The Best Solution to a Sugar Craving

sugar

Sugar has empty calories and therefore provides no nutritional benefit. Most typical desserts are not only full of sugar but are also laden with saturated fat. This equates to double trouble when it comes to unwanted calories, which can lead to weight gain and poor health.  The flip side is that you can satisfy a sweet craving by making one minor adjustment–use fruit as a replacement. Fruit is brimming with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and fiber. Plus, cooking fruit makes it even sweeter!

Here are a few ways:

1) Poach pears, apples or any stone fruit like peaches or nectarines. Core and cut the fruit in half.  In a large saucepan, with just enough water and spices or a combination of wine, water and spices to cover the fruit, bring the liquid to a simmer and cook for 20 to 25 minutes.

Spices to try sparingly include cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla, cardamom, pepper and any other types that you like.

2) Make a compote or stew with any seasonal fresh fruit or you can use dried fruit. In a saucepan, combine cut-up fruit, a splash of coconut water, lemon juice, vanilla extract and a dash of pure maple syrup (optional).  Simmer for 5 to 10 minutes.

3) Berries breakdown easily so cooking them results in a delicious fruit sauce. Serve berry sauce over yogurt or oatmeal.

4) Bake apples, bananas, pears, pineapples and figs. Prepare the fruits–core, peel, etc and make sure the pieces are of uniform size. For whole apples, bake at 325 degrees Fahrenheit for one hour. Cutting up the fruit into uniform bite-size pieces will cut the baking time in half. Check for softness and if the fruit browns quickly, then tent with foil.

5) Microwave any fruit! Cut up the fruit and place in a microwave-safe glass bowl. Be certain to cover the dish with a cloth towel and cook for 2 to 3 minutes.

6) Natural applesauce or fruit butter can replace granulated sugar in many recipes. Diced dried fruit added to a the batter will increase the sweetness of baked goods such as muffins and quick breads.

For delicious recipes using fresh and dried fruits check out my book Beyond The Mediterranean Diet: European Secrets Of The Super-Healthy available online at Amazon.com, BarnesandNoble.com and WorldRD.com.

Bon Appétit!