We often find ourselves at the grocery store looking for a sweet snack to brighten up our afternoon. Unfortunately, the choice isn't easy. Stores are swarming with highly processed products that contain nothing but a huge dose of sugar and fat. So, is there a way to ditch regular sugar and replace it with something else?

Sweet vitamins

Below, I'm sharing three suggestions for sweetening your favorite meals without regular sugar. We also won't be using the natural sweetener stevia. There are plenty of sugar alternatives, some of which will require a bit of effort, but anything is possible.

First, let's set aside the sugar bowl, whether it's white, brown, or cane sugar. Today we'll be using something completely different.

First up are dates, or date palm fruit. They contain a lot of simple sugars, but they have advantages over traditional sugar. They are a source of certain vitamins, such as B3, and  Minerals, such as potassium. They also contain a lot of fiber, and these are just a few of the benefits of these fruits. Of course, it's important to remember that the vitamin and mineral content largely depends on the fruit variety, origin, cultivation quality, etc. Now that we know that dates can be a healthier alternative to regular sugar, we now need to learn how to use them. The simplest way is to choose soft and "juicy" dried dates, place them in a blender, and blend them into a paste. The blender you'll use must be powerful enough to handle the fruit. You can use this paste as a natural sweetener for smoothies, cakes, and yogurts. It's a great base for making vegan coconut truffles (the recipe is below) and a delicious avocado and cocoa cream.

Vegan truffles:

Ingredients:

– coconut flakes – half a cup;

– soft dried dates – about 15 pieces;

– bitter cocoa for coating.

Preparation:

Blend the dates in a blender until smooth. You can soak them briefly to make the process easier. Boil water in a kettle and pour it over the coconut flakes. Then drain and let them cool. Combine the date mixture with the coconut, cool again, then form small balls and coat them in dark cocoa powder. Place them individually on a baking sheet or plate and let them cool. Ready!

Another healthier alternative to sweeten your life is simply bananas. They contain a lot of simple sugars, so athletes use them as a quick energy boost. Unfortunately, due to the long journey they take to reach our kitchens, bananas available in our stores have lower nutritional value. However, they are a source of potassium, magnesium, vitamins, and fiber. Bananas are perfect for adding to smoothies – they'll sweeten the drink. Just remember to add a little lemon to prevent it from turning an unappetizing brown. Another way to use bananas is to make delicious oatmeal bread with them. Bananas are also a great option for making vegan desserts, where they serve as a binder.

Miracle honey

The third and final product on my list is honey. Despite being composed primarily of carbohydrates, honey has many properties and a valuable composition. It's a source of minerals such as potassium, magnesium, iron, and vitamins A and B. Good, natural honey has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties and accelerates wound healing. Some types of honey regulate blood pressure and have a beneficial effect on the entire cardiovascular system. Honey is an ideal addition to yogurts, cheeses, oatmeal, and puddings. Unfortunately, honey gradually loses its properties as the temperature rises, so it's best to avoid adding it to baking, unless you're only looking for a sweet taste.

I've presented just three alternatives to regular sugar that will help you sweeten your life in a healthy way. Of course, there are many more. You don't always have to reach for the sugar bowl to sweeten your coffee or tea. What are your tips?

Beata and Patrycja – creators of the blog Z Pamiętnika Dietetyka (Dietetics' Diary) , authors of a book about healthy eating, and sisters in private. They are a harmonious duo, despite their different worldviews. Beata, a dietitian by profession, loves to set high goals for herself, which is why she turned to dietary catering as a career, wanting to take care not only of her own health but also of all Warsaw residents. Patrycja, on the other hand, has a journalism degree and loves cooking and documenting her adventures in the kitchen. She works on the artistic side of the blog daily, and as she herself admits, nothing is impossible for her. She always strives for her goal, even though it's often uphill.