Sugar Addiction and the Holiday Season

Posted by Diane Hoch in Blogs, Healthy Eating, Love Letters from Diane, Newsletters, Recipes with No Comments
If you have ever been in one of my programs, classes, or food demo’s, it is probable I have spoken of my sweet tooth.  I am an admitted sugar addict, and my passion for creating “healthy” desserts leads me into the kitchen all hours of the day or night!  With nuts, dates, coconut,various superfood powders, fruits, raw honey and other real food ingredients, I play to create decadent sweet tooth sensations.  If I am in the mood to turn on the oven, I may use ingredients like almond four, coconut flour, quinoa flour, chia seeds, bananas and applesauce.  For the record, I want to state that I create desserts using “real food”, “health supportive foods”  and that no processed sugar or junk food can be found in my kitchen!  Therefore I eat my decadent chocolate desserts guilt free and happy!  That being said, the key is moderation, as sugars role in diabetes, heart disease, and obesity is proven scientific fact.
 As the holiday season is upon us, we are confronted with battling our sugar addiction, and sadly, most of us end up giving in to temptation from time to time.  So I would like to offer up some ideas to assist you in standing up against those trays of sugary confections during the holiday season and beyond!  Oh, and I figured to throw in one of my latest raw creations called “Chilly Chocolate Caramel Cups” as a bonus recipe for you too!
  1. Make a commitment to put your health at the top of your priority list.  Honor yourself and the one body you were given to live your life with – look in the mirror and say “let’s do this!”.
  2. Eat 3 health supportive meals a day – avoid processed foods and add in lots of greens!
  3. Drink plenty of water throughout the day.  Find your favorite water bottle and make friends with it again.  Oh, and squeeze some fresh lemon juice in there if you have a lemon laying around!
  4. Exercise, Exercise, Exercise!  Go on YouTube and find something you can do at home if that’s where you need to start.  I have faith in you.
  5. Sleep.    Don’t underestimate the importance of sleep, and I bet chances are you too need more of it.  Turn off all electronic devices an hour earlier and get to bed tonight.   Your dreams just might be worth it!
  6. Find healthy versions of processed sugary sweets!  They are definitely out there (i.e.: recipe here for starter) however keep moderation in mind.
  7. Find Your Support System – yes, you are strong, however sugar is as addictive as cocaine!  Hire a Health Coach, Create a Healthy Cooking Class Dinner Party, or Sign up for that Supermarket Tour to assist you.  You are definitely worth it!
Please feel free to leave comments or questions below as I would love to hear from you!
Wishing you Happy Cooking, Eating, and Enjoying!
In the Best of Health,
Diane

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Chilly Chocolate Caramel Cups

Ingredients:

Base:

½ Cup Dates, pitted and chopped

½ Cup Macadamia Nuts, raw

¼  Cup Unsweetened Coconut, shredded

1 teaspoon Maca Powder

Center:

½ Cup Dates, pitted

1/2 Cup Macadamia Nuts, raw

1/4 Cup Maple Syrup

2 Tablespoons Almond Milk

1 teaspoon Maca Powder

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Pinch of sea salt

Top

1/3 Cup Coconut Oil

2 teaspoons Cacao Butter

2 Tablespoons Maple Syrup

1/3 Cup Cacao Powder

Directions:  Using paper mini muffin liners, layer a muffin tin to prepare.  Make space in your freezer to lay the tray flat while creating recipe.

In a food processor using an S blade, add base ingredients (pulse dry first and then add dates to combine) and pulse until a sticky dough is formed.  With a teaspoon measure fill each cup and press to create layer.

In a high power blender place all ingredients and blend until smooth consistency is achieved.  With a spoon, fill this next layer evenly in your mini muffin tin and place back in freezer. Wait at least an hour before adding chocolate topping as will melt into it if adding too soon.

In a small saucepan over medium/low heat, add coconut oil and coconut butter stirring with a wisk until melted.  Add maple syrup and cacao powder and stir until completely incorporated.  Pour on top of each cup to finish your Chilly Chocolate Caramel Cups!  Place in freezer to set at least 2 hours to finish!  Store in airtight container in freezer as long as they last!

Enjoy! YUM!

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