Do you use Artificial Sweeteners?
Time for another Question of the Week. For this one, I’m responding to the discussion that got started on 6 On the Go Snacks I Can’t Live Without. The comments got me thinking how much artificial sweeteners I use and with the latest news maybe it’s something we should all assess.
If I really think about my intake, besides my daily light yogurt I really don’t use much. I don’t drink diet soda, I don’t drink coffee sweetened with anything and when I bake I try to stick with honey, molasses or other natural sweeteners.
As with everything I believe in moderation. I don’t want to be depended on anything and I don’t want put a lot of junk in my body, However, if I have a sugar free cookie or a diet soda now and then for a treat I don’t think it’s the end of the world.
How about you? How much Artificial Sweetener do you use? Do you make an effort to avoid it or seek it out as a high calorie substitute?
I also have a quick side question, only because I need to know if I’m the only big sap. Does anyone else cry watching American Idol? LOL Seriously, when they are good and make it through, I’m so happy for them I get a tear. I’m such a freak.
I’ve been doing this a looong time…
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About Roni
Roni started this blog in '05 to journal her weight loss. 70lbs later, she's committed to living a conscious, healthy life and hopes to inspire others along the way. Read more on the about page.









Artificial sweeteners have physically made me sick. Years ago, I would drink a diet soda a day, maybe more. After a year or more of this, I would have the worst headaches and at times would throw up.
Finally figured out it was the artificial sweeteners in the yogurt, diet sodas and other “diet” items I had been consuming.
I completely stay away from anything artifically sweetened now and highly recommend not putting anything artificial in your body!
I try to use artificial sweetners sparingly and opt for stevia whenever I can. The Japanese use this herb to sweeten nearly every food product they have on the market (baked goods, soft drinks candy, etc) I would love to see it used as frequently here in the US so we can break our national dependence on the waist-widening sugar cane.
I just want to make sure that people understand that just because something is “natural” does not mean it is good for you. Tobacco, lard, sugar– mushrooms that grow in your yard are all natural, but not good for you.
There are also many artificial substances that are very helpful and we could not live without, namely medications. They are harmful in large amounts, does that mean we should do without them? I don’t take tylenol or motrin often, but I am sure glad for it when I need it. I give it to my kids too when they need it. I can’t imagine doing without it when they are burning up with fever. If they were to have too much it could kill them, does that mean we don’t give to them at all? The key here is moderation and proper education.
Yes, I cry during Idol and also during The Biggest Loser !!
I hope it isn’t too late to add my two cents:
I think the whole idea of artificial sweetners making us fat is sympotmatic of why our country is overweight:
We are always looking to blame something instead of taking responsibility for what we are eating.
Sweetners don’t make people fat – eating more calories than you expend makes you gain weight – period.
Likewise – their is no magic chemical to make you lose weight.
It’s about accountability – we need to accept responsibility for how much we eat.
-Wendy