Peach Crumble Recipe Smackdown

Hi all –

I saw a copy of Weight Watchers magazine in our mailroom, and snatched it up. I love health and fitness and wanted to see what they have to say! I like how Weight Watchers teaches portion control. As I flipped through the magazine, I found something that drives me CRAZY. Pet peeve alert!

Here it is, a recipe for Mini Peach Crumble. Can you tell me what’s wrong with this pic?

The problem I have with this recipe is the 4 tablespoons of sugar! Why, Weight Watchers, why? I’ve made peach and berry crumbles for dessert dozens of times, they are always a huge hit, and I NEVER add white sugar. Here’s why:

1. Peaches and berries are naturally sweet and delicious!

2. If I want a little extra sweetness, I can add a sprinkle of organic stevia, which is a naturally sweetener that doesn’t spike your blood sugar levels.

3. If you’re trying to lose weight (which presumably the Weight Watchers audience is!) I would advise avoiding ALL added sugar.

4. I like to question and break through the myth in our culture that you can’t enjoy life without sugar, and that a dessert isn’t satisfying without sugar. Simply not true if you get a little creative!

5. My take is that this method of portion-controlled weight loss that includes white sugar is like driving with the emergency brake on. You may move forward but it will be slow and frustrating!

6. Cutting out the white sugar gives you a chance to re-train your tastebuds so they’re not always ‘looking’ for sweetness.

7. White sugar messes up your body’s ability to regulate blood sugar levels, suppresses the immune system, depletes minerals, etc etc.

Kerry’s Berry Crumble
Here’s how I would make this same recipe. Prep time = 5 minutes.

– 4 cups of assorted berries, I use frozen
– 1 cup total of oats/ almond flour/ shredded coconut mix.  (I use what I have on hand!)
– 1/4 cup of coconut oil or butter
– 1 tsp vanilla
– Optional: stevia to taste

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

2. Grease an 8×8 dish with coconut oil or butter.

3. Place berries in baking dish.

4. Combine the rest of the ingredients to make your crumble.

5. Sprinkle your crumble topping over the berries (using your hands).

6. Put dish in oven and cook for about 20 minutes for fresh fruit, or 30-40 minutes for frozen fruit.

7. Enjoy!   

And here’s a great article from Dr. Lipman on 11 Clues You’re Eating Too Many Carbs.