Not So Sweet

Dear Agave Nectar,

Thank you for reminding me to stick to whole, unprocessed foods. Thank you for teaching me to do my own extensive research. Thank you for our sweet memories and all the delicious recipes you helped me discover. I wish I could keep you around, because I was really into you, but I just don't think things between us are going to work out.

I've been reading about how unhealthy you can be, and even though it pains me, we need to take a break. I should have known that you were too good to be true. Truth is, you are not as good as I thought you were and that's enough for me to rethink our relationship entirely. I'm a little sad about our break up, but I'm happy to be moving on and glad for the wisdom. Some say that you are a healthfully derived product, and that all is well, but I will continue to read and research and learn. My gut tells me that processed is what processed does and that the days of you as my main sweetener are over. Will you prove me wrong?

Maybe we can still be friends, when I need quick, efficient fuel for long runs or hard workouts. But for now, some of my recipes and certainly my Candy Cane Tea and I will just have to enjoy eachother's company without you. What about all the yummy desserts you are a part of? Don't you worry, I've reconnected with my old friend Fresh Organic Date. We've been getting to know eachother again. It's a sweet relationship. 

I've also been doing a background check on an old acquaintance of mine, Raw Organic Honey. But it's not vegan, you say? Well, something I've learned from our relationship, is that highly processed food is rarely ever a good thing. Honey occurs naturally in nature and it has many health benefits. I'm still doing my due diligence on my Honey. I'll keep you posted if we end up becoming friends again.     

Hasta la vista, agave. I'm looking forward to good sweet wonderful days ahead.

Thanks for the memories.

Sage Kitchen

I encourage you to do your own research, trust your own body, and really stay in tune with how you feel during and after you eat. I have enjoyed agave for it's flavor and versatility and really am pretty sad to let it go. But I also know that a few of the times that I've added it to my first morning tea, it gave me heartburn. I used it moderately, then sparingly, and now I'm choosing not to use it at all. I agree with Brendan Brazier's perspective that it is an efficient and easily digestible fuel. I'd consider a high-quality agave if I were to train for longer runs again or if I needed sustenance for prolonged strenuous workouts, but other than that, I'm going to shelve it for now.