With Valentine’s Day coming up, I certainly don’t want to bring you down by talking about how hidden and added sugars are damaging to your health, but unfortunately, sugars and carbohydrates that convert to blood sugar in your body (also called the Hidden Sugar Effect) can lead to dangerous spikes in your insulin levels. Any excess sugar that your body can’t process is converted into fat, and can lead to insulin resistance, pre-diabetes and potentially type 2 diabetes, as well as obesity and many other health issues related to obesity, such as heart disease.
Fortunately, with Atkins, you are encouraged to consume whole foods, which may actually help you stop craving the sweet stuff. Instead, vegetables, berries and other fruits, nuts/ seeds, Greek yogurt, as well as a variety of protein sources and olive oil and avocado and other healthy, natural fats keep you satisfied and in control of your appetite. And because your sugar intake is low, you will be more likely to burn body fat for energy.
With that being said, your Valentine’s Day can be naturally low in carbs and sugar and full of flavor while being mouthwatering rich and decadent. You can start off with steak or lobster (dipped in butter, nonetheless) with a side of roasted asparagus drizzled with hollandaise sauce and finish up with the following sweet choices:
Berries with Chocolate Ganache
Coconut Cashew Chocolate Truffles
And even if you don't feel like whipping up one of these low-carb and low sugar Valentine's Day desserts, you can still indulge yourself with a few Atkins Treats along the way: they are the perfect cure for your Valentine's sweet tooth. without all the sugar.