Page 57 - Winter2010

whole foods will often be enough to satisfy sweet sources altogether is ideal, at least for the short The simple
cravings. term. Ironically, one’s insatiable desire for sugar answer to
With that said, while these wholesome foods could indeed be worsened by these very same
are nourishing to consume, the more sugar-en- health issues, resulting in a difficult-to-break healthy
dowed choices can be overdone. If you like fruit, cycle. If you are unsure where to start, partner insulin levels is
the less-sugary choices of berries, cherries, and with a holistic practitioner to assess your blood a moderate
apricots are best. One or two dates at a time are glucose levels. Find out your adrenal hormone
plenty, as each can have up to one teaspoon of rhythm (through a saliva test) and assess your intake of
sugar. Raw milk from range-fed animals is defi- thyroid health. A full blood panel can also give grains,
nitely nourishing for most to consume, however useful information on the body’s needs and de- minimal
overindulging in its uncultured form can work ficiencies.
against those who are trying to lose weight or For tips on conquering sugar cravings, see consumption
maintain weight loss. (Culturing dairy uses up page 58. These will help you get your family off of sugars,
most, if not all, the sugars.) health-wrecking sweeteners and replace them physical
A starch-filled sweet potato smothered with with more nourishing, less-processed sweeten-
pastured butter and sour cream will cause only ers. And now, knowing what you know, even activity, good
moderate fluctuations in blood sugar levels, be- these naturally derived sugars should be limited; sleep and a
cause of the added fat and protein to slow down unfortunately, cravings sabotage the best of in- healthy
the meal’s digestion. Essentially, overdoing any tentions. But with the right tool you can zap sugar
food with a higher percentage of sugar or starch cravings at the source. There is no magic pill; get- mental
(from grains and potato foods) can be counter- ting off sugar requires a well-designed lifestyle outlook.
productive to insulin stability and overall health. with exercise, plenty of sleep and relaxation, and
Use wise judgment and regularly re-evaluate time in the kitchen. Only then will your days of
your family’s attachment to even non-refined sugar slavery come to an end so that you can reap
sweet foods. the rewards of happier moods, less sickness, and
Dr. Joseph Mercola goes as far as to say in an overall brighter future for everyone.
his book Sweet Deception, “Without a doubt
the best way to prevent aging and degenerative Jen Allbritton is a certified nutritionist and au-
disease is to keep your insulin levels in a low but thor. She lives with her family in Colorado and
healthy range.” The simple answer to healthy in- spends lots of time in her kitchen cooking up
sulin levels is moderate intake of grains, minimal WAPF-friendly creations. Contact her if you’d
consumption of sugars, physical activity, good like to learn more about subjects related to diet
sleep and a healthy mental outlook. and children at jen@growingwisekids.com.
As for those dealing with health conditions
or symptoms, eliminating concentrated sugar

SUGAR IN COMMON PRODUCTS 35
PRODUCT SUGAR CONTENT
In teaspoons

Kool-Aid, 8 ounces 6
Jello, 1/3 cup 4.5
yoplait yogurt, flavored, 99% fat-free, 6 ounces. 8
Cap’n Crunch cereal, 2 cups 8
Tropicana pure premium orange juice, 8 ounces 5.5
Apple and Eve clear apple juice (100% juice), 8 ounces 5.5
Ketchup, 2 tablespoons 1.5
Pop-tart 3.8
Original Gatorade, 20 ounces 9
Soda drink, 12 ounces 16.5

WINTER 2010 Wise Traditions 57

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