What’s up Mamma’s! Today I’ll be going over what I’ve found in nature to help me with my energy as well as plant based sweeteners for your sweet tooth. As you may or may not know, I have a total (in my blended family) of six kids. I had three of them pretty close together over the course of 6 years (now ages 5,8,& 10) and let me tell you, I became very familiar with being exhausted. I was working a full time job in healthcare 5 days a week. I was pumping at work for each nursing child for a minimum of 9 months to 1 & ½ years. This is no exaggeration, I was doing all of it usually with ONLY 4-5 hours of sleep. So, I wish I had known these tips back then. I noticed that when I was exhausted I actually craved sugar, or anything to help me feel awake. In this episode I want to help you make informed decisions to help you get what you need but do it on a healthy path. So I want to encourage two things, healthy sweeteners and all natural energy kicks.
Three sweeteners found in nature are monk fruit, organic stevia, and honey.
Let’s dive into my newest favorite sweetener first, Monk fruit. Monk fruit is a herbaceous perennial vine of the gourd family, Cucurbitaceae. It is native to southern China and northern Thailand. The plant is cultivated for its fruit extract, called mogrosides, which creates a sweetness sensation 250 times stronger than sucrose. It’s a small green melon cultivated for centuries by Buddhist luóhàn monks (hence its name).
Since monk fruit sweetener doesn’t have calories or sugar, it won’t cause a spike in blood sugar levels. However, when choosing monk fruit products, make sure to check the ingredients label—many products and sweetener blends may still contain sugar or other ingredients that can affect blood glucose. Monkfruit has a very light and fresh taste to it. I’ve found it to be at a reasonable price on Amazon at (copy & paste into your browser) www.https://amzn.to/3IOImc8
Number two on my list is Stevia. Stevia is another sugar alternative. It can be found in liquid form or as a powdered sweetener. It’s sold in the U.S. under several brand names, including Truvia, Stevia in the Raw, and others. It’s made from a South American plant called stevia. The leaves of stevia are 200 to 400 times sweeter than regular table sugar. Check out the link here (copy & paste into your browser) https://amzn.to/3IGZy2Y
While the stevia you buy at the grocery store is technically plant-based, in reality it’s often a highly processed extract that’s often combined with other ingredients. As always, I encourage you to read the label. Also, take note that stevia has a slightly bitter flavor that some people don’t like. If you plan on trying this sweetener then I suggest purchasing a small amount to ensure that you don’t feel like you’ve wasted your money. Also note that Stevia products that are made with sugar alcohols can cause bloating, diarrhea, and other stomach troubles for some people. On the up side, Stevia is a natural sweetener with zero calories that doesn’t affect blood sugar. This is a bonus for people with diabetes. Along with other sugar substitutes, stevia is also linked to fewer cavities. So, I feel that it’s important for me to give you both the positive and the negative of this sweetener. The overall objective is incorporating stevia into your diet-maybe a pinch in your morning coffee, or mixed into a smoothie-as a way to cut back on added sugars overall. That’s the real goal. I want you to get the sweetness you desire in a way that won’t cause you to lose all the hard work you put into staying healthy in life.
Now let’s talk about the last of my 3, honey. Honey contains a variety of nutrients and it’s essentially pure sugar, with no fat and only trace amounts of protein and fiber. Honey is rich in health-promoting plant compounds known as polyphenols. If you purchase high quality honey that is minimally processed, unheated, and fresh contains bioactive plant compounds and antioxidants. The darker varieties tend to offer more antioxidants than lighter varieties. Honey is better for blood sugar levels than regular sugar. (copy & paste into your browser) https://amzn.to/36rmLt8
Let’s also note a few things to be cautious about when it comes to honey. Honey is not to be given to children under 1 year of age due to the risk of botulism. Also, note that eating honey in large quantities consistently over a long period can contribute to weight gain. As always, everything in moderation.
Honey, stevia, & monk fruit are meant to be incorporated into your lifestyle here and there. They are not intended to become staples in your life, but merely sprinkles. We all go through seasons of life where things are exhausting and the point of this article is to put more tools in your health and wellness toolbox.
Let’s move on to healthy boosts of energy. Natural energy to help you endure exhaustion, be it a long or short season. Hopefully a short season! The first on the list is one that literally millions of people gravitate towards, coffee. I know coffee and caffeine can become an easy and very consistent routine since it’s almost a comfort food and it’s giving us an energy boost. So, let’s take a look at my absolute favorite coffee on the market (I’m sure that there are MANY). 
For me, it’s Lifeboost Coffee (No, I was not paid to promote this coffee.). “Lifeboost Coffee is 100% pure USDA organic coffee, single-origin, mycotoxin-free, GMO-free, Pesticide-free, low acid, shade grown.” The low acid of this coffee makes it the smoothest cup of coffee I’ve ever had. I love it! It can be found on their personal website (copy & paste into your browser) https://lifeboostcoffee.com/ or on amazon at (copy & paste into your browser) https://amzn.to/3LmhbqJ
It comes in a variety of flavors, roasts, and ways to save your budget when making a purchase directly from their website. You can set up for auto-ship and pause that feature when it’s not in the budget. I personally have nothing negative to say about this coffee, but naturally, consult with your physician about any dietary concerns you may have.
Next on my list of natural energy is tea because if you’re not drinking coffee then you just might be drinking tea.
Tea contains a moderate amount of caffeine (depending on what type you purchase) and when you need just a little push, it fits that mold. It’s a healthier alternative to energy drinks and has been known to provide a more sustained energizing effect that won’t cause the crash. My first suggestion on tea is to always search organic sources and companies that promote that to you, as the customer. I personally want to always get as close to the source as possible without contamination. Tea’s known for their energy are Black Tea, Pu-erh Tea, Matcha, Mate, Peppermint Tea, & Ginger Tea. If you work in an office building or if you lack the access to the tea you really want then you can always order it and pack a tea bag in your pocket or purse since it travels easily.
Last, but certainly not least on my list, is natural energy drinks. There are many companies jumping on the wagon of providing natural healthy solutions to keep people energized. In my research I recently came across Good Idea which is an all natural energy drink.
Good Idea is from the co-founders of OATLY an FIJI Water. It’s a functional wellness drink “made to taste great while helping you harness your natural energy so you can feel good all day without any sugar or caffeine.” It’s a sparkling water that contains a patented blend of amino acids and the mineral chromium. The deeper I dove into the science behind this drink, the more I fell in love with it. You’re just going to have to take a look for yourself.
My absolute favorite energy is Arbonne’s Energy Fizz. Whether it’s used as a replacement for your morning coffee or for a mid-afternoon pick-me-up it provides me with the pick me up that I need to wake me back up. It helps me focus when I’m working and I often use it before my work outs. All you have to do is mix it with water. I’ve taken it cold, warm, and hot. It’s designed to help increase energy levels while temporarily relieving fatigue, promoting alertness and enhancing cognitive performance. Arbonne’s Energy Fizz is my go-to drink when it comes to waking up in the morning or when I’m needing my 2pm pick me up. They come in a variety of flavors and can even be mixed with your favorite tea.
Well Momma’s, that’s it for today’s deep dive. I hope you found value in this list of natural sweeteners and energy boost options (that won’t leave you crashing) and ideas for healthier sweeteners. I know how it feels when the house is a mess, you’re exhausted from staying up late for “me” (or “we” time with the spouse) and then getting up at night for the kids. Our jobs as Moms and wives, …..it’s literally 24/7, and when you’re exhausted it’s so tempting to ruin your streak of good choices. The ‘Get stuff done” list is soooo long, and it’s on a rotation (SMH). I know that in my moments of weakness and exhaustion (brought about by the mental workload, laundry, chore charts, meal prepping, doctor appointments, ect.), that I still wanted to stay the course of health and wellness. These alternatives have helped me stay the course.
Allow this list to provide you with information on products and things found in nature that work with and for your body, not against it. These healthy alternatives can be found at your local grocery store or online, and they can be used for the long haul. If you liked this article then post in the comments section below, and be sure to come back again and check out the next blog episode. Until then, bravo Momma, you’re doing great! Remember to be kind to yourself this week!
