It can be hard to kick off from the Sugar Monsters. We all have this inner craving for carbohydrates, and anything refined and simple is a fast source for our bodies. Are you ready to start the change?? Then you’re in luck because that will be the focus of  the Paleo Vegeo community this month.

Let's start by discussing healthy, natural alternatives to refined sugar for those who aren't ready to leap at the all in focus of no added sugar.. You can use them to sweeten your coffee, add extra flavor to your plain non-dairy yogurt or whenever you want to add a touch of sweetness to your dish without indulging in refined sugar.

Stevia is one of the most popular natural sweeteners. This herb which comes from South America is 300 times sweeter than refined sugar. It contains zero calories, so is a great choice if you’re trying to lose weight. Plus, it has no glycemic impact, so it’s a perfect refined sugar alternative if you’re diabetic. Stevia is also very easy to digest which means you won’t suffer from any of the digestive problems that are often associated with sugar substitutes.

Coconut sugar is created by heating the sap from coconut palms. Unlike refined sugar, coconut sugar doesn’t de-stabilize your energy levels, so is ideal if you want to stay productive and focused during the day. Like stevia, it’s also a great choice if you suffer from diabetes because it won’t disrupt your blood sugar levels. Another great thing about coconut sugar is that it supplies your body with nutrients as it sweetens and is a good source of calcium, iron, potassium and zinc.

Date sugar is made by grinding down dehydrated dates into sugar sized granules. As you’d expect from the production process, it has the same rich and sweet flavor of fresh dates, and shares all their health benefits. These health benefits include promoting healthy digestion, strengthening your heart and lowering your blood pressure. The main negative of date sugar is that it doesn’t melt or dissolve easily, so it’s not a good choice if you want to sweeten your drinks

Maple syrup contains around half the calories of refined sugar and is a much more nutritious choice. It’s loaded with antioxidants which protect your body’s cells from damage and reduce the visible signs of aging. Maple syrup is also a brilliant source of the manganese and zinc which boost your metabolism and your immune system. In addition to this, it’s great for your skin and can protect against skin blemishes, dry skin and redness. Finally, maple syrup has been shown to protect against a range of chronic ailments and diseases including arthritis, cancer, diabetes, inflammatory bowel disease and heart disease.

I have put together a beautiful program for you for this month, to release the sugar monsters within. I'm just waiting on Patreon to catch up to my creations and you will be able to join the community and even download this month's guide tot he program filled with recipes and education. Until Patreon is open - you can always get the guide online and go it with the Facebook group. If you are struggling with weight gain, difficulty losing weight, lack of energy, and digestive issues, it might be due to how much sugar you consume. Sugar is in almost everything you buy in a package or box, from your bacon to your milk. 

The following information is going to guide you through the process of cutting out sugar with a simple detox diet. Click on the link below to get the Sugar Detox guide, recipes, weekly meal plan, and my five day jump start to living the Paleo Vegeo way.