Artificial Sweetners Question

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1/3/13 5:18 P

I just bought some truvia, i think its like stevia? But that was the only thing we really had at the store in my small town.

current weight: 172.0

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135

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1/3/13 5:11 P

The whole point of South Beach, especially in Phase 1, is to limit carbs by A LOT. So, adding sugar sort of defeats the whole purpose of the diet. If you're not into artificial sweeteners, then perhaps South Beach is not for you.

current weight: 139.0

188 175.75 163.5 151.25

139

Posts: 140
1/3/13 4:21 P

Maybe there is another diet plan that works for you..maybe based on real whole foods, real sugar and fats? I was trying to diet with diet food in the past and was always left wanting more and not losing. Then I switched to whole foods including real butter (oh so good), sugar and whole fat dairy and for some reason I have been losing weight, I am not starving after I eat, satisfied with an actual serving size and I dont always crave lots of salt or sweets. This is just my personal experience though. I say do what works for you, there is no rule that you cant omit and change rules of any diet plan to suit you!

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1/3/13 1:37 P

There is no reason to avoid sugars, just limit them.

If the diets use AS a lot, it's because they recognise that people will want the sweet foods and can't do without it. So if you're going to eat sweet things, it's going to be far less carbs to have an AS than real sugar. So that's why they use them.

Stevia is a natural sweetener so you could look for foods with that.

Other than that, should YOU use AS or smaller portions of real sugar? That's up to YOU. There's no health/diet reason at all that either is "better". As stated, eliminating sugary treats entirely is the best option, but if you're going to have some, whether you have very small doses of real sugar, or larger portions of artificially sweetened items, doesn't matter. Just as long as you're not cramming your diet with sweetened foods all day!

Whether it's AS or small 'real' portions, if it fits in your macronutrient ranges and you feel okay doing it, it's fine.

Posts: 506
1/3/13 11:52 A

I would call your doctor and ask about this. It is my understanding that the South Beach diet does not allow you any added sugar, and even limits foods high in natural sugar, especially in the first phase. It would be best for you to just eliminate sugar altogether rather than subbing in real sugar for the artificial.

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1/3/13 11:48 A

You could try it and see what happens.

I am a firm believer in doing what works for you. I also feel that you shouldn't force yourself to eat foods you don't like just because some diet plan says you should.

Also, you could try using a natural sweetener like Stevia in place of sugar and see if that is something you like.

Best of luck to you!

current weight: 130.0

260 227.5 195 162.5

130

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1/3/13 11:28 A

Hi! So I'm researching the South Beach Diet based on a Dr. recommendation. Anyway, the diet really seems to like artificial sweeteners alot. I don't do fake butter or artificial sweeteners for several reasons. Would it be okay to stick with regular sugar only on way smaller doses or are there more natural alternatives for sweeteners than can be implemented instead?? Thanks for any help you can provide!! Happy New Year!!