Sugar (free?)

bloomingolive
bloomingolive Posts: 47
in Food and Nutrition
Hi :)
As I said before somewhere, when I started eating better, I decided to avoid refined and added sugar.
I don't want to start a diatribe (God knows there are thousands of different opinions on the subject!), let's just say I didn't do it for the weight, but to overcome an addiction.

I don't eat a ton of sugar, really, but
-I love baking
-I drink tea
-I have some moments when I really, really want something sweet.

I bought stevia a couple weeks ago to substitute.
This morning I made my own yogurt from ferments, and of course it's a bit sour in flavour.
I put a teaspoon of stevia to sweeten, and sure, it tasted less sour, but I could feel an aftertaste that is very distinctive and I'm not crazy for it.
I worry that when the cold weather comes, I won't be able to enjoy my tea!
And the thought of bakind with stevia scares me, because it's expensive..I can't imagine having to use the whole package and that's only 40 grams!!
Do you have experience with going sugar free (for the most part)? Do you have any alternatives?

My uncle uses fructose. Is it valid, or is it the same as eating sugar?

Replies

  • christinairun
    christinairun Posts: 12
    It is tough since sugar and the alternatives are both bad in different ways. I would suggest using honey in your tea and maple syrup on your yogurt....its natural and avoiding chemicals is always better.
  • bugnbeansmom
    bugnbeansmom Posts: 292 Member
    My husband was recenlty diagnosed as diabetic so we have had the great sugar debate in our household! I have been pretty good with my food for a while now but enjoy the occasional treat.

    As far as sugar free goes, I would suggest using the real thing but going in moderation. The fake stuff scares me and I also hate the after taste. It actually upsets my tummy. :ohwell: I also avoid fat free, reduced fat, etc. I just eat less of the real thing. It just tates better and I feel treated.

    However, back to your question, when buying "sugar free" items, you must read the labels. Very often, something called sugar alcohol has been used or a techincal word that I can not pronounce. This is sugar as far as your body knows. You are much better off looking at the total carb count. If there are Xg of carbs in one serving and more than half of them are dietary sugar, there is probably a better option for you if you are wathcing sugar. I am not an expert but this was the advice given to us by the diabetic coach.

    Altermatives to sugar that still must be watched but add sweet without using the fake stuff: Agave Nectar, and Honey. To us, they are sweeter than sugar and allow us to use less with the same impact. I also enjoy hot tea and find that these items keep it a sweet treat for me and I can use less. Of course, I can still use about a teaspoon of sugar as I try to save room in my calorie count for the little bit I will need that night.

    If you are baking, just make it but eat less. I would rather have one serving of crazy good cake than 5 servings that leave a nasty after taste and cost me a fortune. But that might just be me. :tongue:
  • bloomingolive
    bloomingolive Posts: 47
    As far as sugar free goes, I would suggest using the real thing but going in moderation. The fake stuff scares me and I also hate the after taste. It actually upsets my tummy. :ohwell: I also avoid fat free, reduced fat, etc. I just eat less of the real thing. It just tates better and I feel treated.

    However, back to your question, when buying "sugar free" items, you must read the labels. Very often, something called sugar alcohol has been used or a techincal word that I can not pronounce. This is sugar as far as your body knows. You are much better off looking at the total carb count. If there are Xg of carbs in one serving and more than half of them are dietary sugar, there is probably a better option for you if you are wathcing sugar. I am not an expert but this was the advice given to us by the diabetic coach.

    Altermatives to sugar that still must be watched but add sweet without using the fake stuff: Agave Nectar, and Honey. To us, they are sweeter than sugar and allow us to use less with the same impact. I also enjoy hot tea and find that these items keep it a sweet treat for me and I can use less. Of course, I can still use about a teaspoon of sugar as I try to save room in my calorie count for the little bit I will need that night.

    If you are baking, just make it but eat less. I would rather have one serving of crazy good cake than 5 servings that leave a nasty after taste and cost me a fortune. But that might just be me. :tongue:

    Thank you so much!
    I agree about fat free & reduced fat ;)
    Watching the total carbs is a great tip! I'll remember when readin labels.
    My problem with "the real stuff" is that one small teaspoon opens up the flood of cravings :P
    Maybe that's just me, but I feel better when I skip it altogether!
    I read a lot of people use and love Agave nectar... I want to give it a try!
    Thanks again!
  • bugnbeansmom
    bugnbeansmom Posts: 292 Member
    There is one exception to my no sugar free rule. I love sugar free jello! it is LOW in carbs, tastes great, and with a little low sugar ready whip (also like no carbs) I get my fix! Also, the low sugar chocolate ready whip in my tea, never miss the extra sugar! Good luck!
  • Danied13
    Danied13 Posts: 117 Member
    First, fructose is worse than glucose in your body...just say no. Second, I don't use "sugar free" things typically but I try to keep my sugar intake low. I have liquid stevia; you're right about that aftertaste. But when I want to bake, I use either a less processed cane sugar, coconut sugar, or raw honey. I've found that since I don't eat many sweet things other than fruit, I can use less real sugar and have a nice treat.

    I think my best advice for going sugar free is to not substitute things while you're 1st getting started. After you feel you're in control, seek out natural, nutritious sources of sweeteners.
  • ShaneOSX
    ShaneOSX Posts: 198
    Try Nectresse instead of Stevia. My current non-sugar, non-toxic sweetener of choice. Tastes a lot better than Stevia.

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