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Only 2 Apples and 1 Glass of Oatmeal: How I Haven’t Eaten Sugar for a Year and Why You Should Try This Delicious, Sugar-Free Recipe!
If you’re looking to cut out sugar from your diet and are craving something sweet and satisfying, then this simple recipe might be just what you need! For the past year, I’ve managed to avoid sugar, and one of my favorite go-to meals during this journey has been Oatmeal with Apples. It’s naturally sweetened, nutrient-packed, and incredibly easy to make with just two apples and one glass of oatmeal.
In this article, I’ll share how this simple, wholesome recipe helped me ditch sugar for an entire year—and why it might be the perfect way to start your own sugar-free journey. Let’s dive in!
Why Cut Out Sugar?
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s talk about why cutting out sugar—especially refined sugars—can have such a positive impact on your health.
- Better Energy Levels: Without the sugar crashes that come from sugary snacks, you’ll find that your energy levels stabilize throughout the day.
- Weight Management: Cutting out added sugars can make it easier to manage weight since it reduces your calorie intake without sacrificing fullness and satisfaction.
- Improved Skin: Many people notice a significant improvement in their skin when they stop eating sugar, with fewer breakouts and a clearer complexion.
- Balanced Blood Sugar: Avoiding sugar helps prevent the spikes and crashes in blood sugar levels, reducing the risk of developing type 2 diabetes or other related conditions.
When I stopped eating sugar, I began noticing these benefits almost immediately. But what made the transition easier was finding naturally sweet foods, like apples, that still satisfied my cravings without the added sugar.
Why This Recipe Works:
This Oatmeal with Apples recipe is naturally sweet and incredibly filling. The apples provide the sweetness that you might crave without the blood sugar spikes that come with refined sugar. Combined with hearty oatmeal, this meal is full of fiber, vitamins, and minerals, making it the perfect breakfast or snack to keep you going through the day.
- Apples: They contain natural sugars (fructose) and are rich in fiber, which helps with digestion and keeps you feeling full longer. They also have vitamin C, antioxidants, and other nutrients that support overall health.
- Oatmeal: Oats are a whole grain that provide long-lasting energy and are a great source of soluble fiber (beta-glucan). This helps to keep cholesterol levels in check, stabilize blood sugar, and improve gut health.
The beauty of this recipe is that it’s completely sugar-free, relying solely on the natural sweetness of apples. And it’s so easy to make!
Ingredients:
- 2 medium apples (I recommend using a sweeter variety like Fuji, Honeycrisp, or Gala for more natural sweetness)
- 1 glass of old-fashioned rolled oats (about 1 cup)
- 2 cups of water or unsweetened almond milk (or any milk of your choice)
- Optional toppings: cinnamon, chopped nuts, chia seeds, or a handful of berries for extra flavor and texture
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Apples
Start by peeling and coring the apples. Then, chop them into small pieces or thin slices, depending on your preference. You can leave the skin on for extra fiber, or peel them if you prefer a smoother texture.
Step 2: Cook the Oats
In a medium saucepan, bring the water or milk to a simmer. Add the rolled oats and cook according to the package instructions (usually about 5-10 minutes, depending on the type of oats). Stir occasionally, and once the oats have absorbed most of the liquid and are soft, remove the saucepan from the heat.
Step 3: Add the Apples
While the oats are cooking, you can cook the apples separately to bring out their sweetness. In a small pan, heat the chopped apples over medium heat for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. If you want to enhance the flavor, sprinkle some cinnamon over the apples while they cook. This step will make the apples soft and allow them to rele