Comments on: Sweeteners and sugar substitutes – why I just use sugar

By: fitnessmantra

fitnessmantra — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 04:31:56 +0000

Hi Greg,
Will do – thanks!
-FM.

By: Greg

Greg — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 18:53:03 +0000

Hi. I enjoyed reading your article on sweeteners. I know it’s been a few years, but maybe you could update it with information concerning Truvia and the Stevia plant. Thanks.

By: U.S. Congress Passes “Federal Overly Obese Law” — Fitness Mantra

U.S. Congress Passes “Federal Overly Obese Law” — Fitness Mantra — Fri, 01 Apr 2011 20:08:05 +0000

[...] spoon of sugar in their coffee or tea (it being assumed, of course, that none of these people use artificial sweeteners which are even worse for health). It will be the responsibility of the home-owners to provide food, shelter and other necessities [...]

By: Yaara

Yaara — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 22:57:23 +0000

I have been having a major issue with artificial sweeteners for about 7 years now–ever since I lost a lot of weight in college with weight-watchers which was great, I developed an addiction to sugarless gum, aspartame, slepnda etc.. Currently I love skim lattes, but cannot stomach the coffee taste without sweetener–and I really don’t want the added calories of sugar. I know it’s just 20 calories–but that adds up if you do it day after day.
However, I seem to be unable to tolerate artifical sweeteners any more–I have been suffering with IBS, gas, bloating, etc.. for about 7 years as well and it is truly destroying my life.
I was wondering if you had any advice. Also–I’ve tried Stevia and hate it-it’s so bitter.

By: weightwatcher

weightwatcher — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 16:16:17 +0000

I agree with just using sugar. I have habitually used splenda, etc. because I got used to that having been on a diet. It just stuck. But the reality is I don’t drink enough coffee or tea to worry about a couple of packets of sugar. I think as long as I’m eating healthfully over all and reasonable portions, avoiding sodas, pastries, chips, icecream, fried foods etc., as I do to keep my weight down. A few packets of sugar really isn’t pushing my calorie intake over the edge to the point where I need to worry.

And artificial sweeteners are insanely sweet.

By: Rachel

Rachel — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 02:54:42 +0000

I personally do not care about sweetening in my tea, but I prefer the taste of diet pop. Regular pop has the strange effect of leaving a slimy coating of sugar on my tongue. Diet pop has more of a bite, and is consequently more refreshing.

By: Helen

Helen — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 00:41:03 +0000

Interesting to read all the stuff about sweeteners
I have used raw sugar for decades but in the last few years married to a diabetic I have used more sweeteners. I found saccarine leaves an after taste but not equal or splenda. however I gave up using equal when told about the toxicity of aspartane by a friend. So I have used splenda, and teaspoon for teaspoon at the same rate I used sugar. I do not find any difference in the sweetness.
What this tells us is that everybody can be different, just like some believe in eating for your blood group. It’s a matter of taste and try and try to learn, but in the end trust what your body tells you.

By: Deb

Deb — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 16:29:26 +0000

Here! Here! All people really have to do is cut down on sugar, I also use honey, a natural antibiotic. I hate artificial sweeteners. No matter which one it is it has as horrible aftertaste that I just can’t get around. Tastes nasty, in fact, I have to eat something to cleanse my mouth. Plus your body doesn’t process it. That is scary.

My husband and I agree on this. But it makes it tough when we have company who only drink diet soda. We have to buy it and if they don’t want to take it home we are left with it. Then we can’t stomach it so down the drain it goes. We do usually have unsweetned tea and plenty of water on hand too. Most of the time they settle for that.

Cindy, thanks for confirming that the artificial route is NOT as healthy as some believe.

By: Amanda

Amanda — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 18:55:18 +0000

While I see the advantage of artificial sweeteners for cooking, baking or if used in large quantities, as it would make a substantial change in caloric content…

But when it comes to your coffee, why not use 2 packets of real sugar. At 15 calories a piece, that is marginal in the grand scheme of things. It will taste more natural.

By: Cindy

Cindy — Thu, 09 Aug 2007 17:11:43 +0000

FitnessMantra,

I thought this was very interesting. I have been drinking diet sodas for over 20 years and became “addicted” to the artificial sweeteners, mainly aspartame. I have suffered with general physical problems for years, chronic fatigue has been a major factor. I have had depression, anxiety/panic attacks and a host of other complications. Every time I would get thirsty, I would crave a diet soda and it would only make me want more. I stopped the habit almost four weeks ago due to health problems (I have also had tumor growth in my body). I have had withdrawals from not getting the “diet sodas”. It has not been a pleasant ride, but I am feeling really good about my decision to be healthy. I am developing a taste for water and IT IS TRUE that you lose your sensitivity to the natural sweetness in food when you use artificial sweeteners. I am finding out the further I go that water has it’s own sweetness and that unsweetened tea is really good. I even crave lemon water now……something I could hardly stand while drinking diet sodas, and it is a whole lot healthier!!! I know now that I can become a much healthier individual by leaving that junk alone. I am an addict, like an alcoholic, and it is not easy to leave it alone, but I am determined to do so for my health and for my family! Thank you for your comments. I am going to try sugar in the raw!