A Culinary Adventure

Beginning this past December, I’ve embarked on a culinary adventure. From a seasoned baker who bought flour and sugar in 10 lb. bags, I now buy brown rice syrup in a 21 oz. jar. No more white stuff in the cupboard (or in my stomach!) This past summer, my roommate introduced me to Sarah Wilson and her book “I Quit Sugar”. As I was in the midst of completing my thesis, I wasn’t about to give up chocolate, cookies or Nutella, but the seed was planted. Fast-forward a few months: my season was finished, my thesis was finished, and I was back home eating gum drops by the bowl full.

So I bought my own copy of the book. I wrote out a detailed grocery list and tagged the specific recipes that I would make. I also bought her books for crock-pot and smoothie recipes. (Then I quickly binged on chocolates and gum drops before taking the leap). When the calendar rolled to December, I began the adventure armed with a pantry full of ingredients that did not include sugar.

Making homemade turkey broth - leftover carcass from Thanksgiving

Fluffy squash and chia muffins

I've learned how much added sugar is hidden in food! One glass of apple juice contains the same amount of sugar as a glass of Coke (each about 10-12 tsp. of sugar). To be clear, I haven't given up on "sugar", but instead fructose. It's the fructose that is the problem: from making us eat more, converting directly to fat, to making us sick. What I like about these recipes is that I'm not "dieting" (as in eating less to lose weight), I have just replaced sugar with fat and protein. No need to reach for the sugary foods as the fat and protein fills me up just fine. 

Cheesy Biscuits

Being fructose free is definitely a constant challenge. Pinterest is full of delicious sugar-laden recipes (I mean, who doesn't want to make and then gorge on homemade Samoa Girl Scout cookies?). Some of the ingredients can be expensive to purchase (especially while living in a mountain resort town). And it requires diligence in preparing food so that when I am in a time crunch, I don't need to resort to buying packaged food that will most definitely contain added sugar.

One-pot Apple Cider Chicken - served with cooked quinoa, zucchini and mushrooms
(whatever vegetables I had in the fridge).

Coconut fluff pancakes, topped with full fat plain greek yogurt and blueberries

So 1.5 months in, I'm feeling good, and if anything, I know that I'm eating much healthier and have better control over my cravings for sweets. If you are interested in any of Sarah Wilson's recipes, she has many posted on her website. 

Until next time!