Strawberry Rhubarb Crumble
Naturally sweetened fresh strawberries and rhubarb are encased in a crumbly crust made of walnuts, oat flour, and lightly sweetened with dates in this healthy Strawberry Rhubarb Crumble. If you’re in the mood for a sweet treat, but don’t want to ruin all your gains, this is the recipe for you!
Unrefined Sugar Vs. Refined Sugar
Unrefined sugar and refined sugar are two different types of sweeteners that are processed differently. Here are the main differences between the two:
- Processing: Refined sugar undergoes a complex manufacturing process that involves multiple steps of refining, bleaching, and purifying, while unrefined sugar is minimally processed and retains more of its natural nutrients and minerals.
- Nutritional content: Unrefined sugar, such as natural sweeteners like honey, maple syrup, or coconut sugar, typically contains higher levels of nutrients, vitamins, and minerals, including potassium, calcium, and magnesium. In contrast, refined sugar is devoid of nutrients and can contribute to nutrient deficiencies if consumed in excess.
- Glycemic index: Unrefined sugar generally has a lower glycemic index than refined sugar, which means it causes a slower rise in blood sugar levels. This can help to prevent blood sugar spikes and crashes, which can be beneficial for people with diabetes or those looking to manage their blood sugar levels.
- Taste and texture: Unrefined sugar often has a more distinct and nuanced flavor compared to refined sugar, which can add depth and complexity to recipes. It also has a slightly different texture than refined sugar, with a coarser and more granular texture.
So there you have it. In short, unrefined sugar is generally considered to be a healthier option compared to refined sugar, as it is less processed, contains more nutrients, and has a lower glycemic index. However, it is still important to consume all types of sugar in moderation as excessive sugar consumption can lead to a range of negative health consequences.
Strawberry Rhubarb Crumble: A Phase 2 &3 Recipe
If you are searching through my website you may notice that my recipes are labeled either phase 1, 2, or 3. This relates to the type of recipe in correlation with your health goals.
Phase 1 recipes are geared toward loosing weight in a healthy way. They contain no oil, are very low fat, and extremely nutritious.
Phase 2 recipes are middle of the road plant-based. They may contain a little unrefined oil and salt. They are designed for everyday healthy eating.
Phase three recipes are a little bit on the indulgent side. They are still very healthy, but may contain extra unrefined oils or unrefined sugars. They may not be low calorie so beware if you are actively trying to loose weight.
Just type in phase 1, 2, or 3 in the search bar and you’ve got plenty of recipes for whatever your journey is!
So where does Strawberry Rhubarb Crumble fall? I would categorize this recipe as a Phase 2 or a Phase 3 recipe. It contains no oils and is naturally sweetened with dates and maple syrup. You could even swap out the maple syrup in this recipe for 1/4 cup of date paste if you wish to make it even more healthy. Either way, this is a good choice for dessert if you need a little something sweet and don’t want to break the bank.
