sweet tooth satisfaction

Over a year ago I stopped eating processed sugar and have since been shocked at how deliciously sweet certain foods can be without adding anything extra to boost the flavor. Mother Nature offers nourishment for us in each flavor profile [in Ayurveda the six tastes are sweet, astringent, sour, salty, pungent and bitter] to sustain a balanced diet, and guess what follows suit? A balanced mind, body and spirit.

Since I quit foods with added sugars, aside from the occasional Van Leeuwen vegan ice cream or special treat, I noticed more spring in my step and less of an energetic dip. I realized how tasty whole foods could be and how I could feel satisfied without the spawn of sugar.

Why is processed sugar a shady offender? There are countless studies on how it leads to crashes in energy from speeding into and out of the blood stream, resulting in unpleasant outcomes like weight gain or diabetes, even heart disease per Dr. Hyman's investigations.

I found this article from Ayurvedic practitioner Dr. John Douillard very helpful in terms of breaking down the effects of sugar on the physical and mental body, including the dangers that relying on artificial sweeteners might have on our nervous system and mental addiction.

Click here to read the full post, including various sources that offer invaluable insight on the effects of sugar on the physical and mental body, and my favorite list of satisfying sweet substitutes.

If and when we do find ourselves craving sweet tastes, we can consider asking ourselves why, drinking a glass of water before immediately ripping open a candy bar, and more importantly not angrily questioning ourselves when we wind up "giving in" to one or a few cookies.

And remember: most things in moderation, even natural sweetness.

What are your favorite naturally sweet substitutes?

Read on for music and more, including wisdom and a special herbal recipe from Anna of Windy City Organics - use my special code yogawellness15 for 15% off site-wide on their retail website!

Photo above: high on yoga [best natural sweetener] at Wanderlust Vermont, wearing Hyde organic apparel.