Food School: a 31 day course (day 15) Is Sugar Vegan?
Sugar!
What could possibly be wrong with sugar?
Well, I found out quite a bit.
First, the two most common sources of sugar in the U.S. are beets and sugar cane. Two different plants–same taste.
Cane sugar however is filtered using the bones of cows (and lots of them!) That sort of grossed me out!
Is beet sugar safe for vegans or those wanting a different processing?
Yes. Beet sugar is fine for vegans and it is also generally better for the environment BUT many of the beets grown for sugar are genetically modified (GM).
So what can I use?
Turbinado sugar, organic evaporated can juice, organic dehydrated cane juice and organic can sugar are all bone-char free!
The Best Choice: Florida Crystals, organic sugar of any brand, sugar in the raw.
The Worst Choice: Domino and C&H brands.
I spent several hours researching, watching videos and reading documents on the environmental impact of growing sugar. It was overwhelming.
How can you make a difference? buy organic, use less sugar, and rather than buy processed sugary foods: bake your own cookies, make your own fudge, and think about the when and why you crave sugar. Skip the Snickers, M&M’s, and Smores!
I found this website that was an intense read but extremely informative. This site was the most balanced and informative site–with really cool pictures–I never knew what sugar cane looked like!
I also want to offer the information that is in the book “The China Study”, Dr. Campbell discusses the reversal of cancer causing cells by reducing or eliminating sugar. After I read that I’ve taken a break from sugar. I will admit that I’m feeling better and less “crazed” at 3 in the afternoon.
As I research more and more–I’m finding it easier and easier to eliminate the “stuff” I don’t need. The bonus is that I’m losing weight along the way! I’m feeling a transformation of how my body feels in relation to what I eat–I feel empowered that I have choices.
Be Blessed.
To receive a free copy of my Blessed by Breakfast cookbook, please go to http://blessedbybreakfast.com and sign up! I send updates that include; family tested and approved recipes, video tutorials, tips and tricks on how to begin your day with the blessing of food.
Books I suggest: The Omnivore’s Dilemma: The Secrets Behind What You Eat,
Young Readers Edition
Hope’s Edge: The Next Diet for a Small Planet
Some of my friends have also joined the 31 day challenge:
Anastacia Maness http://rocksolidfamily.com/31-days-building-commitment/
Racquel Narciso http://howtomakeitinsanfrancisco.com/…/
Pamela Hodges http://ipaintiwrite.com
I’m linking up to these blogs.
We grab organic sugar whenever we can. Thanks for sharing this on Tuesday Greens!
I had no idea about how sugar is processed! Each day I learn something new AND the solution is aften an easy fix! Being healthy, green, earth loving . . . isn’t as hard as it might seem.
Be Blessed.