I’m going to confuse you. First, I’ll tell you to watch out for sugar in your diet THEN I’m going to give you an awesome recipe that has sugar in it.  Point being:  Be aware of sugar and what harm it can do to your healthy aspirations but don’t forget to give yourself a little slack now and then. 

A common question: Will I get fat if I eat sugar?  An easy answer:  No, not unless you eat it in excess but then again, if you eat ANYTHING in excess it’s not healthy.

Healthy diet planning should focus on fiber-rich fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and healthy fats.  If you eat enough of the healthy foods, you won’t want the empty calorie items such as sugary, salty snacks.

What is it about sugar?  Processed sugar causes energy swings and can lead to weight problems. Sugar is not just found in candy bars and sugary drinks, it’s hidden so you have to be on the look out. It can be found in bread, soups, sauces, frozen dinners, fast foods, and many more common items. Eating sugary snacks won’t satisfy your hunger for long. In fact, you’ll be ready to eat again, soon after ingesting those sweet snacks. THAT’S what can make you fat. You need snacks that satisfy cravings as well as holding you over comfortably until meal time.

Instead of sugary drinks (even juices you thought were healthy-check the label) try sparkling water with a slice of citrus.

Have a sugar craving?  Grab fruit, e.g. an apple or a sweet vegetable you can eat raw, e.g. sweet red bell pepper slices.  Maybe even natural peanut butter for a sweet-salty satisfying treat.

Remember, the following is STILL sugar:  maple syrup, corn syrup, honey, molasses, brown rice syrup, evaporated cane juice , fruit juice concentrates(apple and the like), maltodextrin , Dextrose, Fructose, Glucose, Maltose, or Sucrose

Moderation is key not deprivation.  All that being said, PLEASE don’t fear the following recipe. It’s a good one for a  “cheat day” and we all know that “cheat day” keeps us honest the rest of the week.

Apple Fruit Chewies

Based on a recipe from Just a Pinch Recipes and posted by Jessica Harrington, this is a super easy recipe, ready within an hour.  Sweet and chewy they’ll hit the spot every time.

carrot cake and apple chewies1

Makes 1  9 x 13 pan

carrot cake and apple chewies9

  • 3 cups flour
  • 3 cups sweet apples, peel, core and chopped small
  • 1 3/4 cups sugar *TIP – Use sweet apples and reduce the sugar
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1/3 cup strawberry kiwi juice (or orange juice or your choice)
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 cup canola oil
  • pinch salt

Preheat oven to 325 F.  Spray a 9 x 13 pan with non stick.  Peel and core apples and chop small.  In a large bowl, add all ingredients and mix. Pour into prepared pan and bake for 50 min. to 1 hour.

carrot cake and apple chewies5

Crispy on top and chewy inside. A crowd pleasing dessert.

carrot cake and apple chewies8

How do you cut sugar from your diet?

Cool find! YCMC.  Ever heard of it? Check itand get 20% off an order of over $60 (less than $150). Use code YCMC20.
Save 20% on your next order Over $60 under $150 @ YCMC.com use code – YCMC20

OR
Take 5% Off ANYTHING in the Store! Use Coupon Code YCMC5
 

Print Friendly, PDF & Email