Some health issues in our family have driven me to explore the somewhat uninviting world of eating without sugar. Now before you click me off, let me say that we're finding it quite satisfying to modify recipes using stevia, a very healthy and natural sugar substitute.
I could probably discuss at length the bad stuff sugar does to your body, but you can check that out yourself. Even substituting stevia now and again can help enhance your overall health. Did you know that stevia actually enhances the work of probiotics--good bacteria--in your body? I've found that when you cut back on sugar, you begin to lose your taste for it. (I know this is hard to believe!)
If you're going to start using stevia, I would recommend doing some research on the different forms. The best information I found were in stevia cookbooks from the library. My favorite brand is by NuNaturals, "NuStevia" White Stevia Powder that comes in premeasured packets and doesn't have a bitter aftertaste that some brands do. I get it at our health food store but you can order it online and read about stevia at their website.
For starters, here's a quick recipe:
Sugar-free Whipped Cream
With your mixer, blend 1 pint whipping cream, 1 packet of stevia, and 1/4 tsp. real vanilla until it forms peaks. This works great as a substitute for frosting. Voila! How easy can that be?!
Options: cocoa powder for chocolate whipped cream, cinnamon for spiced.