There has been a long standing controversy over sugar vs. sweeteners (like Sweet n Low, Splenda, or Equal). Many people feel that you are better off using natural sugar cane sugar because it has been processed less. Using whole cane sugar is more in line with a clean eating foood plan.
A sweetener called Agave or Agave nectar is a great alternative. It is a honey colored syrup, derived from succulents. In this sugar filled society, agave is tauted as being a healthier alternative. Calorie wise, (sugar vs. agave) they are about the same, but agave is about 25% sweeter, so , you don't have to use as much. It's glycemic index is significantly lower so it doesn't make your blood-sugar levels spike as much as sugar. It is also a 'natural' sweetner vs. a processed sweetner.
Agave can be found in the organic section of most super markets, but remember; agave, like sugar, is an 'empty calorie' so use it in moderation.
**I have found since beginning to follow a clean eating diet that my cravings/tolerance for salt and sugar has decreased ( though I'm the first to admit my weakness for sugar/chocolate!). If I eat a salty processed food like microwave popcorn, it taste grossly salty since I've massively decreased my salt intake through eating foods that are closer to their originally source, rather than processed. Keep working on your goals around the clean eating principles, and watch your health and your taste buds change for the positive!
09/28/11- Workout Diary : Wednesday
Spin bike DVD- 60 minutes
Strength train-Chest
Barbell bench press- 26lb bar
Push up off a bench
Flat bench dumbbell flye- 15lb
Standing cable chest extension- 1 tube tied around a pole
09/29/11- Food Diary: Wednesday
Breakfast-
1 scoop whey protein shake mix with water (125 cal.)
2 oz. old fashioned oatmeal (187 cal)
strawberries (35 cal)
A.M. Snack-
3/4 cup egg whites, 1 cup spinach(146 cal)
Lunch-
5 oz tuna steak ( 120 cal)
1/2 cup quieno (160 cal)
8 asparagus spears(26 cal.)
P.M. Snack-
2 small apples ( 135 cal)
1/2 cup non-fat cottage cheese, 1/4 cup 0% Greek yogurt (148 cal)
Dinner-
1 glass cabernet (100 cal)
4 oz Orange Roughy (100 cal)
tomato relish ( tomato, balsamic, onion, feta, garlic, parsley, basil, EVOO) (120 cal)
3 oz brown rice, pine nuts (150 cal)
8 asparagus (26 cal)
Dessert-
non-fat chocolate pudding-( 70 cal)
12 organic, roasted no salt ( 120 cal)
TOTAL CALORIES-1768
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