by August Johnson, CN
If anyone knows the term "sweet tooth," it is me. As a child I once went trick-o-treating on a hot July afternoon, deducing that going door-to-door in out-of-season costume was well worth the possibility of a confectionary bite. We eat sugar and its manifestations because it tastes good, it is convenient and, sadly, it has become our country’s norm. The more we consume sugar, the more we thrive on it. In fact, studies show that the average American consumes roughly 120 pounds of sugar per year (US News Health Report, 2007). That, my friends, is the weight of a small person. Of even greater concern than the empty calories this high sweet intake inspires is the lack of healthy foods that results. How does one have time or space for broccoli or fresh salad when so much time and energy is spent on eating sweets?
With Halloween just around the corner it is prime time to practice sweets management and to look seriously at our sugar-intake habits. The following tips will aid in your sugar savvy as well as your health.
For Parents:
* Keep healthy sweets, such as whole grain cookies, granola bars and fruit in the house.
* Keep Halloween candy stored away from kids’ reach and allow them moderately.
* Prepare fun, healthy sweets with your kids, to teach them that healthy does not have to equal boring!
* Lead by example: Eat a healthy balanced diet. Lifestyle is absolutely hereditary!
For All:
* Consume a high-fiber diet that includes lean proteins and moderate amounts of healthy fat.
* Start each day with a balanced breakfast. Your breakfast sets the pace for the rest of your body’s day and should include at least 4 – 7 grams of fiber. This is easy to do with a high fiber cereal or whole grain toast.
* When you do consume a sugary treat, consume a lower glycemic food, such as protein, as well that will help reduce the negative impact on your blood sugar.
* If you eat a sugary food, eat it mindfully and enjoy it. Then, move on! Remember: It is not what we eat on occasion that makes or breaks our diet regime, but what we eat on a daily basis.
* Drink plenty of water. Our bodies are 90% water and most Americans walk around dehydrated. This leads to excess cravings, blood sugar irregularities and other health problems.
* Stay active. Daily exercise will keep your body strong and your metabolism pumping. The more physically fit you are, the more likely you are to take care of your body nutritionally.
Healthy Pumpkin Cookies
INGREDIENTS:
* 1 cup pure canned pumpkin
* 1/2 cup brown sugar
* 1/2 cup sugar-free or pure maple syrup
* 1/3 cup unsweetened applesauce
* 3 cups old fashioned oats
* 1 1/2 cups whole grain flour
* 1 tsp baking soda
* 1/2 tsp nutmeg
* 1/2 tsp ginger
* 1/2 tsp cinnamon
* 1/2 tsp ground cloves
PREPARATION:
Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees. Spray a cookie sheet with nonstick spray.
Mix together the pumpkin, brown sugar, maple syrup and applesauce. In a separate bowl, combine remaining ingredients, then add to the pumpkin. Mix well. Drop by rounded spoonfuls onto a baking sheet. Bake for 13-15 minutes or until done.
Fun Adaptation:
Add 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips and/or raisins.
