Recent studies tie obesity to consumption of sugary beverages. In fact, we just figured out that sugar consumption has risen steadily since 1982 and that the average teen consumes 3-4 times the amount of sugar deemed as "healthy" by the American Heart Association.

We won't be doing kids any favors, however, to deamonize sugar. The approach to reducing sugar needs to be twofold: decrease access and instill a love of healthier foods and beverages.

Armed with this new knowledge of just how much added sugar we consume and how it may play havoc on our bodies, I fear some may make a knee-jerk reaction and load up on REDUCED AND SUGAR FREE foods. Many of these foods, like the new G2 Gatorade beverage, contain sugar substitutes like sucralose which there is controversy over. Every person needs to come to his own decision about foods, but when little children are involved, my opinion is to err on the side of caution. Rather than consuming sugar substitutes, I personally prefer to use natural SUGAR ALTERNATIVES, and there are many!

A couple of my favorite alternatives to sugar are pure maple syrup, honey, and agave nectar. Maple syrup is a great sweetener for some cookies, granola and power bars. I recently figured out that I like some honeys better than others--I love many varieties LOCAL honey. Blueberry honey is my all time favorite!

As an avid cook, I have found that Agave nectar is in a realm of its own! It is pure sweetness! It is low-glycemic, delicious, and easy to use. I recommend starting by sweetening beverages such as herbal iced tea. I think your family will be pleasantly surprised! Over the years, I have found that I need less and less sweetener in my foods, and I feel using natural sugar alternatives has helped. Maybe it is just a change in preference. But maybe there those who tout "sugar addiction" have a point?

I am presently reading, "The End of Overeating: Taking Control of the Insatiable American Appetite", by David A. Kessler, MD. Kessler believes that the combination of sugar, salt and fat is absolutely irresistable to humans! Interesting stuff...