One of the things my clients say the most when we talk about sugar is that it’s in everything! To escape it takes a lot of work, research and willpower. It can be difficult to find the products you love without this annoying additive.

Why is there sugar in things like salsa, pasta sauce, milk and more? It supposedly enhances the flavor of whatever you are eating and causes addiction to that product. Remember, companies that tote “Low Fat” or “Heart Healthy” don’t care about your health or well being. They care about selling a product- bottom line. That’s why you have to be smarter than the average consumer when it comes to shopping. You have to be your own health advocate.

So, here are some substitutions you can make when you’re shopping:

Almond/Peanut Butter – Grind your own or buy Maranantha (but read the label!!), Trader Joes or Whole Foods Organic

Almond/Soy/Coconut Milk – Unsweetened brands like Almond Breeze, So Delicious, 365 Organic

Pasta Sauce – Ragu No Sugar Added

Applesauce – No Sugar Added Treetop or Generic

Coffee Creamer – switch to half and half!

Dried Fruit – Bare Fruit Brand is unsweetened

Don’t switch to Sugar Free anything!! Fake sugar is just as bad because your body will not know what to do with it and your brain will only generate a stronger craving for real sugar. So no diet sodas, sugar free syrups, coffee creamers or anything like that!

Have you found any great sugarless products out there?