Weak_Bus8157 t1_j66srjp wrote on January 28, 2023 at 2:56 AM

What is your suggestion about artificial sweeteners? Is it better sucralose, sacarine , stevia maybe? Any no-no options ? Obviously don't want to fall into sugar or corn syrup temptation...help me plz!

LizRD15 OP t1_j68p4hm wrote on January 28, 2023 at 3:24 PM

My suggestion is to avoid artificial sweeteners at all costs! They are known carcinogens and can lead to gas, bloating and GI upset. Studies have shown they lead to greater amounts of calories consumed overall and weight gain! Some natural, non-caloric sweeteners I recommend are Monk Fruit and Stevia, which are different from artificial sweeteners which are made with chemicals. Monk fruit and stevia are naturally occurring and not produced with chemicals. I actually have a podcast episode on sugar, and how to reduce it, and I talk about Monk fruit and stevia, specifically.

Weak_Bus8157 t1_j6b6an7 wrote on January 29, 2023 at 2:02 AM

Thanks a lot, indeed.

Terrible_Ad_5591 t1_j6d2gmx wrote on January 29, 2023 at 2:13 PM

I have tried Monk fruit sugar, but it's mixed with erythritol -- is that ok? Is there such a product as only Monk fruit being sold (bc I can't find any, it either has erythritol or allulose -- that one upset my stomach) -V

LizRD15 OP t1_j6k7pn8 wrote on January 30, 2023 at 10:29 PM

Erythritol is a sugar alcohol. Too much of it may lead to gas and bloating in some people. It has not been shown to have the same negative side effects as things like Splenda and Sweet 'n Low, but some people will get gassy if they have too much of it. You're right, a lot of monk fruit products may contain erythritol, and I recommend trying out what works for you. A little bit in your coffee may be fine, but baking with monk fruit mixed with erythritol may cause bloating. Everyone is different. Just know, erythritol does not carry the same negative implications as artificial sweeteners.