sweet dreams, sugar!

i, meredith lockhart, am vowing to stay away from refined sugars for 30 days.

i have been reading up on all the negative effects of refined sugars, and it's just atrocious! this website has compiled a list of several reasons why cutting back on the processes stuff is healthier. consuming a lot of refined sugar can lead to:

tooth decay

diabetes

obesity

osteoporosis

impaired immune system

fatigue

headaches

arthritis

depression

(you would think the first 8 effects would lead to # 9, right?)

now, i am a big believer (not always a follower) of eating everything...but in moderation. but i want to do a little study on how cutting out the refined sugars in my diet helps me to be healthier.

want to join me? start by cutting out the big jars of refined sugars in your baking and read your nutrition labels!! look for anything that has:

sugar

high fructose corn syrup

aspartame

acesulfame-k (twice as sweet as sugar)

sucralose

dextrose

cyclamate

saccharine

with the rather large sweet tooth that i have, i will be looking to healthier substitutes, like honey, agave, applesauce, and maple syrup, to sweeten up my baking.

"may the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else, just as ours does for you."

1 thessalonians 3:12

p.s. this artist is selling the above vintage poster, from the world wars.

read up more on how to make the cut.

use these exotic sweeteners to get your fix.