We know that too much sugar is bad for our health.
But swapping to artificial sweeteners creates more problems than it solves for our health.
Just taking Aspartame as an example, this additive is responsible for 75% of the FDA’s recorded adverse reactions to foods.
But are there any safe ways to sweeten our foods?
In this week’s video I show you not only the dangers of artificial and even so-called ‘natural’ sweeteners, I show you my favourite, natural alternatives.
And below the video you will find a recipe for my all-time best natural sweetener, containing just two raw ingredients.
Trust me, it will satisfy your sweet tooth without the adverse effects of sugars, artificial sweeteners and processed products on the market.
Date ‘Syrup’ is easy to make + healthy to eat
Home Made Date ‘Syrup’
Dates are packed with nutrition and healthy fibre, as well as imparting a rich sweetness to many foods.
Making your own date syrup is super-easy and avoids any processing or pasteurising involved with shop-bought varieties.
This recipe will keep in the fridge for up to two weeks… but I bet you find so many ways to use it instead of sugar that it won’t last that long!
Ingredients
- 2 large handfuls of dates (I use Medjool but this works with any variety)
- Water – preferably filtered
Method
- Rinse the dates and place in a large bowl and cover with water so they are all submerged.
- Soak for a minimum of 2 hours (I often soak them overnight for convenience)
- Once sufficiently plump from soaking, pinch the stone out of each date and place them in a jug blender or a jug if you are using a hand blender.
- DO NOT DISCARD THE SOAKING WATER!
- Instead, add about half to the dates and then blend.
- Add the remaining water and extra if required to achieve your ideal consistency.
You can keep the consistency quite thick to keep the sweetness more intense, or more liquid, it’s up to you. - Decant into a sterilised jar or bottle and keep in the fridge.
Use this marvellous concoction to sweeten smoothies, juices, hot drinks, porridges and baked goods.
Experiment! Because your body will love you for it 