OK, I realize that I may offend some people with this post, but this subject is something I feel strongly about. In the past, I never really thought much about artificial sweeteners except to avoid them, which was easy when all they used to be in was diet soda and the little packets that were either pink or blue (thanks – I’ll take the white one). But recently it is amazing just how many products this stuff has found its way into and how many people think it is a healthy low calorie alternative, or just eat it without really thinking about it. Let’s face it; while it may be lower in calories, it probably is not healthy. OK, so there is conflicting evidence out there: some say its OK, others say it will give you cancer. So what is the truth? Well, we might not know for sure for some time … but I think there is plenty of cause for caution just based on common sense.

The five most common artificial sweeteners found in all kinds of products today are sucralose, aspartame, saccharin, neotame, and acesulfame potassium. Ironically, out of these, the two most common sweeteners, sucralose and aspartame, might also be the most dangerous. Did you know that sucralose, aka Splenda, is made by chemically altering sugar with chlorine? Just recently I was reading a low fat zucchini bread recipe and it calls for a 1/2 cup of Splenda in the mix and 6 packets of Splenda to be sprinkled on top of the bread. Mmmm … chlorine bread. Anyway, there is plenty of scientific stuff out there showing these artificial sweeteners are bad … but you don’t need me to tell you that.

But beyond the fact that this stuff is probably bad for you, did you know that it might not even help you lose weight? Some studies show that artificial sweeteners actually leave you feeling hungrier causing you to consume more calories than if you just ate the real deal to begin with, and other studies show that slows down the body’s metabolism … so even if you refrain from eating more, your body is slowing down the processing of what you did eat. Probably unhealthy and it may not even work? Sounds like a bum deal to me. Honestly, do you think you can beat Mother Nature?

This artificial sweetener craze has become an epidemic (in my opinion) … from blogs, to recipes, and even my beloved Biggest Loser. This crap is taking over! But again, putting aside the scientific stuff, ask yourself … does it make sense to consume large amounts of man made chemicals in the name of ‘health’? Can this lovely sweet chlorine byproduct actually be good for me? If you truly feel the balance of the risks is acceptable – then maybe it is worth it for you. For example, a morbidly obese person or someone with diabetes could probably justify the risks. But for the rest of us, my mantra is if you want to be healthy and loose weight - just don’t eat the bread, or whatever. Or if you choose to eat it, eat a smaller portion without the artificial sweetener. Or hell, just eat it and be fat. I would personally prefer that to the risk of ingesting this stuff. But, at the end of the day, that is why artificial sweetners are so popular. It is a quick fix. It is a way to have your cake and eat it too (literally and figuratively). The marketers love this stuff: ‘buy our product, it tastes almost the same but has no calories.’ True enough, but what they don’t mention is the long term health risks or the short term effects of eating more and a slower metabolism.

As I said – just my opinion. I’d love to hear yours.

Stay Strong,

Kristi

About a year ago I learned that I really should start my breakfast with a protein and not my usual carb meal. At first I though what can I eat? Beings that I leave the house at 7:00am, every morning, I needed something portable. At first I tried the liquid egg whites in the microwave and soon realized they are horrible in the microwave and should be saved as a weekend breakfast to be cooked stove top. Next I tried cottage cheese, but frankly could not stomach it. I then moved on to protein shakes and smoothies. But the idea of making this concotion at 6:30 in the morning and then having to drink it right away didn't work either. I tried putting my shake in the fridge until mid morning only to find sludge in my container. Not very appetizing. I soon began to give up until I discovered greek yogurt. Every since that day, my morning is not complete without my greek yogurt.

Although it is an expensive habit, at almost $2.00 a container, it is well worth the money. With 15-24 grams of protein per container, 90-140 calories, and under 8 grams of carbs and sugar it is well worth every penny. I have recently cut a deal with the local dairy manager, who is also a patient of mine at the dental office. He is now sellling it to me by the case for cost...sweet! I have tried every brand name from Fage to Oikos, from Oikos to Chobani, from Chobani to Voskos, and from Voskos to Trader Joe's brand. My favorite, and lowest in sugar and carbs, is the plain non-fat kind. Voskos and Trader Joe's having 22-24 grams of protein per container. And we all know the importance of protein see my post entitled Your Friend: Protein.

While it may be thick in texture, it keeps me going all morning. Many people are skeptical at first, but once I convince them to buy it, they are hooked. In fact, I have had a hard time even finding it on the shelves at my local grocery store, one of the reasons why I order it by the case. I notice that a lot of other bloggers have found a fond place in their hearts for protein yogurt as well. Next time you are at the store, instead of reaching for that bagel or box of Lucky Charms, grab a protein yogurt to start your day off right. If the taste is too bland for you, you may want to add fresh berries or a little granola to give it some flavor. Let me know what you think.

Stay Strong,

Kristi