[TEFSADDERFISA]

I know we can use stevtia, but can we use agave nectar, xylitol, erythritol, Splenda? I know aspartame is a no-no so a lot of my fav diet drinks are out. Looking to flavor my water w/something besides lemon and flavored stevias as they are expensive in my local health food stores.

[casinobonusa]

I wouldn't on P2. Later, some people can, others have problems. I notice an uptick in my weight every time I use some type of sweetner. Makes me realize that most natural foods just are not sugary and there's probably a reason for that. But if you need to, try it P4 and see how you do. These things get in the way for some P2 and I never thought it was worth the risk.

BTW: most good food is expensive. Yes, you can eat healthy on a budget, I'm totally not saying that but in general, eating healthier in the U.S. is more expensive across the board than not. It's something I've spent a decade coming to terms with. It's hard. Typically most food deals are for versions of food that aren't as good for us as those that cost more. This is one place where spending more does equal quality.

[Thigmaswams]

Your post refers to artificial sweeteners but most of the ones you list are natural. Generally speaking, you should avoid artificial sweeteners (splenda) because they not only can cause an insulin response but can also be harmful to your health. Once you've eliminated the artificial ones, you want to check the glycemic index of the natural ones.
I like xylitol because it tastes the best to me. Yes, it is expensive. Almost all of the stuff I eat is organic and it can be expensive, especially when you add in the cost of the distilled water and high-quality supplements/enzymes/ herbs, etc. that I take. However, I prefer to spend my money at the market rather than at the doctor. The more crap you put in your body (artifical ingredients, hormones, antibiotics, pesticides) the more problems you are likely to experience. Garbage in, garbage out. What you eat has a greater effect on your health than anything else. Period.

itsybitsy posted this yesterday, it is very helpful:

White sugar is made from either cane or beets. Sorry, sugar is sugar.

You can substitute stevia, xylitol, or erythritol (Truvia) for sugar.

The glycemic index is what you want to pay attention to-- that is how fast and hard it hits your blood stream.


From: http://emeraldforestsugar.com/guide_xylitol.htm


Glycemic Index
The glycemic index is a numerical index that ranks carbohydrates on their rate of glycemic response or how quickly they convert to glucose in the body. The higher the number, the more quickly the carbohydrates break down thus causing a spike in blood sugar. (www.glycemicindex.com)

Glycemic Index of Sweeteners

• Erythritol 0
• Xylitol 7
• Agave Nectar 15
• Barley Malt Syrup 42
• Maple Syrup 54
• Backstrap Molasses 55
• Honey 62
• White Sugar 68
• High Fructose Corn Syrup 100
• Glucose 100

[hieklyintinee]

PS when I say xylitol, I mean Xylosweet. It comes in small bags and packets and you can use it spoon for spoon just like sugar.

[K0aM7urg]

PPS give regular old water a chance. I've been drinking plain, room-temp distilled water for years. At first I did not really enjoy it and it took a while to get used to it. I used to be addicted to diet soda, then regular coca-cola, then organic soda... and now on the average day all I drink is a little coffee and distilled water. (I often have 1/2 a Synergy with breakfast.)

I drink that distilled water all day, every day. I love it now. It's what my body wants and I can just feel it doing its job... hydrating my body and quenching my thirst. Give water (preferable distilled but at least filtered) a chance. Get used to it. Water is supposed to be unflavored. Not everything we put into our bodies is meant to be sweetened or changed or flavored or whatever. This is your opportunity to get back to natural and healthy. It's what you're supposed to be doing - making healthy changes. Putting artificial crap in water is neither healthy nor natural.

[trettegeani]

The protocol used Sweet and low (Saccharin)

[Theariwinna]

Here's an interesting blog from one of quelson's faves!

http://www.marksdailyapple.com/artif...eners-insulin/