Must See! Sugar: The Bitter Truth

This one and a half hour video is well worth your time. "Robert H. Lustig, MD, UCSF Professor of Pediatrics in the Division of Endocrinology, explores the damage caused by sugary foods. He argues that fructose (too much) and fiber (not enough) appear to be cornerstones of the obesity epidemic through their effects on insulin."

Lustig thoroughly illuminates the scientific reasons why all sugar & specifically fructose; which is the most insidious ingredient bombarding our diet & our bodies at every meal; are poisons & should be avoided at all costs to prevent obesity & disease.

Added Sugar Linked to Heart Disease

A study published in this week's Journal of the American Medical Association revealed that a high fat diet isn't the only cause for potential heart problems. A high sugar diet is also dangerous. Added sugars in packaged foods like ice cream & cereal can contribute risk factors for heart disease by increasing triglycerides & decreasing the good cholesterol HDL. It is important to read nutrition labels and avoid foods & beverages that contain a high sugar content per serving.

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It is also important to note that although honey & agave are natural sweeteners, they still contribute calories to the diet & can have the same effect as sugar in the body. You want to count your calories when using these sugar alternatives. Or you can use ZSweet® which is both all natural & zero calories & not worry about counting anything. ;)

Click to read article: "Higher Consumption of Dietary Added Sugars Associated With Unfavorable Cholesterol and Triglyceride Levels".

Sugar-free Cookies, Hot Chocolate & Whipped Cream

Inspired Living Expert & TV Host Leah Guy just released a special ZSweet® episode on her official site. In the video Leah & co-host, Jim O'Connor of the Food Network, mix up sugar-free hot chocolate almond milk, with sugar-free whipped cream from scratch on top (I suggest using a mixer instead of whisking it by hand) & a warm batch of "sugar" cookies made with ZSweet® to take to the streets for live reactions from people out & about. The public & the hosts unanimously agreed that they love ZSweet®!

Watch the video here.

Try these yummy ZSweet® recipes at home....
Sugar-free "Sugar" Cookies

2 3/4 cups sifted all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/4 cup ZSweet
1 cup butter (2 sticks)
1 egg, lightly beaten
3 tablespoons cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C)

2. Sift together all-purpose flour, baking powder, ZSweet and salt.

3. Cut in butter and blend with a pastry blender until mixture is crumbly. Stir in
lightly beaten egg, vanilla and cream. Blend well. Chill dough for one hour for easier
rolling.

4. On a floured surface, roll out dough to 1/4 inch thickness. Cut into shapes. Place on
ungreased baking sheet and sprinkle with ZSweet.

5. Bake for 6 – 8 minutes, or until lightly brown.

(I also sprinkled ZSweet packets on top of cookies after cool!)

Sugar-free & Dairy-free Hot Cocoa with Whipped Cream

Cocoa
1/4 cup ZSweet® granulated
6-10 ZSweet® supersweet packets (add to taste)
32 oz. unsweetened chocolate Almond Breeze® almond milk

Directions: Add ZSweet® to taste & stir. Heat in a pan on stove over a low-medium setting. Pour & serve! Top with sugar-free whipped cream.

Whipped Cream
1 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup ZSweet® granulated
1 tsp. vanilla

Directions
Pour heavy cream in a medium bowl and beat with electric beater until cream becomes stiff. Add ZSweet® and vanilla and continue beating until consistency and taste become whipped cream.

photo credit: leahguy.com