I love sweets. I know how important it is to watch my sugar intake especially as I get older but a slice of something sweet with my coffee is still one of life's simple pleasures.
In an effort to find balance in my quest to eat healthier I try to limit myself to something sweet with my morning coffee or afternoon tea and it must be made from scratch to avoid as many unhealthy ingredients (opting for organic whole foods) and preservatives as possible.
I have found that most American cookbooks use more sugar than other cultures and will cut the amount of sweetener by a third and still produce a yummy product. I have many tried and true favorites that I will share in the days to come.
Right now I am using British baker, Mary Berry's Baking Bible and have found several delicious recipes with a bit less sugar including this Coffee and Walnut sponge cake. It is sweet enough to satisfy my craving but not overly so. It only has frosting between the layers and on top which eliminates another source of sugar.
As women we have the ability to encourage a healthier diet (and lifestyle) for our entire family. If we are the main cooks in our family there are so many easy ways to substitute less than healthy ingredients for more organic and real whole foods without our families noticing much difference in the taste.
I am a firm believer in moderation and balance. Cutting out my husbands favorite dish because it isn't good for him shouldn't be my first option. Instead I will look for alternative ingredients that achieve the same (or close to) flavor results. This usually means cooking from scratch.
Seeking ways to satisfy his craving and look after his health may take more time but for me it is definitely worth it.
I'd love to hear some of your favorite ways to look after your flocks health and well being? Share in the comments.
xo, Patty
Patty, this steps on my toes a bit :) I try and try to eat healthier and never seem to fully get there. I find food - especially these days - very challenging. There are so many opposing views on everything, that it feels overwhelming. Add menopause to the mix and most days I feel like a beach ball :) hahaha
ReplyDeleteBut, thank you for the inspiration today! Looking for little ways to improve is way better than just giving up.
I think we need to trust how our bodies feel when we eat certain foods. Processed foods and white sugar make me feel bloated and achey. Its a tight rope for sure.
ReplyDeleteI really need to bake (and even cook) more from scratch. It is so much healthier...and, truthfully, is so enjoyable (although I am definitely not the best baker!) Your cake looks delicious!
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