And especially with pancakes, unless you are topping them with fruit or another creative healthy option, definitely use maple syrup. You can't use regular syrup, right? It's full of high fructose corn syrup (HFCS)!
Maple Grades
Maple syrups get assigned different grades depending on their color. Grade A, tapped earliest in the season, is palest in color, with a mild taste. Late-season grade B, which we recommend, tends to be darker and richer. It's often called cooking maple, but you can pour it on anything. (Vegetarian Times Magazine)
I often hear "mmmm, maple syrup, BUT it's so expensive." It is expensive in relation to the fake syrup. It's also natural. It may offer health benefits. And in many cases it comes from family farms.
If price and/or calories are a true concern, here's a plan from the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine. Pure maple syrup is unquestionably delicious, but it's also high in calories and a bit expensive. To reduce the cost to your waistline and your wallet, try this fabulous blend. It is so easy to make, adds a bit of extra nutrition, and extends the maple syrup while retaining all of its magnificent flavor. It's the perfect topping for pancakes, waffles or French toast.
Makes about 1 cup
Ingredients
1/2 cup pure maple syrup
1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
This is what Rodale news says about maple syrup: All types of sweeteners should be used in moderation, but turn to real maple syrup if you want a naturally sweet treat. It's lower in calories and packed with more minerals than honey, and may even ward off cancer and heart disease. In 2011, a pharmacist from the University of Rhode Island discovered 54 previously unknown compounds in maple syrup from Canada, many of which were anti-inflammatory (which protects your heart) and exhibited cancer-fighting antioxidant properties. Ironically, two of the antioxidants they found were later discovered to fight enzymes that lead to type 2 diabetes. When you're buying it, just make sure the label reads 100 percent maple syrup—not high-fructose corn syrup and "natural maple flavoring."
Action Item: Check your cabinets again (or your next shopping list). Is artificial syrup or maple syrup there? Remember that maple syrup is a sweetener, not a food group! Use it sparingly. It's a great idea to replace table sugars, HFCS, etc., but it's not a free pass to eat as much as you want.
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