We consume WAY too much sugar.
I recently read that in the 1800’s, on average a person would consume 9 pounds of sugar in a whole year. Today, that number has skyrocketed: the average person consumes around 150 pounds of sugar a year! Yes, shocking. In fact, I think I just gained two pounds writing that.
When you look at a statement like this, it’s hard not to vow to cut back on sugar. Sadly, this not only takes guts, but it also takes consistent concentrated effort. Sugar is in EVERYTHING. From drinks to snacks to even “healthy” style protein bars and shakes. Since fat was demonized in the late 1900’s, companies have tried to make up for the loss of taste through sweetness. In other words, they took out the fat and dumped in the artificial sweeteners. JOY.
Yet now we are seeing the consequences of a sugar-driven world. It can be pretty depressing when you open your eyes to what is happening to our food system in the United States.
But wait! There is hope young Skywalker! We can opt out of this viscous cycle, and we can take a sugar detox. Even if you only do it for one week, you’ll be able to use it as a jumping off point to make better choices. By better choices, I mean that we should all reach for REAL foods and stay away from processed foods as much as possible.
We can get back in our kitchen and make deliciously simple recipes, such as a Raw Jalapeno Coleslaw.
I fell in love with freshly made jalapeno slaw when I visited a friend last summer, and her mom was whipping it up in the kitchen. I probably ate two bowls of the stuff, and had to control myself from going back for thirds. Since then, I’ve made it a handful of times and consider it a keeper. It’s a perfect meal (or side dish) in the summer too, because it gives you that refreshing feeling when the sun is oppressively hot.
The beauty of eating real is that we don’t have to avoid natural sugars in foods that we love, such as apples, bananas, and oranges. It’s the additives and chemicals that our precious processed foods are laced with that’s the real enemy. Natural foods with sugar contain the fiber your body needs, and you were designed to process it.
So try it: go for a whole week without the processed stuff. Yes, I should mention that if you are extremely addicted to sugar, you may experience some withdrawal symptoms. View this as a positive shift. When we make a conscious effort, the universe conspires in our favor. Or, as they say, you move an inch, God moves a mile. YOU CAN DO EEET!!!
Raw Jalapeno Coleslaw
These are suggested measurements. Depending on the size of your red cabbage, you may need a little more or a little less of your vinaigrette mixture!
Ingredients:
- 1 large red cabbage, shredded or chopped small
- 2 carrots, shredded
- 1 bunch green onions, greens and white parts sliced thin (about a cup or so)
- 1 jalapeno pepper*, shredded or minced
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- ½ C extra virgin olive oil
- ½ C raw unfiltered apple cider vinegar
- Pink salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
- In a large bowl, add the first five ingredients and toss.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil and apple cider vinegar.
- Pour vinaigrette mixture into slaw, and season with salt and pepper.
- Toss to coat. Serve.
This keeps in your fridge for up to a week! As the week progresses, I like to add a little more apple cider vinegar, but that’s my personal taste.
*Jalapeno peppers can be HOT. If you are sensitive to spicy peppers, please wear gloves while slicing your jalapeno. DO NOT RUB YOUR EYES!
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Have you ever done a sugar detox? Share your experience in the comments below!
Karen
I make this salad but without the jalepenos. Just too hot for me. Something about the ACV with the cabbage that I love.
Randi Tisdall
Oh yes I LOVE it!! Sometimes I get jalapenos that are not as spicy as I’d like, but it’s still super yummy!
Deborah Davis
Hi Randi,
I am revisiting your raw jalapeno coleslaw today since I saw it in your Kind and Healthy Link Party. It is such a crunchy spicy delight. I can’t wait to make this. Today i made a salad with red and green cabbage, carrots and red onions, now I just need to get some jalapeno peppers too and I will spice things up a bit in my kitchen! I’m pinning and sharing this!
Randi
Thank you Deborah! I love the addition of jalapeno (I actually just love jalapeno in anything lol). Your salad sounds delish!
Karen Patten
I was a little scared based on the name of the recipe – but I do love jalapenos! This sound like it is really wonderful – I’m going to give it a try. Your site is beautiful – BTW. Thanks for sharing at the Healthy Living Link Party!
Randi
LOL yes jalapenos can be scary, but I’m glad you stuck around to check out the recipe! And thank you so much for the compliment:) Hope you stop by again soon!
Elaine Hodges
Thanks for sharing on the Healthy Living Link Party.
Kristine Hart
So happy I’m going food shopping today!! Thank you! Visiting & linking up @ Healthy Living Party, Kristine 🙂 from blueblanket21.com
Randi
You’re very welcome! Thanks for stopping by!
Deborah Davis
What’s summer without salads and who can resist this delectable dish! Thanks for sharing your healthy and delicious Raw Jalapeno Coleslaw with us on the Healthy Happy Green and Natural Party Blog Hop. I’m pinning and sharing.
Randi
Thank you Deborah!!!
Mary Ellen @ VNutrition
This looks great Randi! I love non-mayo types of slaw so this would be a perfect addition to a bbq for me. 🙂
Randi
Thank you Mary Ellen! I feel so healthy and fresh when I eat this lol. Thanks for stopping by!
Valerie
This looks delicious. I’ve been trying to lower my sugar intake a LOT lately. I feel like it has a lot to do with my lack of energy and the dark circles under my eyes (I swear I heard that before…?) It’s amazing how when I sat down to snack on dates yesterday, even they tasted super sweet to me. I bet refined sugar will be gross now…I hope!
Randi
Yes! I used to add sweetener to just about everything- when I got pregnant the last time, I tried to cut out excess sugars, and retrained my taste buds. It helped me learn to enjoy natural sweetness. It’s easy to fall back into old habits though, so I’m glad I did a sugar detox. It’s just amazing how much sugar is in all processed foods, more than we think! Thanks for sharing:)