Healthier alternatives to sugar

You might put sugar in coffee, spoon it on cereal and sprinkle it on fruit. It's even hidden in many packaged foods, such as spaghetti sauce and soups. But for optimal health, it's best to limit your sugar intake, says nutritionist and cookbook author Robyn Webb. If you have a serious sweet tooth, consider these alternatives:

Raw honey contains vitamins and minerals. There are 300-plus varieties in this country, offering an array of flavors. Webb suggests using a little in oatmeal, marinades and salad dressings.

Agave nectar is derived from a desert plant. Swap it for sugar when making baked goods. It's a liquid sweetener, so you'll need to reduce any other liquids in your recipes.

Stevia is sold in U.S. supermarkets as a dietary supplement or in tiny packets as a blend. Webb recommends it for diabetics who want to sweeten drinks. “More research needs to be done, but it doesn't appear to affect blood sugar levels like other sugars do,” she says.