Morning folks! I had apple cinnamon oatmeal for breakfast with some ice cold water =)
What did you have for breakfast this morning?
Breakfast Time!
6 Yummy Alternatives For Sugar! Plus A Bonus Tip!
1. Agave Nectar
The Aztecs used agave thousands of years ago and praised this syrup as a gift from the gods. A derivative of the same plant as tequila, this golden sweetener tastes similar to honey and is perfect in hot or iced tea. But be sure to use in moderation—agave’s high fructose content can sometimes cross it in to the dangerous food zone!
2. Applesauce
Instead of a half-cup white sugar in a batch of oatmeal cookies, swap in an equal amount of applesauce! The natural sweetness from a Golden Delicious or Fuji apple is perfect in an after-dinner treat. Purchase the “no sugar-added” applesauce, or make a fresh batch at home!
3. Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
For a warm winter treat, mix some unsweetened cocoa powder in a glass of hot water or skim milk. It’ll satisfy that sweet tooth without all the extra sugar the sweetened version includes. Add a splash of vanilla extract for extra flavor!
4. Coconut Sugar
Get a little tropical and use coconut sugar in a fruit smoothie. Made from the sap of coconut flowers, this natural sugar comes in block, paste, or granulated form. Plus, it’s loaded with potassium which helps keep our bones strong!
5. Brown Rice Syrup
Brown rice syrup comes from (you guessed it!) brown rice. More nutritious than its high-fructose alternative, this buttery and nutty flavored syrup is perfect in granola bars and baked breads.
6. Puréed Banana
In the next loaf of banana bread, try using extra-ripe bananas and eliminating the sugar. The fruit naturally becomes sweeter as it ripens, so there’s no need for extra sugar.
Bonus Alternative: Lemon
If you’re a tea drinker like myself, squeezing the juice of half a lemon into your cup of tea can be helpful when cutting back on sugar! Lemon not only improves hydration, has vitamin C, and helps with weight loss, it also helps with digestion and freshens your breath!
But be careful to use lemon in moderation because of its acidity. So instead of using honey or sugar to flavor your tea, add some lemon juice to get all the great benefits!
Have you used any of these sugar alternatives?! Comment below if you have! I’d love to hear from you!
Breakfast Smoothie!
Hey guys! I’m at it again with my smoothies lol!
This morning I made a smoothie with strawberries, mini bananas, an apple, spinach, and almond milk! So good! 😋
Apple Picking for Fall 2017!
SATURDAY!
I have to say that I had a great birthday weekend! Check out my previous post of all the festivities!
Saturday, my mother n law hosted a little dinner for me and had over some of our family members. She made my favorite: Chicken Parmesan with pasta, garden salad, and garlic bread! She makes the best chicken parm by the way! Yum! Unfortunately I didn’t get to take any pics of the delicious dinner 😩
SUNDAY!
Sunday morning, we went Apple picking upstate in Marlboro NY. The farm had an assortment of produce from apples, grapes, eggplant, tomatoes, pumpkins, and more!
It was such a nice day: no clouds, abundant sunshine, good food, and fun times with family!
If you are in the area, make sure you check out this orchard!
Did you get a chance to go Apple Picking?
Today’s Fruit Smoothie!
My smoothie consisted of strawberries, watermelon, apples, 1/2 avocado, cinnamon, and milk (not pictured)!
Here is the finished product! It was so delicious! 😋
What’s your favorite smoothie combination?!
5 Remedies for Seasonal Allergies!
1.Nettle Tea and Peppermint Tea
The nettle leaf helps with seasonal allergies and peppermint helps reduce those stubborn histamines that may be causing you discomfort.
Directions:
Brew the nettle and peppermint tea together for about 5 minutes. Add honey and/or lemon to taste. Drink 2 times a day to relieve your allergies.
2. Bee Pollen
Consuming bee pollen starting with small amounts and increasing the dosage everyday will help to build up your immune system. But before you try this method, make sure that you are not anaphylactic or have any allergies to bees! The trick is to make sure you consume bee pollen that is local to your area or chances are you may not experience the allergy relief. The pollen comes in granules, capsules, and powder.
Directions:
I know at this point it may be a little late, but it is recommended that you take the pollen 5 months before your allergies flare.
Start with 1 or 2 granules and the next day increase the dosage by 1 granule. Continue this until you feel confident that you will not have a reaction. If you experience no adverse reaction, you can take up to 1 tablespoon daily throughout allergy season.
3. Citrus Drink
Drinking a citrus drink can help provide you with Vitamin C and help with strengthening your immune system.
Directions:
Squeeze the juice from 1/2 a lemon and 2 oranges and chill for a few hours. Stir in some honey for sweetness and drink on a daily basis.
4. Red Onion Water
Onions contain a compound called quercetin, which reduces the amount of histamines that are produced by the body, so therefore reduces allergy symptoms.
Directions:
Thinly slice 1 red onion and add to 4 cups of water. Let it sit for 8-12 hours and drink 1-2 times a day. Add a bit of honey to each glass that you drink to make the taste more pleasant.
5. Apple and Walnut Trail Mix
Walnuts contain magnesium which reduces with wheezing and coughing and Vitamin E which can boost your immunity. Apples also consist of quercetin which has the property of reducing the production of histamine.
Directions:
Chop 1/2 to 1 cup of walnuts and cut 1 apple into medium to small chunks. Add both to a plastic bag, mix it up, and enjoy!
Hope this helps you during this allergy season!
Sources: Remedies for Seasonal Allergies
Colorful and Bitter Sweet!
Here are a few bitter-sweet, colorful fruits!
ENJOY! =)
My favorites are grapes, oranges, and strawberries! Yum!
Which of these are your bitter sweet favorite fruits to eat?!
Daily Prompt – Bitter
Photos: Pexels.com
Just Brittany Moments 