There’s nothing like a sugary treat or an indulgent dessert after a meal, but when it comes to healthy eating, it’s important to understand the impact that sugar can have on our bodies. 

According to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, adults should limit their daily sugar intake to less than 10% of their daily calories. This can make it challenging to gauge the proper amount of sugar for each person due to varying caloric intakes, activity levels, and other factors. However, the bottom line when it comes to sugar is avoiding added sugars that don’t provide beneficial nutrients. 

But for those of us with a sweet tooth, that can be easier said than done! Thankfully, various alternatives serve the same purposes as sugar without the harmful effects. At HarborChase Senior Living, our luxury senior living communities are dedicated to promoting an environment of healthy eating and active living. Here are our favorite healthy substitutions for sweet tooth cravings. 

How Does Sugar Impact the Body?

Not only does excess sugar pack on empty calories with no nutritional value, but it can lead to metabolism issues. The fructose found in sugar causes the deregulation of our bodies’ metabolic process, which is responsible for turning our food into fuel and energy. As a result, sugar can promote metabolic disease that can eventually lead to weight gain but, more importantly, negatively impact how our bodies utilize the nutrients in the foods we eat, leaving us with a lack of energy. 

Sugar also spikes our insulin levels, a hormone that regulates the blood sugar in our bodies. When any blood sugar enters the bloodstream, the pancreas begins to pump out insulin, which helps the blood sugar distribute to cells in the body to be used for energy. If our bodies receive a surplus of blood sugar, the pancreas releases more and more insulin. 

Over time, the cells can become resistant to insulin, and as more insulin is released, the pancreas cannot keep up with the rising amount of blood sugar. This can lead to type-2 diabetes, but insulin resistance can begin a long time before any diagnosis. 

Healthy Alternatives & Sugar Substitutes

Fortunately, plenty of sugar substitutes can help you on your healthy eating journey by adding some of the same sweetness without any of the adverse effects.

Honey

Honey is full of health benefits and can promote stamina, improve skin, and aid bone health. Honey also contains antioxidants, which fight against free radicals that enter our body and cause harm (when searching for honey, remember that the darker the color, the higher the antioxidant content!).

Be sure to experiment with ratios of honey, as everyone has a different preference. For instance, some people prefer one cup of honey for each cup of sugar, and some prefer half a cup. 

Maple Syrup

Maple syrup isn’t just a sweet addition to breakfast foods but is full of nutrients like calcium, iron, and potassium. In addition, maple syrup has been proven to be better for your blood sugar, with a glycemic index of 54, rather than the 56 that regular table sugar contains. 

Be wary when it comes to artificial, processed maple syrup brands, which are still quite high in sugar. Even natural maple syrup contains sugar, so it’s best to consume a minimal amount in order to reap all of the benefits.

Fruits

Fruit is an excellent way to sweeten up your foods and recipes naturally! Bananas, figs, and dates are perfect for low-sugar diets while providing minerals and nutrients like calcium, iron, and potassium. 

Use these delicious fruits in smoothies for an extra punch of nutrition, or implement them into your favorite baking recipe for a delicious dessert.

Molasses

The classic white sugar we’re all familiar with comes from the sugar cane plant, which is processed into a syrup. The syrup in question? Molasses! 

This syrup isn’t quite as sweet as sugar but contains iron, calcium, and other important vitamins. Its unique flavor is also the secret to plenty of sweet treats like cakes and gingerbread.

Coconut Palm Sugar

Coconut palm sugar comes from the sap of the coconut tree and has a lower glycemic index than regular sugar. However, keep in mind that the carbohydrate and calorie counts of coconut palm sugar and regular table sugar are the same.

Coconut palm sugar is delicious when sprinkled over your morning oatmeal or cereal. You can also try adding some to popcorn for a sweet and salty snack!

All sugars aren’t created equally, and when you embark on your healthy eating journey, it’s crucial to understand the negative impacts that sugar can have on your body. By implementing these delicious substitutions, you can reap plenty of benefits without sacrificing flavor and still enjoy your favorite treats!

At HarborChase Senior Living, our luxury senior living communities allow residents to lead their healthiest lives yet. Through enriching programs and nutrient-dense culinary options, every day at HarborChase is worth celebrating. Find a HarborChase community near you to learn more.