Simply Sweet

Do you see the evil look on this pumpkin's face? It's laughing at me. Me and the hundreds of other folks trying desperately to get the stinkin' Halloween candy out of the house!

It has been a real challenge for me lately to get a grip on my sugar cravings, and I know that the holidays coming up are going to test me to my limit, but I've got a strategy in place that started the day before Halloween this year, and it's helping!

Sweet vegetables. I know it sounds crazy, but by adding more sweet vegetables into your diet, you can reduce your sugar cravings. And this time of year, the sweet vegetables are abundant, especially beets, sweet potatoes and winter squash. But I'll admit I keep a bag of carrots in my fridge and onions on my counter (yes--they're in the sweet family!) year round to be sure I've got something in the sweet veggie family to easily add daily.

So here are a few simple ways to get those sweet veggies added into your diet quickly. The more you add, the less your sugar cravings. Try it for a week and see how it goes. Maybe you'll have new found success reducing the appeal of that trick or treat bag for everyone, including yourself!

Sweet Sensation--layer several sweet veggies in a pot with hardest on the bottom and softest on the top. For example, from bottom to top layer chopped carrots, beets, and onions. Cover with water and cook to desired tenderness. The longer you cook them, the sweeter they get.You can add seasoning (sea salt, spices, etc.) and/or drink the broth. It makes a sweet sauce!

Roasted Roots--wash some sweet potatoes or peel some beets, cut into bite size pieces, place on cookie sheet, drizzle oil over them, toss to coat, bake at 375 until tender to a fork. The first time I made these with sweet potatoes for my husband he asked if I had put sugar on them. Not making that up.

Easy Winter Squash--I think we have this once a week at our house. Super simple and yummy!