Making life a little sweeter: Sugar and Spice

Well. since I have been MIA in the blogging for over 9 months, I figured I would try to at least get it going again. It felt a little out of place to be writing in a blog about weight loss, when I felt I was getting bigger by the day and there wasn't a whole lot I could do about it. That is what pregnancy does. My cute husband (I am sure he feels really manly when I refer to him as "cute" but he is) did point out to me hat this blog was about being healthy AND happy. One thing I noticed over the course of this pregnancy, with all it's ups and downs, is how much spiritual strength and physical strength go hand in hand. One thing I prayed for during this pregnancy is that my body would be healthy and that I would crave healthy things. I wanted to be healthy for me and the baby, and honestly, with how hard I worked, I was scared of the weight gain. The amazing thing was, I did crave healthy things! I wanted more fruits and vegetables than sugary, fattening things (well, aside from the beginning when I was sick all the time,where I wanted anything high in calories I could get my hands on because those are the only things that sounded good) I also was able to keep exercising up until about 30 weeks. So, having this baby finally here has been a sweet thing. She is a little angel baby that hardly ever complains. Aside from the fact I've got about 20 pounds to lose, I am grateful it isn't more than that and that she is healthy. I really do believe when we are obedient and have faith, heavenly father will give us the things we need. So, that is my metaphor on the sweet things in life.

Now, I'd like to share another discovery of sweetness in the literal sense. Yes, I know it is kind of a stretch, but I am really excited about my latest sweet find. For me, it is all about finding healthy substitutions instead of giving up things all together. When I was at the Good Earth a few weeks ago, they had samples of a sweetener called Truvia, it is all natural and has no calories. So, I took a few samples. I decided to try it mixed with my other latest favorite, greek yogurt. Greek yogurt is also all natural and contains protein as well. Truvia I have discovered, although it is a sweetener, it doesn't have that fake taste like Splenda or equal. It tastes good and the taste is very similar to actual sugar. Today I tried it in a whole wheat pancake recipe, and I couldn't even tell any difference. My 3 year old loved the pancakes too! Next, I think I will try adding some Truvia to my sugar free cocoa. The best part is it tastes good and you don't get that sugar headache or energy crash you experience after a "sugar high." I have also seen recipes for things like pies and cookies where Truvia can be used in place of sugar. It not only cuts down on the calories, but is much better for you too. That doesn't mean it will work for everyone, and I know there probably some crazy side effects that someone out there will say they have experienced, but I have read much more good than negative about it.

Life has gotten a lot crazier with two little girls. Although, they are as sweet as they can be, I need all the help I can get. I need to keep finding sweet substitutes that work for me and I can feel good about. The journey starts again, I know it won't be easy, but I am grateful for the help I had throughout this pregnancy and the help I continue to receive every day. It's much easier to do hard things when I find the things that work for me. I need to remember it is all a process that continues and we must keep at it!