Level 1 - Day 11

Pros and Cons Re:  Agave Nectar

The Pros:  In general, agave nectar is better than sugar, and by using it as a substitution for sugar you will reduce your calorie intake. When comparing the calories between the two, you will find that they both contain the same amount per teaspoon. But because agave is 1.5 times sweeter than sugar; you will not need as much, thereby you can reduce your calories.  Start by substituting between 1/2 to 2/3 cups of nectar for 1 cup of sugar.

If you are diabetic you will definitely want to switch to agave because it has such a low glycemic index. This is due to the high levels of fructose which are not as easily absorbed into the bloodstream. Sugar, on the other hand, is low in fructose, and high in glucose. It is easily absorbed into the bloodstream, which gives you a rush of energy. As this energy begins to wear off you find yourself craving more, but fructose will help to balance your energy levels, as well as your appetite.

Unlike sugar, which has no nutritional value, agave contains small amounts of calcium, iron, potassium and magnesium. It helps to fight colon cancer, and improves the functioning of the gallbladder by breaking down fats.

The Cons:  If you are pregnant you should consume agave with caution, as some species of agave contain anordin and dinordin steroids, which can lead to a miscarriage.
Even though agave does not spike blood sugar levels, it does make its way into the bloodstream as triglycerides. These can cause the arteries to harden, and eventually may cause heart attacks and strokes. So if you have any kind of heart problems you may want to stick with sugar.

Just like sugar, agave nectar is an addictive sweetener, and you should always consume it in moderation.

Breakfast - Fruit; then I exercised.  Afterwards, Quinoa with non-fat milk and a squirt of Agave Nectar.

AM Snack - Skipped due to my hectic schedule today.  I'm taking the day off tomorrow, so I have to work extra hard today.

Lunch - Leftover chicken and broccoli stir fry from yesterday.  I added a few shakes of Montreal Chicken seasoning by McCormick to spice it up a bit.  As, we found it to be a little bland.

PM Snack - Small organic apple.

Dinner - Mozzarella Marinara with Sweet Tomato Sauce and tossed salad (found on the SS web site).  This was truly a treat ... as it was succulent and divine!  I highly encourage you to make this dish, but it seems awfully naughty with all that cheese.  The recipe calls for 1 pound of mozzarella cheese for 6 servings.  Plus, 3/4 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese.

You make a very simple, but hearty tomato sauce, for 6 people.  The only down-side is that it takes 45 minutes to simmer on the stove.

I cut the recipe back to 4 servings, as I didn't think eating this much cheese was a good idea.  But, after being on this plan for a while now, it was a much-needed splurge.  We'll have the other 2 servings over the weekend, for lunch.