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Food @ You



Reducing Your Tolerance for Sweets

For most of us, there's no such thing as "too much", But too much sugar can cause obesity and tooth decay. You can curb your sweet tooth by lowering your sweet tolerance-eat foods that are naturally sweet and nutritious and avoid sugary, high calorie desserts and snacks.

Lowering Your sweet Tolerance

These tips can help you gradually reduce your tolerance for sweets. Soon, you'll be satisfied with foods that are naturally low in sugar. . .

  • Start by trying tea biscuits or plain cookies instead of chocolate-rich cookies, pies, and cakes.~ Try recipes with one-half less sugar and gradually reduce that amount. Most recipes can take up to 75% reduction in sugar. . .
  • Eat fruit for dessert and in between snacks. When buying canned fruits, choose packed in water or their own juices.
  • Go easy on dried fruits. These are high in calories.
  • Make your own sweets, like muffins, quick breads and jellies, by using half the sugar in the standard recipe.
  • Substitute naturally sweet juice for the liquid and sugar in recipes.
  • Buy plain yogurt and sweeten it with fresh fruit.
  • Blenderize fresh fruit in place of jams and jellies.
  • Buy unsweetened cereals and add fruit slices or raisins instead of sugar.
  • Offer children treats other than sweets. Ask friends and relatives not to give candy to the children.
  • Avoid having sweets around "for guests." Chances are, you'll eat them.

    Artificial Sweeteners

    Artificial sweeteners, although useful for persons with diabetes, should be used in moderation. Not only do these maintain your desire for sweet foods, but no artificial sweetener has ever been shown to help people lose weight and keep it off. Don't substitute artificial sweeteners for more nutritious choices.