This week I’m offering another replacement for processed white sugar or corn syrup (you can see week 12 here for more information about refined sugar) and that is organic sucanat. Sucanat is dehydrated cane sugar juice that still retains its molasses and nutrients and contains less sucrose. It’s been used for thousands of years by people in India. It’s still sugar so we shouldn’t eat too much, but at least it hasn’t been stripped (processed) like white sugar so it still contains trace nutrients like calcium, B vitamins, and potassium. Refined sweeteners like sugar and corn syrup rob us of our health and contain no nutrition, just empty calories. Artificial sugars are even more damaging to our health and should be avoided completely.

I had not heard of sucanat until a friend recommended it several years ago. It took a little getting used to, but we really enjoy the flavor now. It’s a great substitute for white sugar or brown sugar in a recipe. I used to buy this from Azure in a 50-pound bag, but found that we don’t go through it very quickly so I buy this size now. I use honey and maple syrup the most. Do you have a natural sweetener that you enjoy or a recipe to share? We love to hear from you!

If you are working toward a more traditional, clean, whole foods diet, and would like to take small steps to get there, then you are at the right place. Week one was get your salt right, week 2 was get your sleep right, weeks 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 were get your fats right, we had several weeks about seasonings and herbs, and we are now getting our sweeteners right. Join us next Tuesday for Get Your . . . Right.