Low Sugar Holiday Treats That are Still Tasty!

Over the next couple of months, there are going to be a lot of family dinners, gatherings of friends, and TONS of sweet treats and snacks that are full of sugar. That much sugar could not only derail your health goals, but it could also accelerate tooth decay because sugar feeds bacteria and helps it grow in your mouth... yuck! Access Dental and Dentures has the best dental clinics in Missouri and we are here to help you this holiday season. Today we're talking about how you can have a reduced sugar holiday meal without sacrificing taste. Keep reading to learn the best tips and tricks!

Sugar Alternatives

Most holiday food tends to have a lot of added sugar in it. When you think about the most harmful and most impactful kinds of sweetener, these should come to mind: table sugar, high fructose corn syrup, glucose, etc. If you are looking for a somewhat healthier option that still contains natural sugars, you can try using agave syrup, honey, or even natural orange juice to get a sweetened flavor without adding a massive amount of sugar that could be bad for your health. If you want to go completely sugar free, there are sugar substitutes that can still give you a sweet flavor without any of the sugar content. Stevia is one of the most highly regarded options on the market right now. It comes from a plant, so it's more natural than some of the chemical alternatives. Just remember that it takes much less Stevia to achieve the same level of sweetness that sugar gives. 

Low Sugar Snacks

Instead of snacking on candy, cookies, and other items full of sugar, you can choose healthier options that give your body the protein and vitamins & minerals it needs to keep you balanced through the holidays. Try snacking on low-butter popcorn, nut medleys, fruit bowls, veggie trays, and fancy charcuterie boards with high-end cheeses and meats. These snacks are not only delicious and lower in sugar, but they are also more likely to keep you fuller for longer so you don't crave as many sweet-filled snacks.

Have a Plan

One of the biggest reasons people report snacking too much is because they don't have a plan for their main meal and they start snacking while they try to make a decision and end up over eating - or they are simply bored and fill the void with snacks. That is why having a plan for your day is a great way to prevent over-eating on the holidays. Before your guests arrive for the day/week of the holiday, be sure to have a plan for each meal. Know what you plan to serve for breakfast, lunch, and dinner and be sure to have healthy snacks readily available and in the open. This will help people make better choices when they do start feeling snack-y. 

Stay Healthy All Year

The holidays can be one of the most tempting times of year with the abundance of food lying around and sweets seemingly everywhere calling your name. But, that doesn't mean it's impossible to stay healthy through the holiday season. And it's important to remember that whatever choices you make, you are keeping sustainability and your overall lifestyle in mind. Access Dental and Dentures cares about your health and we want to make sure you stay healthy year-round. Set up an appointment with us and we'll check our your teeth, gums, and overall mouth health. We can address any issues we find so you can keep a confident healthy smile. Give us a call! 1-877-DENTIST

We want to be your dentist because your family deserves a great smile! 

1-877-DENTIST

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