Sugar Substitute or ???

caccynthia
caccynthia Posts: 2
in Food and Nutrition
I was using Truvia for my coffee which is low in calories, then I read it was made by Coca-Cola company and processed with 40 different chemicals, used to love splenda and quit using that. Now I use coconut palm sugar but it is high in calories and sugar for my daily intake. Any one have any suggestions?

Also, my teenage son is a biology major and harps on me about using sugar substitutes. Help!

Replies

  • cadaverousbones
    cadaverousbones Posts: 421 Member
    They have Stevia in the raw which is all natural and 0 calorie. You could also try light agave nectar, honey, or sugar in the raw. I would avoid artificial sweeteners. Look for organic versions that way you know it doesn't have extra chemicals and additives in it.
  • Lizzy622
    Lizzy622 Posts: 3,705 Member
    I like adding "sweet" spices like cinnamon or cloves or anise.
  • Acg67
    Acg67 Posts: 12,142 Member
    I was using Truvia for my coffee which is low in calories, then I read it was made by Coca-Cola company and processed with 40 different chemicals, used to love splenda and quit using that. Now I use coconut palm sugar but it is high in calories and sugar for my daily intake. Any one have any suggestions?

    Also, my teenage son is a biology major and harps on me about using sugar substitutes. Help!

    Tell your son to do some objective research on sugar substitutes and to get back to you after
  • nomeejerome
    nomeejerome Posts: 2,616 Member
    Everything has chemicals in it……do not be afraid of sugar or a sugar sub.
  • snazzyjazzy21
    snazzyjazzy21 Posts: 1,298 Member
    I was using Truvia for my coffee which is low in calories, then I read it was made by Coca-Cola company and processed with 40 different chemicals, used to love splenda and quit using that. Now I use coconut palm sugar but it is high in calories and sugar for my daily intake. Any one have any suggestions?

    Also, my teenage son is a biology major and harps on me about using sugar substitutes. Help!

    Tell your son to do some objective research on sugar substitutes and to get back to you after

    Yep, if he's into science, he should have no problem being objective about the studies out there. If you have no issues/side effects with Truvia, then carry on.
  • MrsJBro
    MrsJBro Posts: 59 Member
    Agave nectar is 15 calories per teaspoon, and tastes nice and sweet. No weird chemical aftertaste
  • gboybama
    gboybama Posts: 53 Member
    Splenda is both delicious and low cal.

    Any health problems ascribed to it are complete conjecture. (fantasy)
  • richardheath
    richardheath Posts: 1,276 Member
    So what is the deal with Truvia? You don't like it because it's Coca Cola; or because it is processed? Because all sugar-type products are going to be processed to some degree - even sugar!

    As to your son being a Biology major - is he telling you to eat real sugar; or to avoid it and have a substitute? There are no health issues either way really, except "real" sugar is calorie dense, which you may be trying to avoid if you are on a calorie restricted diet.

    Anyway - I use Stevia. Zero cal, tastes good and (importantly for me) don't spike my blood sugar.
  • cadaverousbones
    cadaverousbones Posts: 421 Member
    I think you should listen to my advice lol :P

    Stevia in the raw
    sugar in the raw
    organic agave
    organic honey
  • ZolaKabira
    ZolaKabira Posts: 1
    Hi I'm a Medical Scientist specialising in biochemistry, molecular biology, immunology and microbiology. I believe the issues people have with sugar substitutes is the mechanisms by which the body is un/able to utilise them. The reason they are 'zero calorie' is because the sugars are in a form that the body can not metabolise (use). For some individuals, this inability to metabolise means that these artificial sweeteners can build up in the body and cause problems with the liver and kidneys. Other individuals are able to simply excrete them through urine. There is definitely good reason to question these products and if you can find a natural substitute (like honey) then I would suggest using that, but if not, try to minimise your consumption. In my experience, after a while of reducing sugar from my diet I found that things began to taste sweeter and I didn't need to add any kind sweeteners (artificial or otherwise).

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