use of sweeteners or artificial sweeteners?

[GSD1971]

Hello all!

I just had a question about which sweeteners are advised on South Beach. I know the guidebooks say that splenda is a good one to use, but I think all of us have heard that artificial sweeteners such as nutrasweet, sweet n low, and splenda in reality arent that good for you as well. I read an article about xylitol and stevia, which are both natural sweeteners. I was wondering if anyone else has used them, and what their experience has been regarding these sweeteners. I have found that Xylitol or Xylosweet is the better of the 2, tasting and behaving most like sugar. Stevia has an odd taste, but is very sweet. It probably would take some getting used to! I look forward to your input!

[GSD1971]

If anybody is using Stevia or Xylitol, Xylosweet or another derivitive of these 2 natural sweeteners, please post and let me know how you are using them, and what effect it is having on your SBD!

[luv2bike]

About the Stevia, I think that you will find that if you use too much in something that it will have a bitter taste to it. When using Stevia it's better to go with as small of an amount as possible.

Here's a chart for Stevia - Sugar Equivalencies:

http://www.stevia.com/stevia-sugarEquivalencies.asp

[GSD1971]

Thanks for the chart! I plan to use it regularly! I have found that I like the Stevia very much. I use it to sweeten coffee and the high fiber whole wheat breakfast cereals that are bland without some sweetener!