I'm already at my limit for sugar?

My sugar consumption went up quite a bit when I started eating better because I started eating at least a couple pieces of fresh fruit every day. As in "every calorie isn't the same" neither is every sugar. Refined sugar is what we want to avoid. Sugar in fresh fruit along with fiber, antioxidants, and other great nutrients is not exactly equal. The calories still count, so don't overdo it, but if it's fresh fruit that accounts for most of your sugar, do freak out.

Brown sugar is just refined sugar with some molasses, so look at it as being the same as white sugar. You might find using real maple syrup as a substitute allows you to use less and get about the same sweetness if you crave sweets. Another trick is to wean your self down by using less sugar over time and getting used to that. Those prepared packets are full of added sugars an other things already and I don't find them to taste very natural. Quick oats really don't take that much longer to make and do cost a lot less per serving.

Ooh, anything cost-effective is definitely a yes in my book. I'll have to look at the store and see what kind of natural sweeteners they have. I shop primarily at Trader Joe's, if you have any ideas. I know they have Stevia there, but last time I checked it was expensive ._.

By the way, does anyone know where I can get some almond butter made with JUST almonds? So far, the closest I've found was Trader Joe's made with just almonds and sea salt. Ralph's didn't have any, Fresh&Easy didn't have any.