if we do not have to cut it down, just replace it. Sugar coming from the natural sources like fruits isn't problematic for the body as it comes along with fiber, vitamins and minerals which do not spike the insulin levels. But the refined table sugar that we use is made after a lot of chemical processing. It has no nutritional value whatsoever, just empty calories. Daily consumption of refined sugar not only increases the fat percentage in the body, but also causes wrinkles, dark circles, acne, bad breath, bad teeth and increased risk of type two diabetes. So do an experiment on yourself. Replace refined table sugar with any of the following six healthier alternatives for just 21 days and see what happens to your body.
#6. Coconut Sugar
➡️ How is Coconut Sugar extracted?
Coconut sugar is derived from coconut palm tree without any extensive refining or use of any chemicals as compared to refined sugar.
➡️ Coconut Sugar Nutrition Facts
Not only coconut sugar gets very easily digested by the body, but is also very rich in minerals like iron, potassium, zinc and calcium.
➡️ Coconut Sugar Glycemic Index
Even the glycemic index of coconut sugar is much lower than that of refined sugar. Lower the glycemic index, slower the sugar gets released in the body, the better it is.
➡️ Uses of Coconut Sugar
Coconut sugar can be used in milk, curd, cakes, oatmeal and other breakfast cereals. You can easily buy coconut sugar at online or local shops.
#5. Date Sugar
➡️ How is Date Sugar extracted?
Date Sugar is derived from dates, one of the sweetest foods available to us. Date sugar is considered to be one of the healthiest alternatives of sugar.
➡️ How to make Date Sugar in Home? Date Sugar recipe
It is so easy to make that you can even do it at home. All you need to do is roast the dates, grind them and strain it to get a fine powder.
➡️ Date Sugar Nutritional values
Date sugar is extremely rich in fiber and is loaded with a lot of vitamins and minerals.
➡️ Benifits of eating Date Sugar
Using date sugar helps digestion, reduces bad cholesterol and increases the bone density.
➡️ Date Sugar Glycemic Index
The glycemic index of dates is about 45 to 50 depending upon the variety of dates.
➡️ Uses of Date Sugar
Date sugar can be added to milk, sweets and cereals. I got 200 grams of date sugar online at rupees 235.
#4. Rock Sugar or Mishri
We Indians have been using mishri for ages after knowing that it tastes exactly like regular sugar, has many benefits and is highly versatile. You will be surprised why did we ever switch to refined sugar? Mixture is produced in the process of getting refined sugar just before it is chemically treated.
➡️ Rock Sugar (Mishri) Nutrition Facts
It is rich in calcium, magnesium, iron, dietary fiber and antioxidants.
➡️ Benifits of eating Rock Sugar (Mishri)
It also greatly helps digestion and increases the hemoglobin levels. Unlike the refined sugar, it gives a cooling effect on the body.
➡️ Uses of Rock Sugar (Mishri)
The best thing is that it can be used in almost everything you are currently putting in sugar be it tea, coffee, milk, juices, desserts et cetera.
Just make sure that you buy thread, mixer and not the ones which is available in crystallized form as it is nothing but the bigger version of refined sugar. You can easily get rock sugar or mystery from your nearest Kirana store at almost the same prices as that of refined sugar.
#3. Honey
➡️ Benefits of eating Honey
Honey is one food on the planet which has almost the same chemical composition as that of human blood. Due to this, our body very easily assimilates 100% nutrients available in honey. Also, any food when combined with honey gets digested better. Honey is an amazing alternative to sugar which is very high in antioxidants and antibacterial properties. Honey is good for heart, helps cut the extra fat from the body and improves mental alertness.
➡️ Uses of Honey
Honey can be applied on bread, in lemon, water, milk etc. You can get over 600 grams of honey under rupees 200 in the market.
#2. Stevia (Meethi Tulsi)
➡️ What is Stevia (Meethi Tulsi)?
Stevia (Meethi Tulsi) is a zero calorie natural sweetener extracted from the leaves of stevia plant. Stevia is getting popular these days but it has been used in ayurvedic medicine for long. With the name Meethi Tulsi, it's a yes. The leaves of this plant are absolutely zero in calories and are naturally 25 times sweeter than regular sugar so the weight watchers and the calorie conscious can freely consume it. Since it has zero glycemic index, it does not spike the blood sugar levels at all. Stevia comes in many forms like dried leaves, sachets etc. This 1 gram sachet of stevia will cost you under rupees three.
➡️ Downside of Stevia (Meethi Tulsi)
The only downside of stevia is that it leaves an aftertaste. If that doesn't bother you, start using it today.
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Now, before I reveal my top pick, here are a few dishonorable mentions. Recently many people have switched to sugar free, Coke Zero and other sugar free foods considering them to be healthier alternatives to regular sugar. Such foods contain artificial sweeteners like aspartame and acesulfame potassium. These are no way a healthier alternatives and come with so many side effects. So make sure that you do not fall for such marketing gimmicks.
#1. Jaggery and Jaggery Powder
The number one Healthy alternative to Sugar is Jaggery and Jaggery powder. Both these have been used in India since time immemorial.
➡️ Nutritional value of Jaggery and Jaggery Powder
Talking nutritional value, jaggery and Jaggery powder have more nutrients than any of the natural sweeteners that we have discussed before. Yes, both these are also made from sugar cane juice but are least processed.
➡️ Benifits of eating Jaggery and Jaggery Powder.
Jaggery is a natural blood purifier, boosts metabolism, detoxes the liver and prevents constipation. If you are facing skin problems, replace sugar with Jaggery and you will be surprised to see the results in just a matter of few days.
Jaggery is hot in nature while Jaggery powder is cool. So Jaggery is recommended in winters and Jaggery powder in summers. However, both have almost the same benefits. Moreover, both are readily available at your nearest provision store at cheap prices.
So try replacing white sugar with any of these six healthy alternatives for just 21 days and you will see your body fat reducing, skin glowing and energy levels increasing.
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