Swap for Safer: 3 Simple Solutions for a Healthy Lifestyle

Today we’re talking about 3 easy ways to swap for safer! We’ll give you simple solutions to replacing artificial sweeteners, traditional glass cleaners, and deodorant for safer options, and explain why it is so important to make the switch.

When you’re first starting to switch to a healthier lifestyle, the changes can seem overwhelming.

Artificial Sweeteners

Our first swap for safer is definitely a delicious one. The most common artificial sweeteners include saccharin, acesulfame (Sweet One), aspartame (often found in diet sodas), neotame (NutraSweet), and sucralose (Splenda). These sweeteners are up to hundreds of times sweeter than natural sugars and can actually contribute to more sugar cravings. When we intake a calorie-free sugar, it can still trigger the release of insulin just as if you were eating real sugar², but in this case the body has released insulin to help shuttle the glucose, only to find there is none. This process can contribute to insulin resistance.

In addition, artificial sweeteners have been shown to contribute to digestive problems, migraines, cancer^(3,4,5), metabolic syndrome, and even cardiovascular disease⁶. Given all of this information, we highly recommend avoiding artificial sweeteners whenever possible.

So what’s a good alternative? Real sugar! Ideally, an unrefined option such as pure maple syrup, honey, or coconut sugar. While sugar should be consumed in moderation, eating it in its natural form, which the body is fully equipped to deal with, is the best way to go. If you’re looking for a replacement for Splenda in your coffee every morning, try pure maple syrup instead! It mixes in easily and provides great flavor to both hot and iced coffee.

Window Cleaner

Safer cleaning products were one of the things it took me longest to change after making the switch to a healthy lifestyle. At the end of the day, I really wanted to make sure that my cleaning products WORKED. I especially clung to everyone’s favorite blue liquid window cleaner, because I didn’t want streaky mirrors or windows. Here’s what I found: there’s no streak-free magic in that blue liquid window cleaner that a safer alternative doesn’t offer.

For an easy toxin-free, fragrance-free alternative you can simply combine vinegar, water, and a little bit of essential oil for a fantastic window cleaner. Or, for the easiest method, you can buy the streak-free cleaner from my favorite safer cleaning product line – Branch Basics!

Deodorant

Deodorant is another product that I was hesitant to swap for safer, but I knew that I wanted a better option with simple ingredients that supported my body’s detox mechanisms. I also knew that whatever option I chose needed to keep me stink-free! After trying a few options, I finally found Primally Pure’s line of deodorant, and this stuff WORKS. I typically use the Lemongrass deodorant on a day-to-day basis, and the charcoal deodorant for days when I know I might be sweating a little more! For those with sensitive skin, the Blue Tansy version is your best bet, combining a sensitive formula with the anti-inflammatory properties of blue tansy. You can use the code FEDANDFIT10 for 10% off your first purchase!