Splenda?

It seems to me that everyday some new report comes out with how such-and-such product is going to kill us.  I know that using artificial substitutes aren't exactly the most healthful way to lead your life, but jeez...if it's not Splenda, it's something else.  Everyone remember when Diet Coke while talking on your mobile was going to give you brain cancer?  It was all you heard about for a while.  Now, not so much. 

I'm telling ya though Stevia Plus as a substitute is the way to go if you can find it! Its becoming more and more popular as a sugar substitute over here in the U.S. and is 100% natural, hopefully you can find it easily in the U.K as well.

Stevia is in the UK. I've tried it but I much prefer the real deal.

There are a few old UKY threads about Quorn just have a search. Here is one...

http://talk.uk-yankee.com/index.php?topic=9668.0

it's always interesting to see how everything is/can eventually prove to be harmful.  if sugar is administered to rats in the same amounts as some of the items tested, rats will get sick and die.  you just have to be smart about the risks you are taking.

stevia plus, if i recall, is based on an all natural herb which has been used in latin america for ages. i do remember reading about the 'plus' part of it being a chemical alteration which is suspected to cause sterilization, and  possibly is carcinogenic. that's why it wasn't originally approved by US, Canadian or EU authorities for widespread use.  it may have passed tests by now, but nothing is perfect, it seems.

Ill stick to real sugar!  I only use it in my coffee and when I bake.

I don't remember the "plus" kind.

I read one of the reasons it wasn't marketed in the States was because it would rival sugar substitutes in their market.

It is generally labeled as an herbal supplement and that is how they got around the FDA.

stevia plus, if i recall, is based on an all natural herb which has been used in latin america for ages. i do remember reading about the 'plus' part of it being a chemical alteration which is suspected to cause sterilization, and  possibly is carcinogenic.

The plus part is just an added fiber supplement to Stevia extract, nothing to do with chemical alterations that I know of . Stevia is a South American shrub whose leaves have been used for centuries by native peoples to sweeten their yerba mate and other stimulant beverages. It's the only sweetener on the market that is considered good for you. Especially for those with blood sugar problems etc.

From an article about it:
"Its medicinal uses include regulating blood sugar, preventing hypertension, treatment of skin disorders, and prevention of tooth decay. The extract has been used to heal cuts, sca
Whole leaf Stevia extract can be used as a facial mask by smoothing the dark liquid over the entire face, allowing it to dry for 30-60 minutes, then rinsing. This will help tighten the skin, smooth out wrinkles and heal skin blemishes and acne. This has been reported to be effective when used on seborrhea, dermatitis and eczema, as well. Stevia is also beneficial for the hair and scalp; good results have been obtained by adding Stevia concentrate to shampoo, and also applying concentrate to the hair after shampooing, allowing it to remain on the hair for a few minutes, then rinsing.

Stevia is also able to perform a number of other beneficial tasks. For example, it has been shown that Stevia may enhance moods and increase energy levels and mental alertness. What's more, it is also been shown to stop the growth of bacteria in the mouth is responsible for the production of acids that are responsible for gingivitis and cavities."

Here in the US we can get it at places like Whole Foods, health shops and some chain groceries in the health aisle. It comes in these little green packets...i think it tastes better than Splenda etc, no aftertaste, though it's really sweet so don't use as much. When I can't find it I just use natural sugar.  I found out about it while following this detox/weight loss diet called the Fat Flush Plan and mainly just use it to cut down on sugar and lose those 10 extra pounds, but knowing about the health benefits helps!


 

I think artificial sweeteners are nasty tasting and they give me migraines, too. I also think they are a crutch dieters use to 'allow' themselves to eat things that really, just need to be eaten in moderation. Frankly, I'd much rather have a regular Coca Cola once in a while than regularly drink the diet stuff. I feel the same way about real butter, too!

I think artificial sweeteners are nasty tasting and they give me migraines, too. I also think they are a crutch dieters use to 'allow' themselves to eat things that really, just need to be eaten in moderation. Frankly, I'd much rather have a regular Coca Cola once in a while than regularly drink the diet stuff. I feel the same way about real butter, too!

I really have no problem at all eating treats in moderation and I don't consider using artificial sweeteners a crutch. I just prefer it to sugar in my coffee. Also, I think that regular coke tastes syrup-y and I loooove Diet Coke.

Also, I think that regular coke tastes syrup-y..

I can literally feel the sugar coating my teeth when I drink regular.     I just try to avoid the whole thing by drinking a lot of water.  Except with pizza - I have to have Diet Coke with that!

I just stocked up on stevia when I was in the states - I haven't seen it for sale in the UK yet. Where are you finding it? Fantastic stuff!

I think artificial sweeteners are nasty tasting and they give me migraines, too. I also think they are a crutch dieters use to 'allow' themselves to eat things that really, just need to be eaten in moderation. Frankly, I'd much rather have a regular Coca Cola once in a while than regularly drink the diet stuff. I feel the same way about real butter, too!

To be honest, I used to LOVE Pepsi but when I started Weight Watchers, I decided using 3 points on a can of Pepsi wasn't worth it, not to mention that I'm the type to drink 4+ cans a day.  So, I switched to Diet Pepsi and then to Pepsi Max when I moved to the US.  I haven't had a regular soft drink in 2.5 years but I have taken sips here and there and I cannot stand how sweet they are.  So, at this point, it's not a case of calories per se, it's just that I do not like the taste of the regular stuff anymore.

We use real butter here because I haven't found an "I can't believe it's not butter" type substitute but if I found one, I'd use that.  Same for eggs.  I love scrambled eggs and omelets but eggs are pretty high in calories because of the yolk.  When I had access to it, I used Egg Beaters and I it.  The fact they had flavored ones, like Southwestern, etc was also a big plus but I'd mainly eat the plain ones.

I don't know how big or small you are but, in my personal experience, it's very difficult for someone with a weight problem to say "OK, I’ll have the real stuff, I'll just eat it in moderation".  If they (I) could eat it in moderation, they wouldn't have a weight problem to begin with.  I like to eat and even though Weight Watchers has completely changed my life, I still like food and I like to feel full.  If I have to eat substitutes to achieve that, then so be it.

However, I refuse to eat Skinny Cow ice cream......it's gross!

June

OMG have you had the skinny cow bars? i live off those.  and in the USA the skinny cow sandwiches are AMAZING. that's the struggle for me here, trying to find substitutes.

They finally brought out baked chips here and that ROCKS.

I tried the 'eat the real thing in moderation' but I have such an effed up relationship with food that just does not work for me, sadly.

June, I miss I can't believe it's not butter spray. MMM. I do use Lurpack light and like that here...that's our butter!

i like real butter, real sugar, and real eggs.   

I don't know how big or small you are but, in my personal experience, it's very difficult for someone with a weight problem to say "OK, I’ll have the real stuff, I'll just eat it in moderation".  If they (I) could eat it in moderation, they wouldn't have a weight problem to begin with.  I like to eat and even though Weight Watchers has completely changed my life, I still like food and I like to feel full.  If I have to eat substitutes to achieve that, then so be it.

However, I refuse to eat Skinny Cow ice cream......it's gross!

Really?  I love the stuff.  The lack of 'diet' ice creams over here is a bit sad, as there's very few options even for low-fat or low-sugar.  Skinny Cow isn't the best thing ever (doesn't beat Dreyer's slow-churned no added sugar!), but I like the mint chocolate .

Just tried Skinny Cow with my friend who's on WW. Yuck!!

Well, I ain't small. But I have lost weight recently. I am struggling a bit now but I'd much rather address my problems with portions and moderation and serious lack of exercise than eat the substitutes. It's not that I think people shouldn't do it. I'm the granddaughter of the man who developed one of the first cake mixes for diabetics!! I just a) don't like the taste b) don't like the concept (chemicals in my food) and c) don't want to rely on them!!