The dreaded sweet tooth strikes again. But did you know that refined sugar is considered to be as addictive as a drug, and potentially as detrimental to your health? And…according to the U.S. Department of Argiculture (USDA), Americans consume one hundred and fifty-six pounds each year on a per capita basis! That’s. Just. Crazy. So while there are a ton of sugar-free alternatives on the market (you know, the calorie-free, chemical artificial sweeteners), they’re actually unhealthier than plain ol’ sugar. Many people make the mistake of incorporating these artificial sweeteners into their diet, thinking they will help them lose weight without sacrificing taste, but this is the one of the worst food myths out there. I try to avoid artificial sweeteners like aspartame, sucralose, acesulfame, saccharin, and neotame, and look for sweeteners that are naturally derived and minimally processed. Instead of going cold turkey, try some of these natural sugar substitutions. Raw Honey – Raw honey is my go-to natural sweetener. It’s sweeter than sugar, but because it’s sweeter, you can use less of it. Raw honey has many health benefits: it’s a natural antibacterial, boosts the immune system, promotes digestive health, and is high in antioxidants. It also stabilizes blood pressure and helps balance blood sugar levels. Monk Fruit – Also known as “Lo Han,” monk fruit is a natural sweetener packed with healthy antioxidants and vitamins. Its amazing sweetness comes from the unique, naturally occurring antioxidants, which have a delicious sweet taste without the calories of sugar. Coconut Sugar – Derived from the sap of the coconut palm, coconut sugar is nutritious and has a low glycemic index, which means it has a very low effect on raising your blood sugar levels. It tastes similar to brown sugar, but is slightly richer. Pure Maple Syrup – Toss your Aunt Jemima syrup in the garbage and replace it with REAL maple syrup. Pure maple syrup is high in manganese and zinc. Manganese is necessary for several enzymes that are needed for energy production and antioxidant defenses. Zinc is essential for optimal immune system function. Stevia – Stevia is extracted from the stevia plant and is approximately 200-300 times sweeter than sugar. Stevia has zero calories and does not elevate blood glucose levels like white sugar does. Have you tried any of these natural substitutes for sugar? Which one is your favorite? Let us know in the comments below. Cheers! Teresa & WANU Sources: NaturalNews.com, MonkFruit.org, LiveStrong.com, Health.com, MedicalNewsToday.com