Sugar or sugar substitutes?

So here's the question. Regular sugar? Or a sugar substitute? I've heard mixed reviews supporting each side. Ones on how the body is accustomed to regular sugar so it will process it easier. Also I've heard how the substitutes are better for dieting and how the body processes them through the digestive system without turning it to fat and storing it. So what's the final answer? Any and all information is appreciated :D
«134

Replies

  • TabbathaAnne
    TabbathaAnne Posts: 162 Member
    Stevia! Natural! No cals! :)
  • Nice choice! :D
  • TabbathaAnne
    TabbathaAnne Posts: 162 Member
    I will admit it takes some time to get used to the taste, but I like the natural factor and no cals? See ya, sugar!!!

    I do the liquid, flavored liquids, and powder. I make lemonade and green tea with plain liquid. Its basically amazing! :) And virtually guilt free!!!
  • Most, if not all, sugar substitutes can eventually lead to cancer.
    Aspartame has been proven to create super tiny holes throughout your brain.
    Too much sugar can cause you to become a diabetic, though.

    I usually get all or most of my store bought foods diet.
    Like my Yoplait Light yogurt, and diet soda if I actually decided to buy soda.
    I also like to order my Starbucks drinks with sugar-free syrups...

    At home I always use regular sugar.
    If you're eating right, sugar isn't going to harm you since you wouldn't be consuming it in insane quantities.

    If you're really good with eating healthy, then I would avoid sugar substitutes as much as possible.
    I have found that I enjoy the taste of 'diet' foods/junk foods more than the 'non-diet'...
    but it really isn't very good for you.
  • No difference in taste? I've been thinking about trying it but a little hesitant. I love my splenda lol.
  • Natvia is the best "sugar substitute" as it is the only 100% natural one. But you could find natural sweeteners like prunes or dates, blend them up and they're great for baking. Honey is also a good one!
  • Most, if not all, sugar substitutes can eventually lead to cancer.
    Aspartame has been proven to create super tiny holes throughout your brain.
    Too much sugar can cause you to become a diabetic, though.

    I usually get all or most of my store bought foods diet.
    Like my Yoplait Light yogurt, and diet soda if I actually decided to buy soda.
    I also like to order my Starbucks drinks with sugar-free syrups...

    At home I always use regular sugar.
    If you're eating right, sugar isn't going to harm you since you wouldn't be consuming it in insane quantities.

    If you're really good with eating healthy, then I would avoid sugar substitutes as much as possible.
    I have found that I enjoy the taste of 'diet' foods/junk foods more than the 'non-diet'...
    but it really isn't very good for you.

    So how much of it is a bad amount that will lead to cancer? I've been using it for a while now lol.
  • Splenda is really bad for you...
  • ninerbuff
    ninerbuff Posts: 49,024 Member
    I drink a couple of diet Pepsi's everyday. Don't buy the hoopla on cancer or holes in the brain. Show me the bodies...........:laugh: :laugh:


    A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
    IDEA Fitness member
    Kickboxing Certified Instructor
    Been in fitness for 28+ years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition
  • birdieaz
    birdieaz Posts: 448 Member
    For me whether it's a good choice or bad, is outweighed by how does it taste. Artificial sugar substitutes taste horrid, I've tried to get used to them but can't. Stevia is ok in some limited foods but not something i could put in everything.

    Verdict for me...sugar in the raw.
  • Just try and avoid soft drinks, coke or coke zero. they're both bad for you. if you like sugar in your coffee or tea try and cut it by half then half again. half a teaspoon of raw sugar is only 8 calories.
  • Just try and avoid soft drinks, coke or coke zero. they're both bad for you. if you like sugar in your coffee or tea try and cut it by half then half again. half a teaspoon of raw sugar is only 8 calories.

    My coffee is exactly what I've been using it in. I guess another thing I would have to ask is how is it from both sides? From a diet and weight loss aspect and from a healthy body on the inside aspect?
  • jenilla1
    jenilla1 Posts: 11,118 Member
    I used to use sugar substitutes like Splenda diet sodas to help wean myself off sodas. I rarely even drink diet soda anymore - mostly just water or green tea. I now use stevia if I want to sweeten something. Stevia is great and it's grown, not made in a lab. :flowerforyou:
  • Meg_78
    Meg_78 Posts: 998 Member
    Absolutely real sugar ...never a substitute ...gross (and I'm not on the whole stevia love train either!)
  • Absolutely real sugar ...never a substitute ...gross (and I'm not on the whole stevia love train either!)

    I haven't tried it yet but how come you don't like the stevia?
  • I drink a couple of diet Pepsi's everyday. Don't buy the hoopla on cancer or holes in the brain. Show me the bodies...........:laugh: :laugh:


    A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
    IDEA Fitness member
    Kickboxing Certified Instructor
    Been in fitness for 28+ years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition

    I would show you the brain, but I don't have access to the magazine I found it in.
    I'm not sure how much it takes for it to have any affect... or how long it takes for it to happen...
    but did you know that Splenda replaces the caloric molecules in sugar with chlorine molecules?
    I just read it on the website to make sure, and from what I read there it seems safe enough.
    I know a few years ago I saw something on T.V that made a huge deal about it, though.
    Of course the Splenda company won't say their product is bad, so it's really hard to know for sure.

    I eat a lot of things made with sugar substitutes and aspartame...

    I stick to using regular sugar for anything I make myself, though.
    Better safe than having cancer! It's just a few extra calories. No big deal.

    Of course, I could be completely wrong.
    I don't feel like looking up a bunch of information right now to find out if I'm right or wrong.
    No harm in me saying too much is dangerous, though.
    Too much of anything is harmful to our bodies.
  • Just try and avoid soft drinks, coke or coke zero. they're both bad for you. if you like sugar in your coffee or tea try and cut it by half then half again. half a teaspoon of raw sugar is only 8 calories.

    My coffee is exactly what I've been using it in. I guess another thing I would have to ask is how is it from both sides? From a diet and weight loss aspect and from a healthy body on the inside aspect?

    I've always been at a healthy comfortable weight, I'm now more just trying to get fit and grow some muscles ;) 8 calories isn't very much and won't make a difference. Replacing "fat" with chemicals is not the best idea ;)
  • I drink a couple of diet Pepsi's everyday. Don't buy the hoopla on cancer or holes in the brain. Show me the bodies...........:laugh: :laugh:


    A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
    IDEA Fitness member
    Kickboxing Certified Instructor
    Been in fitness for 28+ years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition

    I would show you the brain, but I don't have access to the magazine I found it in.
    I'm not sure how much it takes for it to have any affect... or how long it takes for it to happen...
    but did you know that Splenda replaces the caloric molecules in sugar with chlorine molecules?
    I just read it on the website to make sure, and from what I read there it seems safe enough.
    I know a few years ago I saw something on T.V that made a huge deal about it, though.
    Of course the Splenda company won't say their product is bad, so it's really hard to know for sure.

    I eat a lot of things made with sugar substitutes and aspartame...

    I stick to using regular sugar for anything I make myself, though.
    Better safe than having cancer! It's just a few extra calories. No big deal.

    Of course, I could be completely wrong.
    I don't feel like looking up a bunch of information right now to find out if I'm right or wrong.
    No harm in me saying too much is dangerous, though.
    Too much of anything is harmful to our bodies.

    Anything that isn't natural obviously isn't healthy for the body!! Sugar all the way.
  • Hoakiebs
    Hoakiebs Posts: 430 Member
    Use stevia and love it. I don't get the " aftertaste" comments, to me it tastes like sugar, but it's relatively expensive.
  • BinaryPulsar
    BinaryPulsar Posts: 8,927 Member
    Sometimes I use stevia for certain things because sugar isn't needed (I also like the toffee flavor). Other times I use sugar. I do like coconut palm sugar, it's tasty and has a lower amount of sugar per serving size (a tbs is only 3 grams of sugar). I'm not used to regular sugar, and have just never had it around. But, if I am out and I need to add sweetness I will probably add a little sugar (maybe sometimes splenda). I don't usually need extra sugar. Diet sodas are bad for teeth enamel because they are very acidic (citric acid and phosphoric acid). And some sweeteners and sugar alcohols can cause bloating and abdominal pain (but everyone is different).
  • Sometimes I use stevia for certain things because sugar isn't needed (I also like the toffee flavor). Other times I use sugar. I do like coconut palm sugar, it's tasty and has a lower amount of sugar per serving size (a tbs is only 3 grams of sugar). I'm not used to regular sugar, and have just never had it around. But, if I am out and I need to add sweetness I will probably add a little sugar. I don't usually need extra sugar. Diet sodas are bad for teeth enamel because they are very acidic (citric acid and phosphoric acid). and some sweeteners and sugar alcohols can cause bloating and abdominal pain (but everyone is different).

    Well that would certainly add to the explanations I've been looking for regarding my bloating every now and again. Usually only when I drink diet coke. Usually the abdominal pain is just gas though from all the veggies I eat :embarassed:
  • TabbathaAnne
    TabbathaAnne Posts: 162 Member
    Use stevia and love it. I don't get the " aftertaste" comments, to me it tastes like sugar, but it's relatively expensive.

    I dont think its expensive at all. Yes, my very small shaker of powdered Stevia costs nearly 15 dollars, but I dont need much at all, and so it has lasted me for almost one whole year! Granted, I dont use it in everything, but it is so sweet, you really dont need much!

    I love Stevia lol, can we tell! :P
  • ninerbuff
    ninerbuff Posts: 49,024 Member
    I drink a couple of diet Pepsi's everyday. Don't buy the hoopla on cancer or holes in the brain. Show me the bodies...........:laugh: :laugh:


    A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
    IDEA Fitness member
    Kickboxing Certified Instructor
    Been in fitness for 28+ years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition

    I would show you the brain, but I don't have access to the magazine I found it in.
    I'm not sure how much it takes for it to have any affect... or how long it takes for it to happen...
    but did you know that Splenda replaces the caloric molecules in sugar with chlorine molecules?
    I just read it on the website to make sure, and from what I read there it seems safe enough.
    I know a few years ago I saw something on T.V that made a huge deal about it, though.
    Of course the Splenda company won't say their product is bad, so it's really hard to know for sure.

    I eat a lot of things made with sugar substitutes and aspartame...

    I stick to using regular sugar for anything I make myself, though.
    Better safe than having cancer! It's just a few extra calories. No big deal.

    Of course, I could be completely wrong.
    I don't feel like looking up a bunch of information right now to find out if I'm right or wrong.
    No harm in me saying too much is dangerous, though.
    Too much of anything is harmful to our bodies.
    I would urge you to look at actual peer reviewed clinical studies on aspartame. There are lots of them done by Universities and Journals of Medicine.
    I haven't found one yet that verifies the claims of many "holistic, natural, anti chemical" bloggers, writers, supporters. Scare mongering is common amongst the "natural" crowd, even here on MFP.
    With claims of aspartame turning into formaldehyde in the body to scare people, they neglect to say that eating fruits turns into formaldehyde too.
    Don't believe articles, opinions, blogs, etc. unless you have some very good studies by unbiased (that's why peer review) sources.

    A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
    IDEA Fitness member
    Kickboxing Certified Instructor
    Been in fitness for 28+ years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition
  • ninerbuff
    ninerbuff Posts: 49,024 Member
    Splenda is really bad for you...
    How is it really bad? Or is that something you've just heard?

    A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
    IDEA Fitness member
    Kickboxing Certified Instructor
    Been in fitness for 28+ years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition
  • ninerbuff
    ninerbuff Posts: 49,024 Member
    I drink a couple of diet Pepsi's everyday. Don't buy the hoopla on cancer or holes in the brain. Show me the bodies...........:laugh: :laugh:


    A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
    IDEA Fitness member
    Kickboxing Certified Instructor
    Been in fitness for 28+ years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition

    I would show you the brain, but I don't have access to the magazine I found it in.
    I'm not sure how much it takes for it to have any affect... or how long it takes for it to happen...
    but did you know that Splenda replaces the caloric molecules in sugar with chlorine molecules?
    I just read it on the website to make sure, and from what I read there it seems safe enough.
    I know a few years ago I saw something on T.V that made a huge deal about it, though.
    Of course the Splenda company won't say their product is bad, so it's really hard to know for sure.

    I eat a lot of things made with sugar substitutes and aspartame...

    I stick to using regular sugar for anything I make myself, though.
    Better safe than having cancer! It's just a few extra calories. No big deal.

    Of course, I could be completely wrong.
    I don't feel like looking up a bunch of information right now to find out if I'm right or wrong.
    No harm in me saying too much is dangerous, though.
    Too much of anything is harmful to our bodies.

    Anything that isn't natural obviously isn't healthy for the body!! Sugar all the way.
    Really? Aspirin isn't natural (it's processed) and has been found good for heart health. Oral antibiotics aren't natural.
    Protein powders aren't natural. Neither are daily vitamins that are processed and made into pills. Kinda of a broad statement there.

    A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
    IDEA Fitness member
    Kickboxing Certified Instructor
    Been in fitness for 28+ years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition
  • Pebble321
    Pebble321 Posts: 6,423 Member
    Regular sugar but less of it is the solution for me.

    Two reasons for this - one is that I don't like the taste of any of the substitutes - especially stevia, it's disgusting. The other point is that in the long term I want to get out of the habit of eating things that aren't naturally sweet. So, for me, using sugar substitutes doesn't help me get to where I want to be.
  • I drink a couple of diet Pepsi's everyday. Don't buy the hoopla on cancer or holes in the brain. Show me the bodies...........:laugh: :laugh:


    A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
    IDEA Fitness member
    Kickboxing Certified Instructor
    Been in fitness for 28+ years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition

    I would show you the brain, but I don't have access to the magazine I found it in.
    I'm not sure how much it takes for it to have any affect... or how long it takes for it to happen...
    but did you know that Splenda replaces the caloric molecules in sugar with chlorine molecules?
    I just read it on the website to make sure, and from what I read there it seems safe enough.
    I know a few years ago I saw something on T.V that made a huge deal about it, though.
    Of course the Splenda company won't say their product is bad, so it's really hard to know for sure.

    I eat a lot of things made with sugar substitutes and aspartame...

    I stick to using regular sugar for anything I make myself, though.
    Better safe than having cancer! It's just a few extra calories. No big deal.

    Of course, I could be completely wrong.
    I don't feel like looking up a bunch of information right now to find out if I'm right or wrong.
    No harm in me saying too much is dangerous, though.
    Too much of anything is harmful to our bodies.
    I would urge you to look at actual peer reviewed clinical studies on aspartame. There are lots of them done by Universities and Journals of Medicine.
    I haven't found one yet that verifies the claims of many "holistic, natural, anti chemical" bloggers, writers, supporters. Scare mongering is common amongst the "natural" crowd, even here on MFP.
    With claims of aspartame turning into formaldehyde in the body to scare people, they neglect to say that eating fruits turns into formaldehyde too.
    Don't believe articles, opinions, blogs, etc. unless you have some very good studies by unbiased (that's why peer review) sources.

    A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
    IDEA Fitness member
    Kickboxing Certified Instructor
    Been in fitness for 28+ years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition

    I'd rather be safe than sorry.
    I couldn't help but to look something up about it real quick.
    I read the health problems each type of sugar substitute caused in rats, and why it is still supposedly safe for humans.
    I read what the FDA states about each kind of sugar substitute. They say it's safe for consumption...
    but my personal opinion is that you can't always trust what the FDA says.
    Sometimes something seems safe, but a few years later is dubbed hazardous to our health.
    I think it's something people need to be aware of, and consume at their own risk.
    I don't want innocent yet ignorant people dying because of something as simple as not eating Splenda, lol.
    I'm not saying fake sugar is absolutely bad for you (besides the fact too much of ANYTHING is unhealthy)...
    I don't trust the intelligence of the world as a whole.
    People smoke, and die from cancers relating to that.
    People choose to get so drunk that they abuse loved ones, drive drunk, and kill.
    People claim that they are not bad, even when they abuse animals, loved ones, steal, cheat, etc.

    I know I can be paranoid about a lot of things...
    even though I know that, though, I believe it is better to be safe than sorry. (:
    I've just had a problematic life the past 19 years, I try to protect my well-being from people's mistakes and poor choices.
    If that makes any sense.

    I obviously don't think all too much about sugar substitutes and their link to cancer...
    if I was more worried about it, I would discontinue my consumption of Yoplait Light yogurt!
    I'm just saying that I read things and saw things on T.V. that enhanced my awareness on this subject.
    There's a good chance I'm just being extremely ignorant... and too lazy to search up more facts. (;
  • Meg_78
    Meg_78 Posts: 998 Member
    Absolutely real sugar ...never a substitute ...gross (and I'm not on the whole stevia love train either!)

    I haven't tried it yet but how come you don't like the stevia?

    I think its a fad...I don't think actual sugar is a problem ... The problem lies in how much of it people consume. So I am happy to eat real sugar in moderation.
  • sunshine2212677
    sunshine2212677 Posts: 88 Member
    i like spender - its made from sugar, so all naural, but has almost zero carbs and calories.
    and it tastes great on homemade popcorn!!!
    :happy:
  • inkandsheep
    inkandsheep Posts: 101 Member
    I use stevia if I want to add sweetness to tea, otherwise I buy unrefined sugar to use in baking etc. as it's the least processed version of sugar.