When I developed the recipe for the Empower Bar, I did so with intention. The values I uphold for clean ingredients, blood sugar balance, and nutrition in general all factored in.
For years I have been passionate about upgrading ingredients and “healthifying” traditional baked goods. In fact, I wrote a whole book about it! Learning about low glycemic sweeteners has taken my baking to the next level, Empower Bar included.
When it comes to nutrition and blood sugar balance, not all sugar is created equal. Sugar and sweet foods are not inherently “bad.” In fact, as a health coach, I like to practice the art of non-judgement with all food. I will say however, that as humans, we are hard-wired to crave sweet. Given that glucose (sugar in its simplest form) is our body’s fastest form of fuel, we will crave sugar and carbs when needing quick energy (or when stressed due to the bio-chemical effects of “fight or flight” mode, but another story for a different day!). That being said, I do believe our food industry has taken advantage of this phenomenon. Food manufacturers know that not only is it our natural inclination to crave sugar, but it lights up the same reward areas in our brain as other addictive substances. The majority of food companies want you coming back for more.
I knew when I started Gratisfied, the brand would be included with those that actually care about the health of its customers, and the only reason why you would be a regular purchaser of my products is because you not only like the way it tastes, but you know it serves you nutritiously.
The sweeteners we use in the Empower Bar are no exception. Not only are they low glycemic (the range on which they effect your blood sugar, scaling 0 -100), but there are benefits to boot:
- Coconut nectar: has a glycemic index of 35 (vs. maple syrup at 55 and honey at 65). Contains a fiber called inulin, which helps to slow the absorption of glucose, making it a more blood sugar balancing option. Coconut nectar also contains the minerals iron and zinc.
- Monk Fruit: this small round fruit is indigenous to Southeast Asia, where it has been used for centuries as a natural sweetener. Promotes blood sugar balance and fights inflammation.
