Sugar-filled foods and drinks are hard to cut off - but did you know there are natural sweeteners out there to replace harmful sugars? Being healthy doesn't mean totally cutting out your favorite goodies! It's all about balance and small swaps to make your favorite recipes in a healthy alternative way!

Everyone knows regular sugar is definitely not good for you - but do you know why?

Overall, sugar has nothing good! It contains no protein, essential fats, vitamins or minerals. Aka- theres no need for it in your diet! Sugar actually interferes with hormones in your body that regulate hunger, leading to weight gain! Similarly, It also harms your metabolism, leading to increased fat storage. High sugar intake is also associated heart disease, diabetes and cancer.

On top of negative effects, sugar is ACTUALLY an addictive. It causes dopamine to be released in the reward center of the brain, which is the same response activated by addictive drugs. This leads to cravings and can drive overeating!!

Sure, cutting out sweets sounds easy, but did you know sugar is hidden in most foods in your kitchen? This includes condiments + salad dressings, pasta sauces, coffee drinks, and more! It's time to cut sugar out of your life for good! With these 3 natural sweeteners, you can make some of your favorite recipes to curb your sugar cravings - without the harmful white sugar.

1. Stevia

Stevia is one of the most popular natural sweeteners! It's that's extracted from the leaves of a South American shrub known scientifically as Stevia rebaudiana. It contains zero calories and is great for weight management. On top of replacing sugar, it also has some health benefits such as boosting bone health and aiding oral health.

2. Coconut Sugar

Coconut sugar is used widely as a natural sweetener in baking and in cooking. It's extracted from the sap of the coconut palm. It contains nutrients such as including iron, zinc, calcium and potassium, as well as antioxidants! Something especially unique about coconut sugar is that it has insulin - making it good for your gut! Insulin has the ability to promote the growth of intestinal bifidobacteria. Bifidobacteria have been known to help restore the good bacteria in the gut and also boost your immunity.

3. Honey

Honey is a pretty well known sweetener, but most people don't think of it as a sugar replacement when it totally is! It is a thick golden liquid that comes from honey bees. It's bursting with antioxidants and boosts benefits such as reducing inflammation, heart health and ease digestive problems!

Have you tried any of these sugar replacements? If not, you can find them at almost any local supermarket and start swapping them into your favorite recipes! Everyone loves a good homemade chocolate chip cookie, so we put together a game-changing recipe for you to get started on the swap by using coconut sugar (not to mention - detox friendly + totally yummy)!

Chia Chip Cookies

Almond Butter

Coconut Sugar

Chia Seeds

Dark Chocolate

& more (check out the full recipe here)!

Preheat oven to 350ºF! Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and coat with coconut oil.

In a medium bowl, whisk together your ingredients until they're a dough consistency! Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough and place onto the prepared baking sheet.

Bake for 8 to 10 minutes or until set. Let them cool for at least 15 minutes on the baking sheet, then transfer them carefully to a cooling rack (they will be crumbly if you try to move them too early, so be sure to let them set up!). Enjoy!!!!

Check out the full recipe for these yummy detox approved cookies here! You won't believe how delicious these cookies are! Sometimes healthy recipes surprise you - they seriously taste better than the sugar filled brands! Looking for more ideas for your sweet tooth? Check out our yummy (+ healthy!) desserts here!