How to Cut Out Added Sugar in Your Favorite Recipes

Kids and adults alike love sweets and we all deserve a treat now and then. That said, too much sugar is not good for our bodies. You can prepare delicious meals, snacks, and desserts without using added sugar in the recipe. There are many ways to make scrumptious treats by using the natural sweetness found in fruits and other sources. You won’t miss the added sugar in these tasty recipes. The kids will love ‘em too! Check these out…
Pancakes with a Fruity Twist

Pancakes and syrup are a breakfast tradition, but that pancake syrup is loaded with sugar. It’s practically all sugar in fact. You can still enjoy a sweet tasting breakfast by topping your family’s pancakes with something much better for them. Plus, the kids will be well-nourished before heading to school, daycare, or camp. Make a fruit compote and you’ll never want to go back to sticky-sweet syrups again.

Here’s how to make a berry compote: (2 servings)

In a small saucepan, add ½ cup blueberries, 1 cup strawberries (chopped), and ½ cup raspberries. Simmer over low heat and mix constantly until the juices start to emerge and the fruits begin to become saucy. Do not let the mixture boil for more than 2 min., and take off the heat once you get a consistency which you can ladle over the pancakes. If you have compote left over, spoon it over yogurt or enjoy over oatmeal.

Sweet Sips

Kids love fruity drinks, but lots of them are made of artificial ingredients and are full of added sugars. Kids don’t need all that sugar and you can prepare delicious drinks they’ll love without it. These drinks are refreshing and much healthier for you and your family.

Here’s how to make a drink they’ll love: (4 servings)

In a large pitcher, combine 1 liter seltzer water or club soda with 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice and ½ cup fresh orange juice. Add 1 tablespoon agave nectar for a natural sweetener and mix. Serve in tall glasses with ice cubes made of orange juice instead of water. Garnish the glass with an orange wedge. The kids will love the colorful cubes and the light and tasty flavor of this beverage. Adults will love it too! Try different fruit combinations for fun drinks every day of the week.

Wrap-tastic Snack Wraps

Instead of pre-packages cookies and cupcakes, make your kids a healthier after-school or camp snack they’ll simply adore. The kids can help make them and will not miss those cookies and cakes from the grocery store at all.

Here’s how to make snack wraps: (makes one serving)

Take a medium sized whole wheat tortilla and spread with low- or non-fat Greek yogurt (plain). Top with thinly sliced ripe pears and sprinkle with cinnamon and nutmeg. Drizzle with ½ tablespoon of honey for a natural sweetness and roll the wrap tightly as you would a burrito. Slice in half and serve. This makes for a great on-the-go breakfast too and you can eat it cold or warmed in the microwave. Enjoy!

How do you cut sugar in your family’s diet? We’d love to hear your tips. Thanks! For more information like this, please visit All My Children.

 

By: Melissa A. Kay