Natural Healing Recipes

People love the sweet taste of sugar, but few know the details of where it comes from or the harmful effects too much of it can have on the body.

The natural sugar (carbohydrates) found in fruits and vegetables is vital to your health.  It can literally save or extend your life because the carbohydrates play a key role in ensuring your brain has a steady supply of blood sugar flow to your brain.

The problem only comes when we consume large amounts of refined sugars.

Too much added sugar has become a standard part of the common American diet.  They’re found in the processed foods we eat, soft drinks, and often in much of our cooking.

Of course, they taste great (to most) and give a quick energy boost – But, unfortunately they offer very little or zero nutritional value.

Additionally, combining starch-rich, high sugar-content carbohydrates like baked potatoes and animal protein can present a heavy burden on your digestive system.

Food not completely digested begins to rot and putrefy in your colon if not removed at least daily. As you can imagine, waste has to go somewhere. Like a sewage system in your house, it’s likely to back up. Without adding some daily fiber-rich carbohydrates from plant food to remove waste, you may be faced with some nagging health issues if left unattended. 

However, maybe the most common way people overdose on too much sugar and highly questionable artificial sweeteners are all kinds of soft drinks. Let’s take a look at a typical can (12 oz) of Coke, Pepsi and similar soft drinks. According to manufacturers and USDA sources, just one can of soft drink contains 10 to 13 teaspoons of sugar or 100 to 130 % of your daily recommended value.

Let me ask you: “Would you deliberately consume 10 to 13 tsp of sugar if it’s placed in front of you?” Sometimes we are just unaware of what we’re putting into our body. Subconsciously, we only know more about how a cool and refreshing drink makes us feel.

It’s basically good tasting sugar water with practically zero nutritional value. Or take fruit juice. It’s also high in sugar. But you have a better chance of getting some nutritional value, especially in organic 100 % orange or apple juice.

When it comes to eating habits, many people focus on a mindset for needing or wanting to lose weight as the ultimate goal instead of achieving optimum health. For instance, one low-carb marketing strategy is to give the impression in people’s mind that all carbohydrates should be avoided or minimized at all cost to lose extra pounds.

But, the truth is, nutrient and fiber-rich carbohydrates are vital to getting well and achieving optimum health. They include vegetables, grains, legumes, nuts and lower sugar content fruits.

When appreciating and nourishing yourself with such foods, you soon realize how you can effortlessly shed extra pounds without trying. It becomes a natural side-effect from a slightly different way of eating without depriving yourself of food. 

To avoid too much sugar, many people accept taking artificial sweeteners. Virtually all of these sweeteners have questionable backgrounds about their safety.  Although the manufacturers claim they are safe, many experts in the alternative health community strongly warn against their dangers.

With that said, I know you may be ready to ask a question, like: “But how can I satisfy my sweet tooth?”

Ideally, sugar cravings most people experience disappear when they transition to a largely plant-based diet (without added sugar).  For most, it only takes about 30-days.

You see, one important reason for sugar cravings comes from spikes in blood sugar levels resulting from too much dietary intake of high sugar-content foods. As soon as you eat sugary foods, your body responds almost instantly with the release of insulin to “mop up” the excess blood sugar.  This causes your body to want more food and sugar (and it only continues in a circle).

For many people, repeating this process too frequently can take them down the path to obesity, diabetes and putting your cardiovascular health at greater risk.

On the other hand, you can choose to eat more nutrient-rich plant-based foods (which contain low amounts of sugar, unhealthy fats, and high amounts of fiber).  These complex carbohydrates raise your blood sugar level much slower with the help of fiber and a parade of health promoting micronutrients (essential vitamins and minerals).

Of course, for many this is difficult at first (because you’re used to eating a certain way).

Well, here’s good news.  There are some simple choices anybody can make to reduce sugar consumption:

1. Eliminate or reduce soft drink and processed food consumption (and replace it with water and wholesome foods).  If you drink multiple cans of soft drinks or eat lots of processed foods (especially with High Fructose Corn Syrup), then this alone often significantly improves how you feel – with more energy and improved overall health.  Keep in mind, that lot’s of clean water is a huge part of keeping your body running efficiently.
2. If you have a desert for a special occasion, savor it!  Let a small amount slowly melt in your mouth.  When you do this, you won’t need a container of ice cream or a big piece of cake to satisfy your sweet tooth.  Desert now becomes a treat, instead of a possible strategy for emotional comfort.
3. You may try a small amount of Stevia, a natural alternative to artificial sweeteners, to sweeten your favorite beverage or food. In some recipes, you may add a little honey or organic cane sugar to flavor your meal for the desired taste.
4. Grow in consciousness about what optimum health really means for you. Learn to savor and appreciate the food you eat. Be grateful for everything you have. It holds one of the most powerful secrets for energizing your life.
5. Cut-up some raw vegetables each week and eat them with your favorite dip (humus is one of the best)!  Now, instead of eating potato chips or foods loaded with sugar, you’re getting the nutrients your body needs to awaken its natural ability to heal!

The bottom line is that reducing your added sugar consumption is vital to your health (so you feel great!).  Moreover, you can begin to take little steps, until you no longer desire too much sugar.

Additionally, another powerful tool you can have to help reduce sugar from your diet is a copy of Natural Healing Recipes.  Inside you’ll discover over 150 healing recipes, all of them with little or no added sugar.  Instead, they unlock the amazing natural flavors nature has to offer!  Click here to get your copy… and to discover how getting the desired health you want can be achieved easier than you thought possible.

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This entry was posted on Friday, September 15th, 2006 at 12:35 pm and is filed under Natural Healing Techniques. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.