Hi lovelies,

Just because my name is Candy, that doesn't mean I like to add extra sugar to everything, which is just one of the reasons why I signed up for the #GoodbyeSugar30 Challenge hosted by SPLENDA® Naturals Stevia Sweetener.

However, all jokes aside, I wanted to share with you all why I'm so excited about committing to this awesome challenge. I've decided to kick taking better care of myself from the inside out into high gear and 30 days of saying goodbye to sugar will help me do just that.

During the challenge, I'll be replacing my usual sugar and sweeteners for SPLENDA® Naturals Stevia Sweetener to eliminate consuming unnecessary calories and added sugars, but without compromising flavor and taste. A huge step for me will be taking inventory of what's already in my fridge and cabinets to see where I could swap out foods and beverages that contain certain added sugars that might not be the healthiest for me and opt to add in SPLENDA® Naturals Stevia Sweetener instead.

On a personal note, I've been running 4-5 times a week and meditating everyday, so I want to make sure that I'm not sabotaging my other healthy lifestyle choices by consuming unnecessary and unnatural sugars, thus by making the lifestyle change to SPLENDA® Naturals Stevia Sweetener is the perfect way to maintain an overall healthy lifestyle and keep a perfect balance between mind and body.

But I also have to admit that there's another reason why I'm excited for the challenge. I love my morning cup of coffee, it's a daily ritual of mine that kick-starts my day and I was worried about compromising the taste of my morning cup of Joe, which I always take with sugar and cream. But luckily for me, SPLENDA® Naturals Stevia Sweetener has a naturally sweet flavor without the usual bitter aftertaste of other stevia sweeteners, which means I can successfully make this healthy switch and complete the #GoodbyeSugar30 Challenge without losing the comfort of my favorite morning ritual.

And based on my love for my morning cup of coffee, I'm super excited to try the Homemade Chai recipe with SPLENDA® Naturals Stevia Sweetener as a healthy way to shake up my morning routine.

Check it out the Homemade Chai recipe below and let me know what you think.

INGREDIENTS:

• 3 slices peeled fresh ginger
• 3 packets SPLENDA® Naturals Stevia Sweetener
• 12 black peppercorns
• 3 whole cloves
• 2 cardamom pods
• 1 (3 inch) cinnamon stick
• 2 cups water
• 2 Darjeeling tea bags
• 1/2 cup 2% reduced-fat milk

DIRECTIONS:

1. Combine ginger, SPLENDA® Naturals Stevia Sweetener, black peppercorns, whole cloves, cardamom pods, cinnamon stick, and water in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil. Add teabags, cover and steep for 5 minutes. Remove spices and tea bags with a slotted spoon and discard.

2. Add milk and cook over medium heat until thoroughly heated. Do not boil. Serve immediately.

The official details on the #GoodbyeSugar30 Challenge:

#GoodbyeSugar30 Challenge Details:
Americans are starting to realize just how much sugar is in our diets! But not all sugar is created equal. Some sugar is naturally occurring in foods like fruits and milk. But then there’s sugar that is added to foods and beverages for taste. Sometimes sugar is added to foods that already have naturally occurring sugars, like yogurt. Some added sugars are in obvious places- we know that there is sugar in drinks like lemonade, in candy, baked goods, and other treats. But there are often sugars added to foods you would never think of – like salad dressing and savory sauces. Want to reduce the added sugars and calories in your day without sacrificing taste? SPLENDA® Naturals Stevia Sweetener can help!

What is the Goodbye Sugar 30 Day Challenge?
SPLENDA® Naturals Stevia Sweetener is challenging you to spot the places in your diet where sugar is added, and identify the occasions where you can easily swap out the added sugar and the calories with the delicious new SPLENDA® Naturals Stevia Sweetener. The goal of this 30 day challenge is to give you the tools to make small changes in your lifestyle that can help you reduce added sugars and calories, without sacrificing taste.

So if you're like me, and your goal is to create a healthy life from the inside out while finding a balance between creating a healthy mind and body, then you should join us during the #GoodbyeSugar30 Challenge, and sign-up here. You can pick up the SPLENDA® Naturals Stevia Sweetener at any retail store and they come in convenient 40 or 80 count boxes.

For more information, visit SplendaNaturals.com.