Today, October 30th, is Sugar Addiction Awareness Day. As former sugar addicts (see our “before” pictures for proof!) this is certainly a subject that is near to us. Since cutting out all processed foods, grains and refined sugars, we’ve turned our health around completely and we’re pleased to pass that message along.
I remember nights where Stacy and I would stagger around the kitchen like the walking dead searching for the sweetest thing we could get our hands on. It’d likely a be pretty embarrassing scene, were there tapes of it. Often we’d end up stuffing our faces full of baked treats and chocolate and ice cream and all other manner of sugar-rich foods we could discover. In the same night. If nothing was in the house, I’d venture out to a nearby ice cream shop to bring it home. It was a serious problem. We were, in no exaggeration, addicted.
Stacy was clearly affected by her blood sugar roller coaster. If she was coming off high sugar intake, her mood would crash. She’d be grouchy and irritable, stomping around the house snapping at husband, kids and cat alike ala Frankenstein’s sugar monster. I wasn’t affected that way, but I got severe, irrepressible urges to eat all the sugary things I could get my hands on. It was pretty common in those days for (massive quantities of) treats to go missing in the middle of the night, victims of my midnight sugar hunts. I was the Jason Vorhees of sweets, hiding in the shadows of my own shame.
Since going Paleo, we’ve mostly slayed the sugar addiction monster. Without grains, the majority of our carb cravings vanished. And after the removal of processed foods our taste-buds changed. So, as happy Paleo folk, we’re no longer are we as sugar obsessed as before. Sure, we still get the occasional sugar fixation, but it passes. As a family attempting to lead a normal suburban life, we also, clearly, bake more treat than Grok would have ever had. In general, though, we used natural sugars from fruits or other sources or low-glycemic index sweeteners so as not to wake the sugar addition demon. Our favorite was palm sugar.
When we started ordering from Amazon Subscribe & Save, palm sugar seemed perfect! It’s from coconuts, it’s low glycemic and it’s granulated! I was so used to baking with liquid sweeteners that I had forgotten how convenient the granulated stuff was! I started putting it in pies, in cakes, especially in frosting (in a coffee grinder it becomes superfine sugar). Unfortunately, after having fallen in love with the stuff, we found out something about palm sugar that was very concerning and made us rethink how we use sweeteners.
Palm sugar, you see, is made from the nectar of coconut palms. To extract the sap, they cut open the bud. The bud would have made a coconut. You know what happens to that location on the palm after they slice it open? It ceases to make coconuts. But… but… but I love coconuts! We need all the coconuts we can get so I may have flakes, flour and oil at reasonable prices!
Sorry friend, you can’t have it all. With your love of coconut sugar, you drive up the price of everything else than can no longer grow on the same trees where coconut sugar was extracted – once. The effect of the increased popularity of palm sugar has already led to an increase in the price of all those more valuable products.
After discovering this, we have officially decided to stop using palm sugar as a sweetener. We’re actually editing our turned-in book to accommodate this change – it really is that important to us. The only food item we really need granulated sugar for is frosting, and we’re switching to unrefined cane sugar for those rare occasions that call for a granulated sugar. For the remainder of our recipes we’re focusing on sweetening our goods with fruit, dates, maple syrup and honey.
Which brings us to a little giveaway. Tropical Traditions has honored us with the ability to giveaway a 17.6 ounce jar of their organic raw honey! You know you want that (because I want that). Their honey is not only harvested in an environmentally friendly way, but the end result is a quality product that has the health inducing qualities we love. Is it sugar? Yes! Just because it’s not from a sugar cane doesn’t mean your body doesn’t recognize it – focus on this as a TREAT.
If you’re wondering how you could use honey, other than in your herbal tea, we think you’re not paying attention. We use honey A LOT. Use it to make our caramel sauce for our caramel apples! Or our “famed” Grain Free Granola! Or perhaps our ever popular Pumpkin Pucks?
Well, if you want some free honey, here’s what to do: Go to Tropical Traditions, and tell us what you’d buy. We’d love to know your favorite or what you’ve really been wanting to try, so simply comment on this post by sharing what that item is and that’s it – you’re entered to win some terrific raw honey! Of course following them on Facebook and Twitter is great too. Those who “share” kindly (please tag us from our Facebook page or Twitter name so that we can see it!) might get a couple of bumps from us…
Entries close in 10 days (that’s Tuesday, November 8th 12pm EST) and the winner will be announced Wednesday November 9th.
Sharlyn
October 30, 2011 at 9:42 AMI’ve been wanting to try their coconut cream concentrate. Their flour is also on my list for my next order.
Kim from Florida
October 30, 2011 at 10:08 AMI’m new to eating like a caveman…. but would LOVE to try this!
Erin
October 30, 2011 at 11:48 AMI’ve never tried their coconut oil, so I would like to try that. I also want that 1 gallon pail of coconut chips!
Yvonne Mitchell
October 30, 2011 at 11:55 AMI would like to buy coconut flakes. It’s something I’ve heard off roasting and salting and eating like a crunchy salty snack.
Yvonne
Ute Mitchell
October 30, 2011 at 12:10 PMThe Virgin Coconut Oil Hair Treatment! http://www.tropicaltraditions.com/virgin_coconut_oil_for_hair_treatment.htm
I know, it’s not food. But it’s supposed to be just awesome. 🙂
Laura Contreras Cole
October 30, 2011 at 12:14 PMI’d really love to try their coconut cream concentrate. Sounds dee-lish!
Already Like/follow TT on facebook & Twitter. 😀
Patricia Richardson
October 30, 2011 at 12:29 PMWe’re somewhat new to all of this, so just about anything from their site would be helpful! I do have some of their coconut oil and I love it!! Thanks for the giveaway! 🙂
Stephanie Mailloux-Hulse
October 30, 2011 at 12:37 PMshredded coconut! and coconut chips?!? sounds like magic!
Anastasia
October 30, 2011 at 12:44 PMI would love to try their coconut oil. I’ve heard so many good things about it’s flavor.
Elisabeth Arasim Kirchner
October 30, 2011 at 12:51 PMI’d love to try the coconut cream concentrate!
Amanda
October 30, 2011 at 1:00 PMI really want to try their coconut chips .. or the coconut cream concentrate…. or the honey… or the….. um, does this still cound.. I can’t choose only one? hehe
Celia O.
October 30, 2011 at 1:03 PMDefinitely coconut chips. And interesting re: the coconut palm sugar. I’ve never used the stuff, but now I won’t considering how unsustainable it is. Ugh.
Deb Emerich Stahl
October 30, 2011 at 1:36 PMAlready know what I’d buy – my next gallon of coconut oil!
Cae
October 30, 2011 at 1:38 PMI’ve been wanting to try the virgin red palm oil. I’ve heard some great things about how chalked full of nutrients it is.
Jennifer
October 30, 2011 at 1:51 PMI want to try the coconut cream concentrate. I didn’t know about how they got the palm sugar. Thanks for the info!
Kmerritt06
October 30, 2011 at 3:17 PMI have been wanting to try the coconut cream concentrate!
Natalie
October 30, 2011 at 4:02 PMI want to try their coconut flour and coconut cream concentrate!
Stacy & Matt
November 9, 2011 at 10:37 AMCongratulations Natalie, you’ve won the honey from Tropical Traditions! I’ll be giving them your e-mail today to get in touch with your personal information – thank you for participating!
Karina
October 30, 2011 at 6:00 PMTo be honest, I’ve been wanting to try their Raw Honey. I am also going to try using their coconut cream concentrate.
Becca
October 30, 2011 at 9:22 PMI would love to try their shredded coconut. There is so much I would like to try, though!
Heidi
October 31, 2011 at 2:10 AMDefinitely coconut flakes to make some coconut butter *drool*
Carrie @ gingerlemongirl.com
October 31, 2011 at 10:22 AMI would LOVE to win this jar of raw honey… and it’s a product I’ve wanted to buy from TT, but it’s pricey and most TT stuff isn’t in my budget right now (very sadly!!) But I love their Gold label coconut oil and the coconut flour! Both staples in my pantry! I’d love to try this as I’ve just started paleo recently — carrie (gingerlemongirl at gmail dot com)
Stacy & Matt
November 8, 2011 at 4:13 PMGood to see you Carrie!
Kendra
October 31, 2011 at 10:35 AMI’ve been wanting to try out their gold label coconut oil, but haven’t taken the plunge yet. Thanks for this post, I don’t use palm sugar and now I won’t start!
Tabitha
October 31, 2011 at 10:35 AMI would love to try their coconut flour. I’ve just recently discovered paleo and am trying to convert, one step at a time. I’ve cut out dairy and am working on grains… but I’m a baker at heart, so it’s been hard!
Samantha G.
November 2, 2011 at 10:30 PMOh Tabitha, wait till you try baking with Coconut Flour, I am a baker at heart too and I have got to say it is the best. I tried all the other flours initially when I went gluten free and not grain free, so I tried buckwheat flour, millet, brown rice, white rice, etc. you name it, I have tried it. I hated their flavors and they were difficult to bake with but Tropical Traditions Coconut Flour makes the most amazing (original recipe) grain-free pancakes ever. Also some really awesome peanut butter cookies, the list goes on, I am still new to it but so in love with it.
Tina B
October 31, 2011 at 11:46 AMI love their coconut oil!
Chunky Monkey Muffins | Paleo Parents
October 31, 2011 at 12:09 PM[…] A Tropical Traditions Raw Honey Giveaway […]
Mabel Figueroa
October 31, 2011 at 12:56 PMI’ve tried the coconut products, but I would love to try their maple syrup.
Amelia Dodson
October 31, 2011 at 2:40 PMI’m really excited to try their eggs from chickens raised eating their coconut based feed (and no soy!)
Stacy Brown
October 31, 2011 at 5:30 PMCoconut in a smoothie for dessert sounds devine!! Yummm
Anna
October 31, 2011 at 7:06 PMI have been wanting to try their Coconut Cream Concentrate.
Janell
October 31, 2011 at 8:35 PMMy favorite is their Coconut Flour
Dessertsbynatalie
October 31, 2011 at 10:32 PMLiked in tweeter, FB. I would.love to win this.
Heather Groblebe
October 31, 2011 at 11:13 PMI’d buy the Green Label Virgin coconut Oil, and possibly the Coconut Flour. I believe Ive read one of your psots that said they have the best prices on that item.
Courtney E.
November 1, 2011 at 1:24 AMTo be honest, I would buy a book they have called, “Confessions of an Rx Drug Pusher.” I am sick with a debilitating Auto-Immune Disease and the Dr’s want to do nothing but push drugs. This book may help my family why I say NO to drugs. Thanks for showing their site though, they have reasonable prices on their flour and will more than likely use them in the future. Thanks for sharing!
Jennifer D'Amato Close
November 1, 2011 at 10:35 AMI would buy the coconut flour, and the Coconut Cream Concentrate. Many thanks!
Channynn
November 1, 2011 at 7:16 PMOxygen bleach!
shannoncarman at yahoo dot com
Tanya Brown
November 1, 2011 at 7:38 PMI would really like the 32oz coconut cream concentrate…….
Christie B.
November 1, 2011 at 7:50 PMI like a lot of their products, but I think my favorite is the coconut flour. But coconut cream concentrate is a close second. I’m also a “fan” on Facebook, but I have been for awhile now, so I don’t know how to tag you so you can see it. If I figure it out, I’ll do it.
Samantha G.
November 2, 2011 at 10:20 PMMy biggest addiction is the Tropical Traditions Coconut Flour which is absolutely delicious! I’m excited to get some Tropical Traditions Coconut Oil very soon but to be honest, ever since I began researching coconut and using the flour, I have become quite the coconut addict. So I look forward to Coconut Milk, Coconut Creme, Coconut Flakes/Chips and Coconut Water. I want to find a mini Coconut Palm for sale somewhere and raise it indoors since my climate is too cold to have it outside, lol. As far as the honey goes, I have looked high and low for good honey and haven’t found any… I’ve never seen any that look white and opaque like that before so it’d be great to get to try it and hopefully fall in love with another Tropical Traditions Product.
Jenn Gatto
November 3, 2011 at 9:10 AMI’m new to the paleo lifestyle (so new in fact that I have never tried anything made with coconut flour) and with the cooler weather, I’m finding it really hard to control my urge to make all the yummy grain- and dairy-filled treats I normally would be baking. I think a little coconut flour might be JUST the thing to cheer me up and keep me on the right track.
Allison
November 3, 2011 at 9:38 AMI’ve been wanting to try Palm Shortening for awhile now and can’t seem to find it anywhere! I’ve seen it in a few recipes I’d like to try (most recently in a “muffin” recipe that looked DELICIOUS).
Stacy & Matt
November 8, 2011 at 4:11 PMAllison, we’ve found Spectrum brand shortening at Whole Foods and Wegman’s in our area. And of course on Amazon – although we prefer Tropical Traditions brand.
domestic diva
November 4, 2011 at 4:11 PMI’d like to try their coconut flour.
Sarah M
November 5, 2011 at 10:09 AMI have always wanted to try coconut cream concentrate.
sarahjmcwhirter at gmail dot com
Travelinlegs
November 5, 2011 at 12:37 PMWell, I get their coconut oil all the time, but the coconut cream concentrate sounds pretty interesting too. But – probably just lots and lots of coconut oil.
Lyzette Terman
November 8, 2011 at 4:06 PMI’ve always wanted to try this. My fingers are crossed! 😀
Leslie
November 8, 2011 at 4:11 PMI love their coconut oil, coconut cream concentrate, coconut flour, and eggs! I want to try the palm shortening and the honey.
Mirandroid Jones
November 8, 2011 at 4:16 PMCoconut cream concentrate.
Azbtrfly
November 8, 2011 at 4:18 PMHave tried their coconut oil, coconut flour and of course the honey. Shared as well. =)
NickiV
November 8, 2011 at 4:30 PMWould love to try this!!
The_brays
November 8, 2011 at 4:39 PMPalm shortening for me, though the concentrate sounds great and I think that I must try both pretty soon.
Aimée
November 8, 2011 at 4:58 PMI would love to get some palm shortening to try a few holiday cookie recipes 🙂
jessica
November 8, 2011 at 5:20 PMIm new to all of this and trying to find my way. there is so much information to take in. i would love to try their coconut oil or coconut flour. The honey would be great as well!
Amy Smith
November 8, 2011 at 10:06 PMWould love to also try their coconut flour!
Katie
November 8, 2011 at 10:22 PMI would love to try the coconut cream concentrate!
Marcia
November 8, 2011 at 10:30 PMI have been itching to try something with coconut chips! Yum!
Andi
November 8, 2011 at 10:31 PMWould Love to try the oil and the flour. And this honey looks yummy!
Robin R.
November 8, 2011 at 10:55 PMI would like to try the palm shortening. I need to decide what I am goIng to use it for.
April
November 8, 2011 at 10:55 PMI am a sugar addict too! I use tropical traditions coconut flour. I would love to try their fresh eggs! Would love some raw honey too!
Cassandra Craig
November 8, 2011 at 11:14 PMI’d definitely get some coconut cream concentrate, coconut flour and flaked coconut! ^_^
gina c
November 8, 2011 at 11:48 PMCoconut cream concentrate, palm shortening and more coconut flour!
Brittany Prosser
November 8, 2011 at 11:52 PMCoconut Cream Concentrate and Coconut Flour, most definitely!!
Laura Contreras Cole
November 8, 2011 at 11:54 PMI’ve been eyeing the coconut cream concentrate for like evaah.
Brunson71799
November 8, 2011 at 11:54 PMOil, flour, flakes, cream…you name it. I want it. Honey, milk and eggs too! What isn’t there to like about Tropical Traditions.
Kyndra Vern Gardner
November 9, 2011 at 12:17 AMTotally the huge tub of Coconut oil!
Diane
November 9, 2011 at 12:46 AMI love the coconut oil
Jedha
November 10, 2011 at 5:50 AMHi There,
I know the competition is over but I’ve just come back over and re-read this post and it’s so inspiring. Boy can I relate to being the walking dead before I had a sugar detox plan. Not only was I the walking dead but a super grouchy zombie on a roller coaster ride with major urges to eat, eat and eat some more! Funny how that state of haze seems ‘normal’ until you try paleo, then everything changes!!
My life has changed, I’ve lost weight, I feel sooo good and everything seems on track and hearing stories like yours helps to reaffirm the fact!
Stacy & Matt
November 10, 2011 at 2:55 PMThank! I’m so happy to hear that you seem to have overcome. It’s amazing how much the human body can tolerate and adapt to. So many people live in that sugar-fog and don’t even realize how much clearer they could be!
Mireya @myhealthyeatinghabits
December 6, 2011 at 3:56 PMHi,
I came across your site from a post on Elana’s Panty. Great before and after pictures of the family! Especially the after picture. My life has also changed dramatically since cutting Wwwwwaaaaaaay back on sugar. I didn’t know that there is a sugar addiction awareness day – good piece of information. What brand do you recommend for coconut flour and coconut oil?
Stacy & Matt
December 6, 2011 at 7:12 PMMireya, we highly recommend Tropical Traditions for coconut flour, coconut oil and palm shortening. We’ve got links in the sidebar to take you to those products because they’re our favorite! 🙂
Sugar: Q&A, What and Why | Paleo Parents
January 6, 2012 at 1:15 PM[…] sorry! Before we’ve been telling you about how palm sugar destroys coconut trees, which is what we’ve been told. Well, turns out that’s probably not true. So, […]
Filing
January 31, 2012 at 3:07 PMWhile Coconut palm sugar is unsustainable, Arenga palm sugar is highly sustainable. Arenga palm sugar is made from tree sap – palm tree species Arenga Pinnata. It is from the sap of the tree stems (not flower), extracting the tree sap actually prolong the life of the tree.
Stacy & Matt
January 31, 2012 at 3:10 PMDo you happen to know how one would be able to tell which they were purchasing? I’ve been buying a brand online called palm sugar but it doesn’t say Argena.
Filing
January 31, 2012 at 6:19 PMI think what you bought is coconut palm sugar as there are not many brands which are sold online are Arenga palm sugar. I bought the arenga one online.
Stacy & Matt
January 31, 2012 at 9:34 PMGood information! Thanks. We’ll be looking into it
msxaniamore
April 22, 2012 at 3:23 PMI love Tropical Traditions – what would I buy there? I would buy…
Organic Coconut Flakes 2.2 lbs.Hard Bounce Needak® RebounderAtchara – fermented green papaya in raw coconut water vinegar Virgin Red Palm Oil – OrganicandGift Certificates – all from Tropical Traditions!
Jessica Wood
August 13, 2013 at 10:29 PMohhh I want everything from Tropical Traditions but I’d like to try the coconut chips!!
saliim
February 15, 2015 at 9:06 PMmmmm i love tropical traditions hhالعاب
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