Wellness

[AuntG]

Before my bood draw next March, I must cut down on sugars and eat a low carb diet. I've always thought of sugar substitutes in a negative way. For example, if I had a soda, it was never the sugar free kind.  If any of you have made a similar dietary change, what are your thoughts and/or experiences with sugar substitutes?

[We rescue cats]

For the most part I avoid any soda, even the sugarfree ones. I drink water, usually 6+ 12-16 oz glasses per day but really should be drinking 8 glasses per day.

[bikerbabe]

Most sugar substitutes are terrible for your gut biome and the healthy bacteria you need.

I’ll use a little Stevia on occasion but I make sure it’s not cut with other sugar substitutes (a common practice).

Sodas are linked to all kinds of health issues, diet or regular.

I do eat fruit, I just don’t binge on it.

[Shelbelle]

We use Stevia in the Raw, , one with no Erythritol in it. 

[hkrgrl]

i use Stevia in the Raw.

i would avoid Sugar Alcohols.  agree with other poster about your gut biome. 

drink water throughout the day.  if u want flavor:  lime,lemon, cucumber, strawberry etc...add club soda for a soda feel if that is what u crave.  no soda any which way. 

Erythritol is coming under scruntiny, its a sugar alcohol.

the more you cut back on sugar, they less you crave and the more sweet things taste.  i cannot eat even 'medium' sweeten things once in a while...

processed carbs are sugar.  our bodies do not know the difference.  so many carbs/condiments/foods in general have added sugar.  they sneak into everything to get you hooked. 

read all labels to better inform yourself of what is in your food.

Love me, Love my Dog

AdoptDon'tShop

[Tinkrbl44]

For some, sugar is a LOT more dangerous than any sugar substitute and should be avoided.  

I don't drink many sodas in a year, but if I do, it'll be sugar-free.  

One of the very few things I believe Dr. Oz said that makes sense:

"Don't drink your calories".

JMO, of course.

[SilleeMee]

Avoid artificial sweeteners.

[geezerette]

I don't use any sugar substitutes.

I don't like the taste of most and others are unhealthy.

I eat a pretty basic diet and have prepared foods rarely so I'm not getting a lot of sneaky sugars in my food.  I don't drink soda pop or anything similar at all.  That kind of stuff just triggers the desire for more empty calories for me.

So if I want my tea or yogurt sweetened a bit, I add a touch of real sugar.  Just less and less often.

[Bri369]

I avoid sugar and sugar substitutes.   You'd be surprised how much hidden sugar is in food.   I also avoid high fructose corn syrup.  

[ahoymate]

A suggetion from a sugar addict:

Just quit sugar. I had no medical incentive to do this. Wasn't easy but can be done. Only eat fruit for your sweet tooth.

I did this during covid and to this day, when I buy my favorite treat, candy, pastry, etc., I don't like it as I used to. Too sweet. It wasn't easy but great fruit, dried or fresh helped me.

Good luck.