HANDS-ON: 10 MIN. // TOTAL: 30 MIN. // SERVES 8
Serve as a dip for fresh fruit, or try it the way I love it: frozen, so the dip creates a shell similar to dark chocolate–dipped fruit. The creamy almond butter coating is really all you need, but a sprinkle of a topping like cacao nibs, shredded coconut, or finely chopped nuts can add a little crunch and variety.
1 tablespoon honey
1 cup plain 2% Greek yogurt
3 tablespoons creamy almond butter, warmed in the microwave
1 pint fresh strawberries
Mix the honey, yogurt, and almond butter in a small bowl, stirring well. Dip the strawberries in the yogurt mixture. Eat immediately, or place on a small baking sheet covered with parchment paper and freeze for 20 minutes.
(SERVING SIZE: ABOUT 3 DIPPED STRAWBERRIES): CALORIES 76; FAT 4G (SAT 1G, UNSAT 3G); PROTEIN 3G; CARB 8G; FIBER 1G; SUGARS 6G (ADDED SUGARS 2G); SODIUM 36MG; CALC 8% DV; POTASSIUM 4% DV
how to eat sugar
Sugar will always be in the pantry, and giving up dessert forever isn’t realistic. So how do we create a healthy relationship with it?
• STOP COMPLACENT SUGAR: The prevalence of added sugars in today’s food supply has made us complacent and often unaware of them. It’s estimated that the average person consumes around 20 teaspoons (82 grams) of sugar each day—a large majority of which may be from hidden added sugars. So eliminate added sugars that are mindlessly consumed in everyday food and drink by looking more closely at labels. Making slight changes to what you buy usually decreases some added sugars. Also, take a close look at drinks, which often are loaded with sugars.
• FOLLOW THE 80/20 RULE: My daily goal is to limit added sugars to 3 teaspoons (12 grams) or less. This allows a touch of added sugar in things like salad dressings or a small piece of dark chocolate. On those occasions that I do indulge, my goal is to stay around 6 teaspoons (25 grams) or less or as close to that as possible.
• MAKE DESSERT COUNT: Once you’ve cut out sugars hidden in products that you use daily, then this allows you the freedom to indulge in an occasional dessert or sugary treat. And when you do, anticipate, savor, and appreciate that sweet sugary taste.