How to use dates instead of harmful processed sugar and artificial sweeteners

If you still use processed sugar and artificial sweeteners, please stop immediately! Sugar and sweeteners are highly addictive and are associated with many dangerous side effects.

Did you know that when you eat or drink something with processed sugar or artificial sweeteners in it, your brain anticipates that calories will follow? And then, when they don't, your brain is triggered to make up for the perceived “missing calories” by eating more. Yikes!

So how can you fuel your body with whole, natural foods that your body can easily assimilate nutrients from? Dates are a fantastic sources of vitamin B6, carbohydrates as well as minerals magnesium, manganese, potassium and copper.

The next time you need a sweetener, use dates - you'll find them at your local supermarket or health food store. Here are some fun ways to use dates for a naturally sweeter life!

Eight ways to use dates in recipes
#1: Add two or more pitted dates to a smoothie to sweeten it up.
 
#2: Use dates with almonds or pecans to make a super-simple piecrust in your food processor.
 
#3: Make date syrup with a few pitted dates and water to sweeten up raw dessert recipes.


#4: Fill pitted dates with almond butter for a pre- or post-workout boost or a satisfying dessert.
 
#5: Whip up a yummy caramel dip by blending dates, almond butter, pure vanilla extract, maple syrup and Himalayan salt together.
 
#6: Snack on dates while you’re at the gym or out for a run. They’re fantastic for re-fuelling!
 
#7: Toss dates into a nutritious salad made with blueberries, strawberries and pecans.
 
#8: Sweeten up homemade nut milk by adding two or three pitted dates while blending and straining the milk as usual through a nut milk bag.
 
Yum!

Tags: dates, dates benefits, pitted dates, sweetener, processed sugar, natural sugar, artificial sweetener, natural sweetener