Sweeten Your Smoothie Naturally!

By Donna Stark

You are trying to be healthy, but that raging sweet tooth of yours certainly doesn't help the cause, does it? Well, maybe you will start to feel better knowing that you are not alone when it comes to that daily battle between what you know is right and what you are secretly craving. Cravings can be a very powerful adversary and they can certainly wreak havoc on an otherwise perfectly planned, healthy day. And while a treat every now and then is totally acceptable, we all know that a high-sugar intake can lead to serious health issues. And there is nothing sweet about that.

Reducing Refined Sugar

One way that we can reduce the amount of sugar in our diets is to take out the obvious, such as all of the sodas, candy bars, cakes, and cookies. But what about the sugar that you don't really think about, the teaspoon here and the sprinkling there? We put these smaller amounts in our coffee, on our grapefruits, and even in our smoothies, without considering how much we are actually consuming. Fortunately, there are healthier options to choose from, and if you want to make your morning smoothie healthier, I would encourage you to try them. Take a look.

• Bananas - It's kind of hard to not love bananas. They are ideal for digestion, weight loss, and muscle recovery, and in addition to that, are extremely versatile and easy to freeze. They're naturally sweet, loaded with potassium, fiber, and vitamins, and they make a great base for your smoothies, so don't throw them away when they turn a little brown! Those brown spots indicate prime sweetness, so you don't need any extra sugar for your smoothie when you have some.
• Coconut water - In place of using water and then adding sweetener to your smoothies, try using natural coconut water from the beginning! The natural sugars will sweeten your drink while also nourishing your body at the same time. Coconut water also has electrolytes in it, so it's the perfect choice for a post-workout smoothie.
• Goji berries - Want to maintain or lose some of your weight, improve your immune system, and get better sleep, all while simply sweetening your smoothie with one certain ingredient? You can, with goji berries! Goji berries are packed with vitamins, minerals, and omega-6 fatty acids, and with their sweet, tangy taste, they are a perfect natural alternative for sweeteners.
• Medjool dates - One of the closest things to candy in nature, Medjool dates are a perfect sweetener for your morning or afternoon smoothie. Toss some in your blender and satisfy your sweet tooth cravings while improving cognitive function, maintaining a healthy blood pressure, and boosting your immune system at the same time.

Choose Natural

Whether you add these sweet options to your smoothies, or you enjoy them on their own, they are a great way to avoid the potential health consequences and daily sugar crashes that you may encounter with an overabundance of refined sugar in your diet. So go ahead ... sweeten your day naturally!

To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Eagan, Minn.