Sugar Altneratives

janiesmommy

What are your opinions on artificial sweetners? I've heard mixed reviews.

Which one is your preference?

HollyHobbitToes

I don't use anything artificial but switched to coconut palm sugar....about the same calories but no sugar spikes....

vegetablesandcupcakes

No artificial sweeteners for me, but I do consume Stevia. I use NuNuNaturals clear liquid stevia.

LifeChanged2000

I don't use anything artificial but switched to coconut palm sugar....about the same calories but no sugar spikes....

I too use coconut palm sugar. I also use Aguave and Local Honey. All are good choices as sugar alternatives.

HummingbirdsStayActive

I use stevia, or honey... I don't see the point in using splenda since it's mostly just chemicals, I think stevia is a win win, all natural, zero calories.
Honey I use in my yogurt, things that need a little extra sweetness

sheyennelilly

I spoke to a dietician friend of mine yesterday and asked her this same question. In her OPINION, from the studies she's read, she personally believes that artificial sweeteners will slow down your metabolism in the long run, even if they help with short-term weight loss. The further processed it is, the worse it is, in her opinion. She actually felt that high fructose corn syrup was a step above the artificial sweeteners. She said the American something something or other board (official, but can't remember the name, but who she is licensed through) says there isn't enough information, but she also feels that large companies have sway in influencing those boards. Artificial sweeteners really haven't been around that long (historically speaking) and there haven't been many long-term studies of their effects, although I did read one posted by someone on the boards yesterday that was done in France and showed a possible link with Type 2 diabetes in older women. She felt she didn't have enough info to give me an opinion about stevia, but thought it was probably okay. She recommended real sugar in moderation, and also honey.

Docmahi

I've went from 257-200.5 lbs and all of it was drenched in artificial sweeteners

I use splenda/truvia frequently - if im at a restaurant that doesn't have splenda I'll go with sweet and low. I have never read any clinical document that has scared me of artificial sweeteners and I think the benefits out weigh the risks by far. This is my opinion and many people will disagree with me I am sure

skinnyforhi

I can't lose weight while using artificial sweeteners (I know this is hotly debated in the forums, but for me, I just can't). I say no No NO!

There are so many yummy and satisfying alternatives--agave nectar, a drizzle of honey or maple syrup, or just a teaspoon of real sugar at 15 calories.

I don't know the science behind it--but I have read that if you "trick" your body with the fake stuff, you will release hormones or whatnot to digest the fake sugar, and when your body doesn't find the real sugar, your body gets hungrier

This is probably not explained right at all, and possibly makes me look like a crazy lady, but I swear I'm hungrier when I am drinking diet sodas. I always lose weight when I give them up.\

Also--and I don't think that anyone could disagree with this statement--while I can't say for certain just how "bad" artificial sweeteners are for you, I don't think anyone could argue that they are "good" for you.

alaskaang

Artificial sweeteners of any type make me really sick to my stomach.

HaywireII

I'm probably working in the opposite direction. I'll pick sugar over any artificial sweetener or high fructose corn syrup. I just want my calories to add up, get enough nutrients and try to balance out my carbs, fat and protein. I will admit that most artificial sweeteners make me start reaching for my tin foil hat but if I can eat sugar in moderation and lose weight I'll stick with the sugar.

I've been like this since long before I came to MFP and I think my cravings for sweets has definitely diminished over time. I drink my ice tead unsweetened and only put a splash of creamer in my coffee. If I bite into anything with aspartame in it I know at the first bite...ick.

ksuh999

I've went from 257-200.5 lbs and all of it was drenched in artificial sweeteners

I use splenda/truvia frequently - if im at a restaurant that doesn't have splenda I'll go with sweet and low. I have never read any clinical document that has scared me of artificial sweeteners and I think the benefits out weigh the risks by far. This is my opinion and many people will disagree with me I am sure

Considering how litigious Americans are, if there was real proof that artificial sweeteners caused any sort of increased risk beyond any other GRAS product, the companies that manufacture aspartame, splenda, etc would've been sued to oblivion by now.

skinnyforhi

I've went from 257-200.5 lbs and all of it was drenched in artificial sweeteners

I use splenda/truvia frequently - if im at a restaurant that doesn't have splenda I'll go with sweet and low. I have never read any clinical document that has scared me of artificial sweeteners and I think the benefits out weigh the risks by far. This is my opinion and many people will disagree with me I am sure

Considering how litigious Americans are, if there was real proof that artificial sweeteners caused any sort of increased risk beyond any other GRAS product, the companies that manufacture aspartame, splenda, etc would've been sued to oblivion by now.

I am not sure this is quite right. Companies are allowed to manufacture cigarettes, grain alcohol, etc. And that doesn't mean it's good for you.

ksuh999

I've went from 257-200.5 lbs and all of it was drenched in artificial sweeteners

I use splenda/truvia frequently - if im at a restaurant that doesn't have splenda I'll go with sweet and low. I have never read any clinical document that has scared me of artificial sweeteners and I think the benefits out weigh the risks by far. This is my opinion and many people will disagree with me I am sure

Considering how litigious Americans are, if there was real proof that artificial sweeteners caused any sort of increased risk beyond any other GRAS product, the companies that manufacture aspartame, splenda, etc would've been sued to oblivion by now.

I am not sure this is quite right. Companies are allowed to manufacture cigarettes, grain alcohol, etc. And that doesn't mean it's good for you.

The tobacco companies did get sued, and lost big time. But of course the big thing is that everybody and their dog knows that smoking is bad for you - definitively. No ifs ands or buts about it.

Junk food is next on the list.

After that, well, don't be surprised if you do see alcohol producers targeted.

janiesmommy

I appreciate all of the responses!!! I personally do not like the taste of artificial sweetners and have always heard things against them. I think I will stick with the real thing and keep it in moderation.

Thank you again!!!

Danger2OneSelf

I've seen an experiment a freelance researcher did on phenylketonurics and saw first hand the effects aspartame and splenda had on lab rats. Almost 90% of the ones giving sweetener grew fatal tumors. Yes it was in massive amounts to establish it's short term toxicity but that's some scary stuff. Would you take cyanide in non-harmful miniscule amounts everyday for your entire life? If i go with a sweetener I use stevia It's an all natural herb that is super sweet and taste pretty good too. Check it out

taso42

.

taso42

I've seen an experiment a freelance researcher did on phenylketonurics and saw first hand the effects aspartame and splenda had on lab rats. Almost 90% of the ones giving sweetener grew fatal tumors. Yes it was in massive amounts to establish it's short term toxicity but that's some scary stuff. Would you take cyanide in non-harmful miniscule amounts everyday for your entire life? If i go with a sweetener I use stevia It's an all natural herb that is super sweet and taste pretty good too. Check it out

Yes, massive unrealistic doses.
You can take cyanide in non-harmful minuscule amounts every day... it's in apple seeds.

Chill with the scaremongering

Danger2OneSelf

I've seen an experiment a freelance researcher did on phenylketonurics and saw first hand the effects aspartame and splenda had on lab rats. Almost 90% of the ones giving sweetener grew fatal tumors. Yes it was in massive amounts to establish it's short term toxicity but that's some scary stuff. Would you take cyanide in non-harmful miniscule amounts everyday for your entire life? If i go with a sweetener I use stevia It's an all natural herb that is super sweet and taste pretty good too. Check it out

Yes, massive unrealistic doses.
You can take cyanide in non-harmful minuscule amounts every day... it's in apple seeds.

Chill with the scaremongering

I'm sorry, do you eat apple seeds daily or something? Not fear mongering bro just telling her what I've researched....why could I possibly have to gain from freaking her out....cmon

RhonndaJ

I've seen an experiment a freelance researcher did on phenylketonurics and saw first hand the effects aspartame and splenda had on lab rats. Almost 90% of the ones giving sweetener grew fatal tumors. Yes it was in massive amounts to establish it's short term toxicity but that's some scary stuff. Would you take cyanide in non-harmful miniscule amounts everyday for your entire life? If i go with a sweetener I use stevia It's an all natural herb that is super sweet and taste pretty good too. Check it out

Just because, you probably already do ingest miniscule amounts of cyanide daily in the food you eat.

Railr0aderTony

Honestly I prefer Splenda, I know stevia is better it is natural but I don't like the aftertaste. and there are no studies worth a hill of beans that prove splenda is harmful. forget all these clean food nazis and eat what you like and stay within your Macros

GG70

NATURAL sugar alternative.. SWEETLEAF -Liquid stevia LOVE IT!!

Danger2OneSelf

Ok, I think people are misinterpreting my point. Just because our body's can handle certain amounts of (any) kind of toxin, doesn't make it wise to purposely expose yourself to it...Carbon monoxide is taken in with every breath... but I'm not recommending you relax in your car with it running in the garage

taso42

Ok, I think people are misinterpreting my point. Just because our body's can handle certain amounts of (any) kind of toxin, doesn't make it wise to purposely expose yourself to it...Carbon monoxide is taken in with every breath... but I'm not recommending you relax in your car with it running in the garage

No, but you can, for example, fire up your car in the garage for a few minutes while you check something out under the hood.
Just as you can drink some diet soda here and there and no worry about harming yourself.

RhonndaJ

Ok, I think people are misinterpreting my point. Just because our body's can handle certain amounts of (any) kind of toxin, doesn't make it wise to purposely expose yourself to it...Carbon monoxide is taken in with every breath... but I'm not recommending you relax in your car with it running in the garage

Which brings us back to all things in moderation.

I don't for a moment believe that they are 'good for you', but I don't believe that in moderation they're harmful. But some people are most definitely sensitive to them and shouldn't use them.

skinnyforhi

I've went from 257-200.5 lbs and all of it was drenched in artificial sweeteners

I use splenda/truvia frequently - if im at a restaurant that doesn't have splenda I'll go with sweet and low. I have never read any clinical document that has scared me of artificial sweeteners and I think the benefits out weigh the risks by far. This is my opinion and many people will disagree with me I am sure

Considering how litigious Americans are, if there was real proof that artificial sweeteners caused any sort of increased risk beyond any other GRAS product, the companies that manufacture aspartame, splenda, etc would've been sued to oblivion by now.

I am not sure this is quite right. Companies are allowed to manufacture cigarettes, grain alcohol, etc. And that doesn't mean it's good for you.

The tobacco companies did get sued, and lost big time. But of course the big thing is that everybody and their dog knows that smoking is bad for you - definitively. No ifs ands or buts about it.

Junk food is next on the list.

After that, well, don't be surprised if you do see alcohol producers targeted.

Sure--that's a fair point. I guess I just meant that lots of things are allowed to be manufactured and sold, but they aren't necessarily good for you (and possibly not even safe--sometimes it takes a long time to know the effects of a substance).

BarackMeLikeAHurricane

I smoke a pack and a half a day and for about five years I was sticking a g0d d4mn needle in my arm all day. I think I can handle a little bit of splenda.