The scoop on Splenda?

Ok..On the bag it says no carbs..but every where i read i see Splenda had 1 carb per pack (so 1 card per tsp). Is it really bad for me? Do the carbs in Splenda stall your weight loss?

Everyone is different. I've never had a problem with using splenda. The book says to count it as a carb though. I usually watch my labels but with certain things, I go ahead and count em' like the book says. I say play around with it and see if it effects you. Of course, I haven't used any sweetener this week and by yesterday I could tell a huge difference in my late evening cravings! Trial and Error is really all I can tell you at this point. Let me know what you decide!!!

I love Splenda. I could drink it all day. I think i am just going to cut back for now. I still have to have my one cup of coffee in the morning with splenda but i will replace my sweet tea (splenda) with water. Thanks for the comment!

I've used stevia in the past... it's ok, a distinct flavor though and I've seen a commercial for something new... I'll let you know if I find it!!!

Probably because of different serving sizes. Also, the laws are a little tricky when it comes to nutritional information. If a value is very close to zero (even if it's really 1), then sometimes they are allowed to print it as zero.



Yes.



Artificial sweeteners as a general rule are bad for weight loss. It's hard to explain everything, but if you do a bit of research you'll find that there are studies linking artificial sweeteners to weight gain. There are several theories as to why, but regardless I would stay away from them. On top of that, they are not good for your general health either. Artificial sweeteners have been linked to everything from headaches to cancer.

Unfortunately there aren't really any amazing alternatives. Stevia is a good no-cal natural sweetener, but it has a bitter aftertaste and it can be hard to find. Xylitol is another alternative, but I haven't tried it or researched it so I can't really recommend it personally.

Try the liquid stevia. It doesn't taste bitter like the powder. I use it in tea and coffee. I have even used it in pumpkin pie.

I tend to use aspartame - generic Equal as Splenda gives me headaches sometimes. Does anybody else get charlie horses in their legs from Stevia? I do... I know artificial sweeteners aren't good but sugar is worse, I would use sugar or carbs last.

There's been some interesting research on artificial sweeteners. I've seen some studies linking aspartame to all sorts of health issues in rats - I think that's why there's been this big push towards Splenda. Of course, there hasn't been that much research on Splenda, so who knows if it's any better. I think if you're having 1 or 2 diet drinks a day with an artifical sweetner in it, it's no big deal... just try not to go overboard with it. A recent study did show that rats who drank water with artificial sweetner ate more than rats who drank sugar water - seems that instead of satisfying a sugar craving, it may actually make you hungry.

Hi GlennM, I believe Stevia is a good product because it is natural. But with all things always, in moderation. It may be that you are getting Charlie Horses from lack of potassium or calcium from an increase in your exercise routine. Make sure you are drinking a Gatorade or a glass of skim milk, and eating a banana or more dark green leafy vegetables those days when you are exercising more vigorously. I hope this helps. Sincerely, Onebusycrazymom

To onebusycrazy- I can't drink Gatorade! I'm on Atkins! No sugar here! I am taking Potassium now and Tums sugar free daily -No research yet on Stevia as it is so new. They said natural about aspartame when it too came out years ago believe it or not, I'm old enough to remember. I can have very little Stevia and the muscle cramps start right away - it may just be me - it may be a reaction to meds I'm on too most other people don't take either..

thanks guys for all the help...i will give your suggestions a try because i know i do use to much splenda. i may have to go into splenda detox ha ha

actually the FDA published a paper based on the research of the National Cancer Institute's study. The finding does not support a link between aspartame and cancer, though of course it's too soon to be sure.

I hope the link turned out ok!

And if I were in the FDA, after having a high power position at NutriSweet (not to mention still receiving under-the-table cash), I wouldn't have any problems with aspartame either.

/paranoia