I hope you had a sweet week and took some time to educate yourself about any non-nutritive sweeteners you may be using. I want to encourage you that if you feel hooked on a sugar imposter be gentle with yourself in making changes. It takes time to work through the fear of going back to the real thing in this fat phobic world. Remember, your body is worthy of enjoying both the taste and health benefits of natural foods. Once again, I’d like to share some of my favorite real deal sweeteners.

Agave Nectar

This yummy honey-like substance comes from a plant grown primarily in Mexico and South Africa. With a sweetness 25% greater than white sugar, a little of this goes a long way. Agave also has a lower glycemic index than sugar keeping blood glucose levels more steady. Great for use in beverages hot or cold, on oatmeal and fruit, in yogurt and smoothies. Some other benefits include:

- Rich in vitamins E, C, D and E
- Rich in the minerals calcium, iron, zinc and magnesium
- Rich in enzymes in the raw varieties
- Almost al agave’s are organically grown

Barely Malt Syrup

This whole grain sweetener is made from sprouted barley. It’s about half as sweet as refined sugar and has a consistency and flavor similar to that of molasses. If a lighter, sweeter flavor is desired it can be combined with some maple syrup or agave to taste. Barely malt syrup is a good source of minerals like calcium, potassium, magnesium and phosphorus and some other trace minerals which are essential for maintaining metabolic processes.

So there you have it, my top picks to get you off the packets and chemicals. Again, take your time and infuse any health enhancing efforts with self-love and compassion. As with all foods, by practicing mindful, intuitive eating as it will lead the way to moderation and balance as your unique body finds it necessary.

Julie Norman, nicknamed "The Body Image Guru" by clients, guides women to live authentically healthy lives through peaceful body image, intuitive eating and mindful movement. She blends professional nutrition guidance with the wisdom of yoga to help women transform the ways in which they care for and experience their bodies. She maintains a private practice, REAL Nutrition, LLC, and is the creator of Body Karma Healing, a yoga-based program intended to help women transform body image from painful to peaceful. Julie believes healing individual body image pain helps us heal the world! Get started with her guiding DVD.