Finding ways to cut out sugar

Not gonna lie to ya – I am a bit of a sugar-holic. I know it. But I don’t want to raise my kids this way. Refined sugars and developing bodies are not a good combination. (I was not raised to eat so much sugar – I blame the years and years spent working in a chocolate store for my bad habits!).

So… I look for ways to eliminate or reduce refined sugars in our daily meals and snacks. One major overhaul to our diet has been in the yogurt deparment.

Yogurt with fruit in it has shockingly high amounts of sugar added! (You think, oh fruit, healthy, but not really!!).

Once in a while I still buy pre-flavored yogurts, but more often I have a better strategy. How do we do yogurt at our house now?

• Buy organic whole milk plain yogurt (no sugar added).
• Strain in a colander lined with a paper towel or cheesecloth (Greek-style tastes richer and less sour!).
• Add unsweetened applesause, canned fruit (in juice, not syrup), or my newest twist – organic baby food (It’s a good use for baby food after your child has outgrown the need for pureed foods!).
• Top with some uncooked oatmeal for a different texture (optional). (Sometimes I use Earth’s Best Organic Yummy Tummy Oatmeal, but this does have added sugar).

Our older son LOVES my “mix-ins” style yogurt creations and often asks for it for breakfast or  snack. This is great because he has decided he does not like hot oatmeal!

No added sugar. He likes it. I like it. Win. Win. Win! (PS: I think it is actually cheaper this way too, but I haven’t officially priced it out!).

Guess what – it tastes good and I don’t miss the sugar!*

*I know, fruit has it’s own sugar, but we’re talking about refined white sugar!!

How do you cut back on sugar in your diet? (Without using artificial sweeteners or even natural ones like Stevia and Xylitol, which I dislike!).
This post was written as part of the Earth’s Best Blogger program. I was provided product samples to facilitate this post, and may be eligible for additional blogger rewards. All opinions are 100% my own.