Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth without Sugar

Sugar is everywhere: in our drinks, in our snack and most importantly, in our favorite desserts. Studies have suggested that a higher intake of added sugar is associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors, according to JAMA. If you are having trouble satisfying your sweet tooth while staying away from sugar, try these delicious sugar-free substitutes by the American Heart Association.

Apples with Almond Apricot Sauce

The American Heart Association has done us another huge favor by introducing us to these incredible and easy baked apples. These apples are tasty and sugar free!

What You will Need

• Cooking spray
• 2 tablespoons water
• 2 large apples, cut in half and core removed
• 1/4 cup chopped almonds
• 2 tablespoons chopped dried apricots
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon light tub margarine

Instructions

1. Spray the slow cooker with cooking spray and pour in the water. Then, add the apple halves with the cut side up.
2. Stir together the remaining ingredients except for the margarine. Use a spoon to pour the mixture onto each apple half and top with 1 teaspoon of margarine.
3. Cook while covered on low for 2 to 2 1/2 hours or until just tender. Once removed, the apple will continue to cook. Be sure not to overcook them or they will become mushy.
4. Carefully transfer the apples to plates. Let the apples cool completely for about 30 minutes. The sauce will thicken slightly while cooling.

Serving size:  4

Cinnamon Quinoa with Peaches

Quinoa is extremely nutritious. It is packed with protein, fiber, vitamins, potassium, antioxidants and more. It is also versatile; you can make it into a healthy dessert to satisfy your sweet tooth with this recipe from the American Heart Association.

What You will Need

• Cooking spray
• 2 1/2 cups water
• 1 cup uncooked quinoa
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 1/2 cups fat-free half-and-half
• 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 cups frozen peach slices thawed (sliced or diced)
• 1/4 cup plus 2 tbsp chopped pecans (dry roasted, coarsely chopped)
• 2 tbsp chopped pecans (dry-roasted, coarsely chopped)

Instructions

1. Spray the slow cooker with cooking spray and pour in the water.
2. Stir in the quinoa and ½ teaspoon cinnamon. Cook while covered on low for 2 hours or until the water is absorbed and the quinoa is tender.
3. While the quinoa is cooking, stir together the half-and-half, ½ teaspoon cinnamon and vanilla extract.
4. Pour the quinoa into bowls and top with the peaches. Pour in the half-and half mixture on top and shake the pecans over top.

Serving size: 6

 Maple Vanilla Latte

It is winter time, you are in your robe and snuggled up to a fire, but something is missing. Usually you would go for a cup of hot coco but you are trying to watch your sugar intake. Instead, try this sugar-free steamy hot latte with maple and vanilla.

What You will Need

• 2 cups unsweetened almond milk
• 2 tsp vanilla
• 2 tbsp sugar free maple syrup
• 1 tbsp of cinnamon

Instructions

1. Stir all ingredients together in a small saucepan and warm over medium low until completely heated through and warm to drink.

Serving size:  1