Sugar is a simple carbohydrate. Although it provides us with energy, it is known as the 'empty calorie' because it has no other nutritional value. You may feel a burst of energy after eating foods high in sugar, but you may also experience a quick come-down.
Sugar has been known to affect mood, although substances like caffeine, artificial colours and preservatives in sweet foods can also contribute to this.
Sugar is not the main reason that people carry excess weight. Too much fat and too little exercise are the main culprits there. Sweet, high-fat foods like chocolate, desserts, cakes and pastries should be limited or avoided altogether. And remember that sugar is sugar, whether it is white, brown, raw, organic or a syrup.
Here is one of our favourite sweet recipes for the occasional treat. We always play with our recipes, experiment and try different things. You'll be surprised what delicious things you come up with.
Yummy Biscuits
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1 cup flour*
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 tablespoon ground ginger
- 1/4 cup finely chopped crystallised ginger
- 1/2 cup finely chopped dates
- 3/4 cup desiccated coconut
- 125 g butter
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons water (if needed to bind)
*we use spelt, stone-ground wholemeal, or millet — experiment to see what you like.
Combine the dry ingredients in a bowl. Melt the butter with the sugar and stir into the dry ingredients, adding water if necessary to bind. Place tablespoons of mixture on a greased baking tray and press down lightly. Bake in a slow oven (160°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until brown. Cool on a wire tray.