Day 27 - Physical

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner and with it comes mounds of chocolate-covered confections and boxes of cutely colored hearts bolded with “Be Mine” messages. These treats, occasionally accompanied by flowers and jewelry (for those extra lucky girls!) are common offerings given to those most dear on this special day to express our deepest love and devotion.

Culturally, we are a people who celebrate with food. Emotions and eating are closely tied to the experience of the holidays. Think of just about any holiday and you’ll quickly be able to name a treat that comes along with it. Much joy and happiness comes with these special indulgences…and I’d take no issue with them if they were limited to that: indulgences. However, sugar does not just make its appearance on special occasions or simply to mark birthdays and big events. It is added, mixed, chewed, baked, sipped and swallowed every day in far too much excess for our bodies to handle healthily.

The average American eats 32 teaspoons of added sugar daily— over three times the recommended amount.

We are far beyond the saying “a little sugar never hurt anyone” as 75% of Americans are overweight and almost half of those are obese. Perhaps even more alarming is these statistics aren’t limited to just adults— one third of children, ages 6 to 19, are also overweight or obese. We are a sugar-obsessed society and are quite literally sweetening ourselves to the point of sickness. You want to talk sugar shock?

One in three Americans are projected to have diabetes by 2050.

One in three! If a third of Americans were to contract some deadly disease in the next few decades, you can bet it would raise red flags, turn heads and stop people short in their tracks. Yet, sugar has been presented to be innocuous for so long that it begs the question, “Are we frogs slowly being boiled to death in our own sugar-watered pots”?

I know, I know. Who invited me to this party? I may not be patty-caking around this epidemic of an issue, but don’t distress thinking I’m only here to rain on your dessert parade. I, myself, have a sweet tooth of vampiric proportions and often crave that sugary bite. This is why I present to you the “good, better, best” concept. Do I think it would be “best” if we could eliminate 100% of refined sugars from our diets— definitely! Do I think this is realistic? Absolutely not.

Instead, the “better” is waiting below: 4 delectable desserts that will still satisfy your sweet tooth while remaining refined sugar free. As I often tell my friends when they talk about the daily difficulties of making wise eating choices, life is about balance. We can’t always make the “best” diet decisions but we can certainly celebrate in making the “better” ones!

Below you’ll find four “better” tasty alternatives to sweeten your Valentine’s Day in a much more natural way. Nothing says “I love you” quite like the commitment to care for your body for all the years of life and love to come!

Chocolate Avocado Pudding

An all-time favorite of mine, don’t be deceived by the avocado, which makes this pudding thick and delicious. No green flavor or color here—simply cold and creamy chocolate! Pair with fresh raspberries for one of the most classically delicious couplings of all time.

Find my favorite version of this recipe at Fearless Homemaker.

Vanilla Coconut Macaroons

An absolute coconut craze, these macaroons are melt-in-your-mouth amazing. You won’t believe they only have 5 ingredients and come together as quick as they do. No cooking-required either, making each bite even more raw-some!

Find this recipe at My Whole Food Habit.

Peanut Butter Freezer Fudge

If I’m a girl that likes one thing, it’s a Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup. But with 21 grams of added sugar, I’d have almost maxed out my entire day’s worth (25 grams for women) by consuming a single serving. Thank heaven for peanut butter freezer fudge! If you like chocolate and peanut butter, you’ll go nuts for this knock-off.

Find this recipe at My Whole Food Habit.

Blueberry Peach Cobbler 

Few things say “comfort” quite like cobbler. It’s hard to imagine you could make such a warm dessert without the white stuff but this dessert proves dreams do indeed come true! Not only is this baked treat free of all refined sugars, it is impressively grain-free as well for all those gluten-free lovers among you.

Find this recipe at My Whole Food Habit.

**If you’re looking for an incredible documentary on sugar and its dangerous infiltration into the American diet, I encourage you to watch Fed Up for an absolutely eye-opening experience.**

Daily Challenge

This year celebrate love by loving your health! Choose one of the four tasty alternative desserts listed above to sweeten your day in a guilt-free way.

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[jbox title="About the Author:" border="5" radius="15"] Megan is a Doctor of Audiology, Certified Holistic Nutritionist, wife, yoga-lover and ever-evolving health aspirer. Having transformed her own health, she’s eager to help you transform yours. She believes in power in its purest form: FOOD. Whole foods, to be precise. So pick up a fork and join her in a revolution of habits, health and happiness. A WHOLE new life awaits! Read more about her reformation of health and wellness at My Whole Food Habit.[/jbox]