The “Skinny” on Artificial Sweeteners & Your Alternatives

Artificial sweeteners are used in abundance in almost every “diet” drink, “lite” yogurts, puddings, and ice creams, most “low-carb” products, and almost all “reduced-sugar” products.

Yes, artificial sweeteners save you calories, but there’s growing evidence that they can increase your appetite for sweets and other carbohydrates causing you to eat more later.  Therefore, you don’t really save any calories at all.

Some of the most popular artificial sweeteners on the market today:

Splenda (sucralose)– Yellow

Aspartame-Blue

Saccharine- Pink

Also, studies have shown that artificial sweeteners can stimulate high insulin levels in your body too, which again can promote fat storage.

So yes, these artificial sweeteners can make you FAT!!!!

Some natural sweetener options are  honey, organic maple syrup & organic agave, but still these options are high in calories, carbohydrates and sugars.

Your alternative?  STEVIA

I’ve yet to see any negative reports or health concerns regarding STEVIA and only positive potential health benefits.

The herb Stevia Rebauadiana, has been used for centuries by the Guarani Indians of Paraguay nutritionally and medicinally.

STEVIA acts as general tonic which increases energy levels & mental acuity

STEVIA is

•both carb-& calorie-free

•helps with digestion, reduces gas & stomach acidity

•used topically as an ointment in the treatment of eczema & acne

•an ideal sweetener for people w high blood pressure, it helps lower hypertension

•helps to reduce cravings for sweets & fatty foods and serves as an exceptional aid in weight loss & management.

 Rule of thumb: 1 tbsp is roughly equivalent to one cup of sugar in sweetness. It’s 30x sweeter than sugar.

My personal favorite based on taste is NuStevia

“Health is Wealth”

GO for Life!

In peace, health & with much love

Joycelyn Bejar
Certified Fitness Nutrition Specialist
Certified Personal Trainer

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