The Sweetness in Your Life

     The abysmal craving for sugar has devastating effects.  Obesity and it subsequent ills are  very real consequences of sugar consumption. They   eclipse   our  very survival.  The futility  of using pharmaceuticals  to fight the effects of sugar continues to  skyrocket. Consumers erroneously believe they can ingest  whatever  they like indiscriminately,   as long as they possess that magic bullet  to protect them.  But if something seems to good to be true,  it often is. The result can be challenging as individuals  deal with the possible side effects of each medication.
      Sugar, ever present  in processed foods,  in various forms, has  become the Bain  of our existence.  Sugar triggers the brain like hard-core drugs,  escalating our unrelenting desire for more.  Food and drug  manufacturers profits soar while we ride an internal body-mind   roller coaster.  The ride will become relentless   unless we make lifestyle changes to stabilize our blood sugar, improve our physical health and restore our peace of mind.  Reading content labels, eliminating fast food, baked goods and pre-cooked frozen foods,  and exchanging table sugar for more healthful ingredients are  viable options.
       When you have a craving for something sweet you need to satisfy it to prevent bingeing.  Fruit, honey and maple syrup might be  possible sugar substitutes  for some.  Fruit, being more nutrient dense, contains more vitamins, more minerals plus phytonutrients.   The fiber contained within  also helps to slow down the  metabolic breakdown of carbohydrates  to  avoid any drastic changes in blood sugar levels.
      Diabetics  should exercise caution, limit portion size,  speak with their physicians and perhaps refer to diabetic food lists like those on WEBMD for guidance when using dried fruits.    Sweet fruits recommended for diabetics are generally melons and berries.    There  are  natural sugar substitutes like stevia root, xylitol , whey lo,  agave nectar and coconut crystals.  These have their own affects on sugar metabolism in the body and is the subject for a future post. Keep in mind that avocados, peppers, cucumbers, squash, eggplants, olives, and tomatoes are also fruits because they produce seeds.  Their use is not covered  here.
     If sugar is not an issue, try making a paste with your favorite reconstituted dry fruits in a food processors. Put dry fruit in a jar 3/4 full, add water and leave overnight in the fridge.     Experiment with different fruit combos. Make sure you add enough water to create a smooth paste and to avoid damaging your food processor.  My  food processor of choice is the Cuisinart Custom 14-Cup Food Processor  because it is not only makes ample amounts,but is  user friendly. It  comes with a tutorial DVD and an instruction booklet so novices need not fear.  It has a powerful motor and it is up to most arduous tasks that would defeat a processor of lesser quality.
      Store the fruit paste in a glass jar and refrigerate it.  It can last up to two months in the refrigerator.  It can stay longer in the freezer.
     This paste  can be used in baking, cooking,  as a topping on desserts, as jam on your toast or as a sandwich ingredient.  It can be used in recipes instead of sugar.  Be aware that some adjustments need to be made in amounts , cooking and baking times, liquids and so on.  It's all  a matter of personal preference.   Be creative! Homemade fruit paste makes a great gift!  Bon appétit!

Bottom Line :  When life batters  you with  waves,  learn how to surf!  
               Problems can be overcome with a little ingenuity.