I wanted to share some of the research I did while writing “Food for Thought.” Please take the time to read this. It may get you to stop and think before you continue to consume foods that are filled with sugar, too much salt, unhealthy fats, processed and genetically modified (GMO). I’ve also included a special dessert I made for Maria that will be in the cookbook, “Food for Thought.” You are the first to have a recipe from the book. Enjoy!

THE DANGERS OF PROCESSED SUGARS

“Sugar” is the biggest culprit of all. 

The medical definition of a poison is, “any substance applied to the body, ingested or developed within the body, which causes or may cause disease.” Yikes!

Refined sugars are depleted of any nutritional value, including essential vitamins and minerals. Without these essential vitamins and minerals, carbohydrates metabolize into a toxic substance that acts as a poison to the body.

During the metabolizing process, sugars leach vitamins and minerals from the body as the carbohydrates try to properly digest. Eating sugars actually removes positive nutrients from your body and leaves toxicity.

SUAGAR HAS MANY HIDDEN SOURCES

The American diet is comprised of refined sugars, and when you take a look at the foods available at most markets that is not surprising. Grocery store shelves are littered with junk foods and many are disguised as “healthy” but they contain massive amounts of sugar. Some energy bars even contain as much or more sugar than a candy bar! Many foods contain hidden sugar, or sugar that is masked by other names like cane sugar, high fructose, corn syrup, sucana, and dextrose.

When I eat sweets, or anything with sugar in it, I immediately get a headache followed by a rush that lasts all of 10 to 15 minutes, then I just feel awful. My head still throbs with a dull pain, my attitude is not so sweet — pardon the pun — and my body aches.

It’s best to eliminate processed sugar all together from your diet but if you find it difficult there is a way around it.

I’m not asking you to cut out sweets completely that would be unrealistic but there is a way to incorporate them into your diet so it won’t cause damage. All that I know is that, I’m out!

I hope you enjoy the recipe for Chocolate Turtles below! Sugar provided by Mother Nature!

CHOCOLATE TURTLE APPLE SLICES

What is better than a cold sliced piece of apple dipped in chocolate? These are easy to make and so much fun to do. Alex, Ari, and I had a great time decorating our apples. They also make great table decorations!

These can be frozen and enjoyed right out of the freezer!

Yields 10-12 slices

INGREDIENTS

4 cups Ghirardelli chocolate chips

1 Tablespoon melted coconut oil

2 large Green apples

12 Popsicle sticks

1 cup store bought caramel syrup

1-1/2 cups chopped pecans or walnuts

¼ cup shaved almonds,

edible flowers, (optional)

1 teaspoon food grade gold leaf sprinkles

INSTRUCTIONS

Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper.

In a double boiler add the chocolate chips, coconut oil and melt the chocolate until smooth. Use a wooden spoon to mix together.

Slice apples into ¾” pieces. With a paring knife make a small slit in the bottom of each apple slice and insert a popsicle stick.

Dip the apple slices into the melted chocolate and drip off the excess chocolate.  Place on the parchment lined cookie sheet. Drizzle the caramel sauce over the apple slices and sprinkle with nuts. Refrigerate for 1 hour to set the chocolate.

You can have fun decorating your apple slices, I included some examples in the photograph.

The apples should be eaten the same day. If you don’t eat them the first day, which is impossible, cover with wrap and store them in the refrigerator. They will keep for 2 days.

For more recipes, follow me on Instagram @cristinacooks and Facebook.com/cristina.ferrare.96.

READ MORE STORIES THAT MOVE HUMANITY FORWARD

READ MORE STORIES THAT MOVE HUMANITY FORWARD

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