Update - Can I Bake Again?

Apparently not.  I wrote about Organic Zero and Lakanto on a previous post. I was looking forward to whipping up some raw treats last weekend using some Organic Zero (still no luck sourcing the Lakanto yet). 

I made some 'raw' chocolate using some melted cocoa butter, Organic Zero, cocoa, vanilla, and a pinch of salt. I then froze the chocolate in molds. While they were freezing I mixed some organic coconut butter (not the oil) with some peppermint oil and Organic Zero and poured this mixture over the frozen chocolate and returned it to the freezer. The result? O.k., but the Zero didn't dissolve at all. It was grainy and crunchy and definitely not subtle. It sunk to the bottom of the mixture instead of dissipating throughout. I tried another recipe where I had to heat the liquid, but again, the Zero tended to sit at the bottom of the pot, burning somewhat even though the heat was quite low and I stirred constantly.

The kids ate the chocolates (we all did), but then later complained of tummy aches. At $15.00 a bag, I will likely not be using Organic Zero as a substitute in my baking anymore. I'll save it for our Earl Grey tea where it tastes great with some heavy cream.

Darn it! I was so looking forward to a decent substitute for my beloved baking. If I can't have it tasting as good as it once did, I'd rather not have any. 

Can I Bake Again?

The Japanese are familiar with Lakanto, they've been using it for over 10 years as a safe alternative to sugar. Until recently, Lakanto was not available in North America, but that's now changing.

Lakanto is made of erythritol, a fermented sugar alchohol made of non-gmo corn, and luo han, an incredibly sweet fruit with zero calories. Luo Han is about 300 times sweeter than sucrose, but unlike sugar, luo han has a host of healthy side effects.  This ancient fruit is being investigated by Japanese scientists for its anti-tumor effects, its ability to control diabetes, and its protective effect against heart disease.

In the process of making erythritol, sugar is liquified and then fermented, filtered, and finally crystalized. The result is a sweetener that registers as '0' on the glycemic index. Erythritol is safe for diabetics and anyone looking to avoid the detrimental effects of sugar.  As anyone who has tried Stevia, or other 'natural' sweeteners likely knows, there are few natural sugar substitutes that can be used to bake with. Lakanto, on the other hand, can be used 1:1 as a sugar substitute in cooking and baking.

Saraya Canada, a Japanese company, is bringing Lakanto to the Western Hemisphere. It recently received GRAS (Generally Regarded as Safe) status in the United States. Approval from Health Canada and the EU are pending. I've ordered a sample of Lakanto that I plan on using in some of my favourite recipes. I'll keep you updated on my experiments.

In the meantime,  I've been enjoying a packet of Wholesome Sweeteners, "Organic Zero" in my tea every now and then. This sugar substitute is pure, organic erythritol. It's about 70% as sweet as sugar, but it too has a glycemic index of '0' and is safe for diabetics. This is basically the same product as the Lakanto, but without the luo han fruit (which is supposed to increase the sweetness and 'depth' of the Lakanto). While the Lakanto is non-gmo, it doesn't look to be available as an organic product while the "Organic Zero" is.

While you can buy erythritol at a cheaper price, I prefer to use the Wholesome Sweeteners product. I trust the reputation of the company which is important in ensuring that the sweetener doesn't have chemical sweeteners cut into it to reduce the price. I also prefer to use a product derived from organic ingredients.  "Organic Zero" is readily available at all health food stores.

I plan on experimenting with some baking this weekend. We'll see what I can do with our favourite cookies and maybe some other goodies. As soon as I receive some Lakanto, I will do a full product review. Stay tuned...

Sugar on the Brain

As a Nutritionist, one of the most common things I encounter is sugar addiction. It's no surprise. Sugar is everywhere and in everything. It's comfort. It's satisfying. It's tasty. It's highly addictive. We're brought up on the stuff and the problem only gets exacerbated as we age. 

I have a big problem with sugar. Oh, but I'm a sugar snob.  I don't eat those cheap chocolate 'candy' things or grocery store cakes.  No, I like to placate my sugar addiction by feeding it only the 'unrefined' sugars. So, let the organic, raw honey pour, sprinkle on the unrefined sweetener, simmer up the maple syrup. It's dark, organic chocolate for me. And baking? I'm a really good baker. I can take any recipe and translate it into an organic, wholesome treat (complete with those organic, "natural" sweeteners). It's all just feeding the addiction.

Sugars hold on us can only be loosened by the removal of it. Think I'm exaggerating? Studies have shown that sugar is more addictive than cocaine. Given the choice between cocaine and sugar, rats chose sugar. Even the cocaine addicted rats would switch to sugar over the cocaine when given a choice.

Sometime, in the complimentary circle of care we get a little sidetracked by trying to help people replace bad habits with 'better choices'. So, you're not drinking pop anymore, but you are drinking juice in soda water. What's the difference? It's used by your body in the same way. It's sugar. Pasta, rice, bread, doughnuts, juice, organic this or that... it's all still sugar and it keeps you on that blood sugar roller coaster. Diabetes, circulatory problems, decreased immunity, PMS, and heart disease have have all been linked to sugar consumption.

So, here I admit that while I may not be eating the worst of the worst, I'm still including foods in my diet that are keeping me gnawing at the bit for my next sweet fix. The result is a lack of energy, irritability, and the inability to wipe out the candida in my body for good. I've had enough.

It's day 5 of not eating 'sugar' (in all its forms) and it ain't pretty. As the candida dies off, I've been feeling the strong detoxifying effect it's having on my body. I'm tired, irritable, craving sweets, and generally feeling quite sorry for myself. I realize that I have to change my perspective and view this as a gift. I have the knowledge and ability to change my health. I can age with glowing health if I so choose. I can be vibrant and full of energy if I choose. I can have complete control over my body if I choose. I choose.

"The Sweet Tooth: Defeating the Little Rascal".  Great article with useful tips.