Cutting sugar? Stevia is a great alternative (not medical advice)
What's the story
Stevia, a natural sweetener extracted from the leaves of the Stevia rebaudiana plant has become a go-to choice for health-conscious individuals due to its zero-calorie content and ability to sweeten foods without raising blood sugar levels. This article provides five creative ways to use stevia in vegan cooking, allowing health-conscious individuals to enjoy sweetness without resorting to traditional sugars or artificial sweeteners.
Smoothie sweetener
Sweeten your smoothies without guilt
Adding stevia to your morning smoothie is a great way to get that sweetness you want without the extra calories or sugar. Unlike other sweeteners that can add hundreds of calories, a pinch of stevia powder or a few drops of stevia extract will sweeten your smoothie with zero calories. This makes it a perfect option for people who are watching their calorie count or dealing with diabetes.
Baking bliss
Bake lighter and healthier vegan desserts
Stevia is the secret ingredient to change vegan baking forever. For cakes, cookies, or muffins, replace sugar with stevia at a ratio of 1:300. Yes, 300! Stevia is way sweeter. Not only does this cut down on calories, it also makes your sweet treats more diabetic-friendly. Be sure to tweak the amount of liquids in your recipe to compensate for the reduced volume of dry ingredients you're using.
Lemonade Love
Create refreshing sugar-free lemonade
On hot days, a glass of lemonade is a must but it's usually packed with sugar. By using stevia instead of sugar or honey, you can significantly reduce the calorie content. Start with one teaspoon of stevia powder for each cup of lemon juice, then adjust to taste. The result is a tart and sweet lemonade you can enjoy without the guilt.
Beverage boost
Enhance your coffee and tea naturally
Most of us can't imagine kicking off our day without a cup of coffee or tea, but loading up on sugar isn't exactly the healthiest way to wake up. Swapping in stevia for your morning pick-me-up lets you savor the sweetness without sabotaging your health goals. And remember, stevia is way sweeter than regular sugar, so start small and find your perfect balance.
Dressing delight
Whip up healthy homemade salad dressings
Salad dressings can be sneaky sugar bombs. Whip up your own with stevia, olive oil, vinegar, mustard, minced garlic, salt, and pepper for the same tangy kick without the sugar crash. This way, you're in charge of what goes into your meal. Plus, your greens will taste way better with just the right amount of stevia to cut through the acidity.