It All Started With a Craving.

Sweet things make my heart happy, yet at the same time, I do think about my body. So when I realized that a little too much sugar in my body was starting to build up, it was the wake-up call for change. I did not want to give up on all my favorite sweet desserts, so I had to think of some other ways of enjoying them without the sugar overload. It is here that my journey into the low-sugar kitchen started.

It wasn't so easy at the start: lots of trial and error, lots of burnt cookies, and a couple of recipes went into the garbage until I learned how to do a low-sugar dessert without compromising its deliciousness. And you know what? They tasted even better than the sugary versions!

I'm so excited to be sharing this with you, and cannot wait to dive into the realm of low-sugar baking as we go through those basic things that have made this journey sweet and rewarding for me.

The Low-Sugar Kitchen Toolkit

You don't need a fancy kitchen to make delicious low-sugar desserts, but having a few key tools will make your life a whole lot easier. Here's what I recommend:

• Quality food scale: This is one of the most important things in low sugar baking, for measuring by weight is the only real proper way to go. You are able to manage the amount of sweetener you use, which is paramount in low sugar baking.
• Stand mixer: You most definitely can use a handheld mixer, but having a stand mixer makes baking way less stressful as you can free your hands to do other things. The good news is you also get perfectly fluffy batter!
• A good set of measuring cups and spoons: Even though you're weighting your ingredients, you're still going to need measuring cups and spoons for liquids and to get an accurate measure on things like flour, sugar, and spices.
• Silicone baking mats: These are a godsend for baking-ESPECIALLY low sugar desserts. They prevent sticking and they're super easy to clean. A good baking pan set is going to have various sizes and shapes for the many different desserts you will be making. You'll want to get a 9x13 inch pan, round cake pan, and muffin tin for your low sugar baking. You really can't go wrong with a few of these in your baking arsenal.

With just these basic tools, you will be way ahead in the low sugar baking path.

Low-Sugar Pantry Essentials

Now that you've got the tools to get started, it's time to fill your pantry with some convenient, low-sugar staples. These ingredients are multi-purpose, so you can use them in countless recipes.

• Sweeteners: First of all, let's talk sweeteners. There are so many options out there! Erythritol and Stevia, I love to use because they're low in calories and don't raise the blood sugar level. Monk fruit and allulose also work great. You gotta play with them to see which one you think works the best.
• Flours: You will need various flours for various recipes. Almond flour, coconut flour, and whole wheat flour are excellent low-sugar flour options; you may even bake cakes or cookies, or prepare bread with it. Remember to adjust your recipes while replacing the traditional flours, as each type has its own property. Nuts and seeds: nuts like almonds, walnuts, and pecans; seeds like sunflower seeds are a great source of healthy fats and proteins. These add flavor and texture to the low sugar desserts and are an excellent addition to trail mix and granola bars. And they're healthy on their own, too!
• Spices: Never discount the power of spices! They give such depth of flavor to low-sugar desserts and are used in creating a number of taste profiles. My own personal faves are cinnamon, vanilla extract, and nutmeg. A well-stocked spice rack will make you feel like you can bake anything! Cocoa powder: Love chocolate? Who doesn't! All one needs for some scrumptious low-sugar desserts in chocolate flavor is good-quality cocoa powder. Use it to make chocolate cakes, brownies-even hot chocolate. Be ready to go on an amazing low-sugar chocolate dessert creation spree! Dried Fruit: Cranberries, raisins and dates have a high level of fiber and natural sweetness. Dried fruits are best used in baking, giving a nice texture and subtle touch of sweetness to your low-sugar desserts. These dried fruits can be used in your baked goods to replace the use of refined sugars for a subtle sweetness. Unsweetened Applesauce: It is fantastic to use as a substitute for oil or butter in anything baked. This provides really great moistness and a hint of natural sweetness in anything. Unsweetened applesauce works perfectly in cakes and muffins, among other recipes. It is very good for adding just a little natural sweetness and a bit of moistness without adding too many calories. Other low-sugar treats you can stock include: low sugar chocolate chips, low sugar protein powder, low sugar peanut butter, low sugar syrups, and low sugar granola. You will be ready for anything that comes into your head!

As you are building up your low-sugar pantry, keep in mind that even for the apparently healthier things, if store-bought, you have to check the label for hidden sugars. Opt for "unsweetened", "sugar-free", and "low-sugar" labels.

The Sweet Rewards of Low-Sugar Baking

Low-sugar baking is way more than elimination of sugar from baked goods. It's about healthier lifestyles and new flavors and textures. Some of the benefits it accrues are as under:

• Improved Blood Sugar Control: Reduced sugar intake will provide better control of the blood sugar level. This turns out to be particularly important in cases of diabetes and prediabetes. • Weight Management: Eating less sugar can help an individual to reduce weight or keep their body weight within a healthy limit. Sugar could lead to gaining more weight and other health complications; hence its consumption should be minimized. • Higher Levels of Energy: The moment one starts cutting down on sugar, there isn't any drop in energy levels that generally follows after having something sweet. One will have better energy levels throughout the day. Improved Skin Health: High sugar consumption is host to inflammation and results in acne and other skin issues. Reduction of sugar can therefore show improvement in the overall health of your skin. Reduced Chronic Disease Risk: Sugar increases the risks related to chronic diseases such as heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes. Lowering your sugar intake decreases the risk for these diseases.

What is there not to love about low sugar baking? It is delicious, healthy, and gratifying, which may eventually bring one to a healthier lifestyle. Well, are you ready to get started? Let's get equipped with your tools and ingredients and bake!

Ready to Start Your No Added Sugar Baking Journey?

I just can't wait for you to embark on this journey of discovery into the delicious world of low-sugar baking. You will be amazed and pleased with all the new flavors and textures. Just remember: feel free to experiment and play with it until it works best for you and your tastes. Be surprised at how much in the realm of low sugar baking you will be able to make!

I'm sure you will never look back once you get involved in baking with low sugar. It is such a rewarding way to make mouth-watering desserts and at the same time look after your health.