Sugar vs Artificial Sweetener

[redvelvet709]

I have always said there were two things likely to be my demise. Bug spray and sweet & low.

[Atravelingmind]

I try to avoid eating anything that is completely created in a lab. My favorite sweeteners are cane sugar and honey but I'd be willing to try Stevia. In moderation, sugar is not that bad... it's the fact that we consume too much that makes it an issue.

[jade408]

Originally Posted by KathrynAragon

I vote for real, raw sugar -as well as stevia, and locally harvested honey. These are natural and won't hurt you if used in moderation, like anything should be.

I use locally grown honey in my smoothies and it's delicious.

Don't put synthetic foods into your system!

I basically use stevia in the teas that I like sweetened at home. Sugar or honey or agave for most "normal" applications: cooking, salad dressings.

I do use a couple of "artificial" sweetener packets a year (around 5 or so) if I get iced tea and the place doesn't have self-serve sugar syrup and the tea is over brewed or super tart. It takes around 1/4-1/2 of a packet for me to sweeten tea enough, and this adds up to 1-2 times a month max.

I find the artificial ones have too much after taste. I do chew sugar free gum. I do not eat sugar free foods or drink diet soda, I think they taste funny. I just have a real soda once in a while.

As for coffee? Depends on the source! I generally use no sugar in espresso drinks from non chains (since it isn't roasted overly dark). Otherwise real sugar. Stevia in coffee doesn't work for me. I keep trying it, and I am disappointed. I don't know why I keep trying! I find the better the the coffee....the less sugar I need.

[Smallville]

I don't eat anything with aspartame because it makes my legs go numb and it gives me awful headaches. I'd stick to the natural sugar. You're better off. Also, avoid anything that has high fructose corn syrup, too, like regular sodas and soft drinks.