Lemonade is popular, many people’s drink of choice, because it tastes so fresh and refreshing. However, when you add sugar to the mix, you get a very concentrated drink that can be dangerous. The average person consumes about 1/3 of the amount of sugar they should, so it is up to you to make sure you are getting the right amount of sugar in your daily diet.
If you like drinking soda and pop but hate the fact that they contain high amounts of calories, then you’ve come to the right place. There is a great solution to this problem – making your very own delicious lemonade. This homemade recipe uses only fresh lemons as its main ingredient.
Recipe for Sugar-free Lemonade
Combine ½ cup natural sugar alternative (honey, maple syrup, agave, etc.) and 3-4 table spoons lemon juice in a jar or container and shake vigorously until sugar has dissolved. If using a container with a lid, leave it tightly closed and shake vigorously for 5-10 seconds. Add water – up to ½ gallon. Serve immediately or chill before serving. Optional: add 3-4 tablespoons lime juice for extra flavor.
Once you have made your drink, you should store it in a glass container so that it stays cold. And when you are ready to serve it, just pour it into a tall glass and top with ice cubes.
This drink is perfect for a hot summer day or when you want to cool off during the summer. It tastes like a lemonade but with added sweetness and is low in calories. You can also try this recipe with other citrus fruits such as oranges and grapefruits.
Why You Should Cut Sugar From Your Diet
If you want to lose weight, then cutting out sugar is one of the best things you can do. Sugar is very bad for your health. Not only does it cause you to gain weight but it also makes you crave unhealthy foods.
If you are looking for a way to cut out sugar without feeling deprived, try drinking water with a slice of lemon in it. This helps soothe your palate and reduces cravings.
These Sugar Substitutes Are Available
Sugar is bad for you. But, sometimes, it’s hard to avoid it. So, if you want to make healthier drinks, you can use artificial or natural sweeteners instead of real sugar.
Natural sweeteners
Natural sweeteners are often promoted as healthier options than sugar or other sugar substitute. Even the “natural sweeteners” are often processed and refined.
Natural sweeteners that the FDA recognizes as generally safe include:
- Fruit juices and nectars
- Honey
- Molasses
- Maple syrup
A good option is stevia or xylitol. You can find these ingredients at most grocery stores. They are both great because they taste like sugar, but you won’t have any of the negative effects that come from eating too much of it.
Artificial sweeteners
Synthetic sugar replacements are called artificial sweeteners. They might be derived from naturally occurring substances, such as herbs or sugar. Artificial sweeteners are sweeter than sugar, which is why they are known as intense sweeteners. Artificial sweeteners add virtually no calories to your diet, which makes them attractive alternatives to sugar. You only need a small amount of artificial sweetener compared to the amount of sugar you would normally use.
Uses for artificial sweeteners
Artificial sweeteners are used in a lot of processed food, including:
- Soft drinks, powdered drink mixes and other beverages
- Baked goods
- Candy
- Puddings
- Canned foods
- Jams and jellies
- Dairy products
There are many different brands of artificial sweeteners on the market. Some are better than others.