Wellness

[shoesnbags]

@SilleeMee  I use Splenda, but I don't feel good about it. So I keep trying other more natural sweeteners, but so far none of them taste sweet to me. I'm going to look at the monk fruit sweetener next time I'm at the grocery. Seems as if I had it in my hands before and put it back on the shelf.  But I can't remember why. I'll have to give it another look. 

[Poodlepet2]

This is only my opinion, but in reading labels-especially when it comes to Monk fruit and other sugars , most of them are "cut" with erythritol.  Thankfully I have no problems with erythritol, or I would be in trouble.

So far, the only sugar alternative that I have encountered that does not have erythritol-at least it's not listed if it does- is Pumpkin Sweet.  It's derived from Kabocha Pumpkin-the same veggie we get shiratake noodles from (the ones hailed as zero calories)..  FYI, I recently discovered shirataki RICE-zero calories, and instant and high in fiber!  I love rice, but my glucose meter doesn't.  It is pricey, but it's a treat, so it's not something I use everyday.

The manufacturer says it is as sweet as cane sugar, Paleo and Vegan compatible.  It works fantastically in baked goods, but I find I use a lot less than equal measures of sugar. It promises zero impact on blood glucose, but always test.

I would like to tell you the fun, delicious way I test.  If you like muffins or cake, you will love this!

Microwave Mug Cake: Basic Mix

2Tbl flax meal (I prefer organic golden flax: no aftertaste)

2 Tbl almond meal

1 egg (may use alternative)

1/8 teaspoon baking powder: May be omitted.

1 teaspoon oil of your choice( I use coconut which is usually a soft solid: no melting, I just mix it in)

Mix together. It will be thick.  You can make it savory, but lets make ours sweet....

Splash of extract of your choice ( I love vanilla).

So far, all of the ingredients are neutral: none of them should cause an increase in glucose BUT for some people, a certain amount of fat-healthy or not- can cause an increase.  I don't know why-I have speculated about it, but should your glucose run high after a relatively neutral meal, consider the amount of fat as a cause.  I found this out through repeated testing and I have read about it happening to others).

Add two teaspoons of the sweetener to be tested and stir.  Have a taste: if you need more, add another teaspoon-but make sure you measure it using a measuring spoon.

Microwave (strength varies, but I use high for 1minute and 20 seconds.  If I use blue berries, I go a little longer because I love it when they "explode)

TEST before you eat.

Enjoy. Test your 2 hour post prandials.

I test a few times before deciding whether or not something works or not.

I never test a new food if I feel slightly off, didn't sleep well or within two hours of exercise.

Even if I don't get the readings I had hoped for, I give it a rest for a couple of weeks and try again.

Here is something to think about: no matter what manufacturers say, sugar alcohols are a carbohydrate.  Their molecular formula is the exact same as all other sugars: C6H12O6. They have an additional alcohol group added on (OH) and your body treats it as a carb....For some people it acts as a fast carb-causing a sudden increase in glucose,.  For others, it acts as a slow carb.

Personally, I am looking for a slow carb response-which is what we all want or should want.  I have self imposed limits where I want my blood glucose to be and I will accept a five point range one way or another.  That is, I stress, self-imposed.  Discuss this with your doctor or Diabetes Educator about what is a reasonable goal for you.

If I am sitting around, I can bank on this fueling me for about 2 1/2 hours.  If I suddenly start "starving" I test.  The bad news for me is that when I get that starving sensation, I'm typically running high. It's a horrible sensation: I down a couple of glasses of water and test again within a half hour to make sure I'm coming down.

If I am engaging in any exercise, normally I'm ok with this snack.... but sometimes I have a drop, and I will have my allotment of fruit-measuring or choosing a fruit that lets me keep my carbs to around 15 grams.  If you aren't sure, ask.

A lot of people go to Diabetes Class and they are overwhelmed.  I think as you live and see the progress (hopefully it's improving) of the disease, more questions come up.  You need to ask.  When I talk to other Diabetics, they underutilize their Diabetes Educators-and above all else, you need to understand this disease is about you-and what works for you. Your Diabetes Educator is there for you to help you tailor your program to you.  They have the expertise and medical training to do it.  They attend classes and take a test to become certified so this isn't a matter of any healthcare provider calling themselves a "Diabetes Educator". This should not be a "go to class and go on my merry way" sort of thing.

Sorry about being so wordy....but enjoy your day today-it's a gift!

Poodlepet2

[SilleeMee]

Thanks @Poodlepet2 for your rather lengthy post! Interesting.  I'm not diabetic nor do I have a problem with carbs, the alcohol ones included, but I'm simply looking for a stevia alternative. That's all. Monk fruit in it's pure form is way expensive and that's why erythritol is usually added to cut cost.

[Poodlepet2]

Silliee, I looked into the pure Monk fruit but decided against it flat out because the reviews were so mixed.

Poodlepet2

[Elom]

I had a dental assistant about a year ago after cleaning my teeth suggest that everyday  to chew a piece of ice cube gum for 30 minutes. She had a long explanation as to why but I really don't remember to quote her reasoning correctly. I don't go to that office anymore but she was the best hygienist. She practiced in the military for many years as I recall. She gave me a list on paper with must do's and this was on it. Ice cube gum is the only gum with xylitol as first ingredient so other sugar frees don't count.

[shoesnbags]

@Elom What is ice cube gum?

[journeygirl]

I was using Stevia but found it had a bitter aftertaste. One day I was in the health food store and the owner recommended Stevia above all others. I mentioned the taste and he asked how much I use. I said one teaspoon, he showed me the measuring spoon thats equal to a teaspoon of Stevia, it was like a pinch. I bought a bottle of Stevia with that measuring spoon included and now love Stevia. I also have been buying the premeasured individual packets for my coffee.You need so little Stevia compared to sugar, if it's bitter or has an aftertaste you are probably using too much.

[Elom]

Ice cube is the brand name. Usually comes in one of the larger type containers of chewing gum.

Sold as you exit the grocery stores along side all of the candy bars!

[on the bay]

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@esmeraldagooch wrote:

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@SilleeMee wrote:

Well after doing a bunch of reading and finding other forms of sweeteners, it's a toss up between xylitol and erythritol. I've ruled out monk fruit because of it's cost. I'm leaning towards purchasing the erythritol because it is non-toxic to dogs,  it has zero calories and it does not induce diarrhea.

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This huge bag has lasted years at my house for $6.84 at Walmart.

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I wish OUr Walmart carried this! Maybe I can ask them if they will! I'm glad you showed this.

[shoesnbags]

Thanks @Elom. I don't chew gum, so I didn't have a clue lol.