artificial sweeteners

neener13 · Sat Sep 11, 2004 2:03 am

Hi All, I'm new to this forum and have been on SBD for 12 days. I've lost 7 lbs. and have 8 more to go to reach my goal weight. :D
I have such a sweet tooth and miss my sugar! I've switched to artificial sweeteners and can't stand the aftertaste. I know sugar isn't good for you, but what about these sweeteners. I went online to see and found some info. I hate to ruin anyone's day, but I thought some of you may be interested in learning more about it and maybe we all can not only cut down on sugar, but cut down on sweeteners-- period. For me it seems like that would be impossible, but I really don't like anything but sugar. Here's one site: www.holisticmed.com/aspartame/adverse.txt
The main site is: www.holisticmed.com/aspartame/100.html

Burdle · Sat Sep 11, 2004 11:33 am

There is a big controversy on artificial sweeteners here. You've brought up a touchy subject. If you use the search function at the top of the page, you can read all about it, thousands of posts will show up...personally, I limit my intake severely, only 1 diet soda a day, don't even keep the liquid or powdered stuff around except for Stevia, and I use very little of that.
Burdle The Bean Queen
172/127/120 started 1/5/04

chilehedd · Sat Sep 11, 2004 1:01 pm

neener, you read my mind. As I prepare to start the SB on the 18th (there is madness in my method) my biggest concerns are the use of artificial sweeteners and butter substitutes. They both taste bad, and I cannot believe are good for you.

Because I am not doing this for weight loss (my cholesterol/triglycerides resemble a diabetics) the sugar issue is important. However, I did a "test" loaf of whole grain bread with Splenda and still got an aftertaste, and if it isn't healthy . . .

With the butter substitutes (and low-fat cheese - which ramps up the salt) I will do what I always have - use the real thing, but only on special occasions.

As for Stevia, it's $10 an ounce . . .

AnamCara · Sat Sep 11, 2004 3:20 pm

Greetings ...

My problem with sweeteners goes beyond concern - I'm actually allergic. I get severe headaches with Aspartame/Nutrasweet. And did alot of research into the side-effects of Splenda - so was concerned. I tried a Splenda lo-carb ice cream and ended up with a headache - although not as severe as with Aspartame/Nutrasweet.

So no artificial sweeteners for me. Luckily, I gave up soda earlier this year - otherwise I think this would've been impossible for me. Thank goodness for the no-sugar added Fudgesicles - they've been the biggest thing to get my chocolate/sweet tooth through P1 so far.

As to artificial butters - I come from a family of nurses who are strongly against using margarines or artificial butters. I did try the ICBINB spray - and was pleasantly suprised at the buttery taste. But like you am concerned about chemicals. So I limit my use of this to just when I have hardboiled eggs.

Not sure thats of any help - but there you go.

neener13 · Sun Sep 12, 2004 12:48 am

Thanks for your replies and shared opinions. I'm going to try to cut out artificial sweeteners, it's just gonna take some time.

peacefulpath · Sun Sep 12, 2004 11:39 pm

chile: it is possible to make bread using honey as the sweetener. It doesn't take much - just enought to proof the yeast, and even the flour has some sugars in it that can help. A tablespoon of honey to a whole loaf of bread can't be THAT big a glycemic load (can it?) As for the others, I agree completely about the Aspartame (gives me headaches, too). Plus, I know someone who, back in the early 80's, consumed many diet sodas per day, plus diet sweets (jello, etc), and had a debillitating stroke at the age of 32. There was no logical reason why she should have had the stroke - no family history, no clots, etc. Just that Aspartame tie-in. That was enough proof for me. (btw, she has been in a nursing home ever since.......)

I confess I have used S&L in my coffee for YEARS - one or two per day. No problems with it - and I got used to the after taste a loonnnggg time ago. I started using Splenda in some cooking - not much. I guess it all boils down to everything in moderation. If the taste doesn't bother you, and you don't use too much, it probably isn't an issue. It's just the people who consume way too much that might have problems.

That's my theory, and I'm stickin' with it! :P

Karen

flowerchick · Tue Sep 21, 2004 2:35 am

I did some research after reading the post about artificial sweeteners and found that Nutrasweet and Splenda are the most dangerous. They did prove that Sweet-n-Low caused cancer in laboratory rats, but at very large doses. This has now been revoked from the FDA as a cancer causing substance. It is suggested that if you must choose between the three, Sweet-n-Low would be the safest (but try to limit your intake). I have read about Salvia and that is what I am planning to start using (hoping that the aftertaste isn't as bad as I have read). I would really consider researching yourself, and once you see the dangers of aspertame, I am sure you will consider other options (although they might not be quite as tasty as Splenda :shock: ) Good luck everybody! By the way, if you do consider buying Salvia, you can order it online and save some money rather than going to a health foods store. :D By the way.. I've been South Beaching it since Wednesday and have lost 8 lbs in six days!! WOW!! (I did drink like 5 sodas a day though.. gave up that).
(5'4, 145 lbs-137lbs)

flowerchick · Tue Sep 21, 2004 2:50 am

Oops.. lol there I go using the wrong name for a product. I went so crazy on research that it must have popped in ym head through websites I have been through. It is marketed as stevia (as in previous posts) not salvia (haha would not be good for a sweetener). Sorry !!

colliegirl · Wed Sep 22, 2004 8:28 pm

Hi, I just posted re choresterol tests I had done, but also tested for elevated liver enzymes because I use lots of Splenda (no Aspartame nor Nutra-Sweet) and the liver is normal. I have used Splenda for as long as I can remember with no ill effects. I do understand lots of people cannot tolerate sweetners, just as some can not tolerate MSG. We all have our differences as to how our bodies process what we take in.

As for butter substitutes, I do use a LITTLE with no ill effects. As for the real thing, I cannot possibly eat butter or hard margarine without the LDL rising.

colliegirl · Wed Sep 22, 2004 9:17 pm

Depends upon what you read as to the results. According to what I recently read, Splenda is the best of the sweetners and Splenda is what Dr. A. recommends.


Page 1 of 1