You say you want sugar? Why does this happen? Stress is often the reason for the magnetic forces we feel toward sugary treats. Our bodies respond to stress by secreting hormones that are related to food cravings. The hormone ghrelin , which controls our appetite, is released when we are stressed.
Sugar cravings are normal. They can also be explained by simple side effects from certain foods we eat. A bad diet without balance and structure is the culprit most of the time. Some sugar cravings are a result of an underlying nutrient deficiency.
Deficiencies may be in certain minerals such as zinc, chromium, iron, calcium and magnesium. Magnesium deficiency seems quite common so it’s particularly important to pay attention to this.
A small desert can be part of a healthy diet. The key is to select a lower sugar dessert treat and control portions. Be alerted to the added sugars as they are the real problem when reaching for something sweet .
You may find this recipe in my cookbook “Nancy’s Recipes for Life“ available in my Linwood office location and Capellas Oil and Vinegar store in Ocean City .
Light and Lively
Chocolate Meringues
Ingredients
- 12 egg whites ( room temperature)
- 1/2 tsp. Cream of tartar
- 3/4 cup Truvia
- 1/2 cup dark cocoa powder
- 1 piping bag
- 1 star tip
A few important tips before starting:
1) separate the eggs when the eggs are cold and then let them come to room temperature .
2) Cleaning the bowl and beaters with vinegar ensures there is no grease on them. Egg whites won’t stiffen if there is any grease or residue in the bowl or on the beaters.
3) if you don’t have a piping bag, place the mixture in a sandwich bag and snip off any tiny corner .
Directions:
Preheat the oven to 275°. Line three baking sheets with parchment paper. Wash out the mixing bowl and beaters with vinegar to ensure there is no grease on them. Place the egg whites in a clean bowl, beat at high speed until stiff. This process will take 8 minutes. Add cream of tartar and continue to beat. Slowly add the Truvia. Remove the beaters and fold the cocoa powder using a rubber spatula. Using a piping bag fitted with the star tip, pipe circles on to the lined trays. Pipe one8-inch circle then outline the outer top of the circle to create a basket effect. Bake in the middle and lower section of the oven for one hour. Turn off the oven and do not open the door. Allow the meringues to sit in the warmed oven for an additional hour. Remove from the oven and cool. Store in an airtight container.
Nutritional info per serving.
Serves 24
Calories -55
Total fat -0.4 grams
Total Carbs -12 grams
Dietary fiber – 0.9 mg
Protein – 3 grams
For more recipes from Nancy Adler, check out Nancy’s Recipes for Life! Read some of her recipes by Clicking Here
Nancy Adler is a certified nutritionist and practitioner in Linwood. Her office is located in Cornerstone Commerce Center, 1201 New Rd. Learn about her practice at ww.nancyadlernutrition.com (609)653-4900. Nancy is the Recipient of the Best of The Press 2021 Gold Award. You may listen to Nancy every Sunday at 2 pm Nancy Adler Nutrition LIVE! NewsTalk 1400 WOND
