I get that same physical craving for sugar. The only way I can manage it is to give it up completely, which is why Phase 1 and the early stages of Phase 2 of South Beach work for me.

~Andrea,
Andrea's Recipes

I have a huge sweet tooth, but have found that the less I eat sugar, the less I crave it.  I gave up sweets completely for Lent last year & although very difficult at first, I cravesd it much less after about a week.

http://www.shopdownlite.com 

Hey there~

I'm new to this site, and discovered your blog on "life without sugar"....I just had to join in and say that I've realized my body CRAVES the sugar, but I crave the sweet!

So, after giving up the real thing (soda, wine, chocolate, etc.) and switching to Splenda, I've easily lost 27 lbs, and continue to do so. I received a Splenda Cookbook, and try to balance my intake so that I don't overdo it , as well.

I love the sound of some of the recipes, so I will be trying those too!

Happy New Year!

Cindi

Hope you have fun trying the recipes.

Kalyn Denny
Kalyn's Kitchen

Sugar is evil. I'm talking about the white stuff. It not only causes people to pack on the pounds but it seriously messes up your immune system.  

I am a big foodie. I crave fresh, seasonal organic food. But I also had a serious ice tea habit. Sweet tea. I'm convinced it screwed up my system so I cut back dramatically. Every time I feel like pouring a glass of tea I now reach for bottled water instead. So far so good. And I do feel better.

The Moxie Report. Giggles. Gaffes. Girl Talk. From television producer, writer and mom Tracy Evans. http://themoxiereport.blogspot.com

I'm open to the possibility that it might be a body chemistry thing, because I do know some people who eat sugar and don't seem to have a problem with it. But I know for me it's definitely not a healthful food.

Kalyn Denny
Kalyn's Kitchen

 Yes, sugar IS evil!  And with a family history of diabetes, I've really got to watch it!   My dad truly is a sugar-holic, and suffers from serious diabetes. And we called his mother (my grandmother) "Little Debbie" because she was the sugar queen!!  She developed diabetes late in her adult life, so I know it does happen.

I just want to encourage everyone that losing weight is easier if you cut out the white stuff....in everything!  That also goes with potatoes, white bread, etc.  You know, all things yummy!   Try a "No White Food" Day and see what a difference it makes.  Eat only whole grain bread or Ezekiel bread (awesome stuff!) veggies, and protein.  If you must have something sweet... I always drank Crystal Light or something with Splenda with my food, and throughout the day, and it cured my sugar need.  At the end of he day, you should still be energized, have a satisfied tummy, and be ready to rock! :)

 Believe me, it's not that hard, it's just a lifestyle change and totally worth it!  At 52, I look and feel better than I have in years!

One of the things I love most about the foodblogging community is that it's possible to find low- or no-sugar desserts, or desserts that can easily be converted.  No judging!  I never would have learned how to make all of my favorites otherwise.

I do a lot of sugarless desserts.  A lot.  I bring them to church functions, pot lucks and friends homes.  I did a bridal shower for a friend a couple of years ago and did a few sugar-free treats--lo and behold the bride's mother is diabetic and very much appreciated the options.  In fact I run across so many people with insulin resistance or diabetes that I find a sugarless option is necessary at all functions.

My favorite, most used sugarless dessert recipe is this One-Bowl Sugar-Free Flourless Chocolate Torte. 

I found the recipe on a gluten-free foodblog (which, incidentally, is a great source for recipes that easily adapt to sugar-free).  It's good with both Whey Low and Xylitol as sugar substitutes.  I haven't tried it with Splenda.

Amanda
Mrs.W's Kitchen

Your flourless chocolate torte sounds fantastic. Just saved the recipe. Also I need to check out whey low. Thanks for sharing!

Kalyn Denny
Kalyn's Kitchen

 Thanks for this post! Great for the new year.

 Maggie

Hi Kalyn,

I love your blog and thank you for this post!

I try to avoid sugar and advise others to do the same...That being said, I do love sweets and I indulged in a bit too much homemade toffee over the holidays (definitely not healthy, but so yummy- I won't make it again for another year, I promise!)

I find that when I limit all refined carbs and concentrate on eating lots of healthy protein and veggies, with good quality fats as well, my sugar cravings diminish. I do love tea with a bit of raw honey, though, so one or two cups per day is a treat I don't want to give up.

As for an easy low sugar dessert recipe, try my take on chocolate macaroons. Here is the link to the recipe: www.healthy-green-lifestyle.com/macaroon-recipe.html

Thanks again for this post and all the recipe ideas,

Winnie Abramson

www.healthy-green-lifestyle.com

Just saved that recipe to try. In reading the recipe I had the thought that you could use agave nectar in those instead of the honey or maple syrup, which is something I might try.

Kalyn Denny
Kalyn's Kitchen

 Hello Kalyn,

Thats such a wonderful post. Nice links, will check them all when I on making desserts. As you might know, we indians use jaggery in our desserts (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jaggery. This is considered to be much better than direct sugar.

I have some recipes using jaggery on my blog.

Thanks for the  thought proking post on making low sugar desserts!

Cooking 4 all Seasons

Spice your Life!

I have been curious about it. I know it's a less refined form of sugar from cane, which has to be better. I would be interested to find out what the glycemic index of jaggery is.

Kalyn Denny
Kalyn's Kitchen