Sweeten
Up the Low-Carb Lifestyle
(ARA)
– One of the biggest complaints of people who've jumped
on the low-carb bandwagon is that they miss good-tasting
food. They've had to eliminate many of their favorite treats
in the interest of keeping their waistline trim. Anything
containing refined sugar and starch is off limits. So no
more cookies, cakes, bagels, bread, jam or mashed potatoes.
 "A
lot of people get frustrated pretty early on, but low-carb
dieters don't have to sacrifice taste. There are natural
alternatives to refined sugar available," says Jim
May, founder of Wisdom Natural Brands. He points out that
low-carb dieters who practice the art of substitution can
still enjoy their favorite treats.
"Why
use refined sugar when there are alternatives that are both
sweeter and better for you," says May. His company
manufactures Sweet & Slender, a natural sweetener made from
a blend of fructose and extract from Luo Han Guo, a fruit
native to China that has been used for centuries for its
sweetness and medicinal properties.
It
is similar in flavor and texture to sugar, and because it
keeps its sweetness at extreme temperatures (unlike many
artificial sweeteners) it is perfect for use in cooking
and baking. "An added benefit is that Sweet & Slender
provides natural sweetness without the bitter aftertaste
and potential long-term health hazards from artificial sweeteners,"
says May.
Sweet
& Slender is eight to ten times sweeter than refined sugar
yet is a zero calorie per serving sweetener. It also has
a low glycemic index, which means it breaks down slowly
in the system, a quality not only beneficial for dieters,
but people with diabetes as well.
Here's
a recipe for a tasty treat dieters and people with diabetes
can enjoy:
Yummy Coleslaw
1/2
head small cabbage
Optional
additions to salad: 1 1/2 teaspoons each
snipped fresh garden herbs like lemon thyme, parsley,
chives, 1/8 teaspoon dried dill weed, 3 ounces cooked
salad shrimp.
Dressing:
1/2 cup blender or commercially prepared mayonnaise, 1/4
cup almond milk or cream, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, 2
packets Sweet & Slender, 1/4 teaspoon celery seed, 1/2
teaspoon seasoning salt, 1/8 teaspoon lemon pepper.
Directions:
In food processor with slicing blade, or by hand, shred
cabbage. Place in large bowl, adding any of the optional
ingredients. Set aside.
In
a separate container, combine all ingredients for dressing.
Add half of the dressing to the salad fixings, stir well.
Serves
6, with enough dressing leftover for one more salad. Store
excess dressing in a covered container in the refrigerator
up to two weeks.
Carb
count: Approximately 22.8 carbs total.
Fiber, 9.6. ECC, 13.2. Per serving 3.8. Fiber, 1.6. ECC,
2.2.
This
recipe is excerpted from Low Carb Cooking at Sharron's Place:
Sugar Free Recipes Featuring SteviaPlus by Sharron Long.
Sweet
& Slender can also be used in place of sugar to sweeten
summer fruits and drinks, like tea. You can find Sweet &
Slender at most health food and specialty stores. For more
information, log on to www.wisdomnaturalbrands.com.
Courtesy
of ARA Content
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