September 7, 2007, Newsletter Issue #8: Alternative Sweeteners and Weight Loss

Tip of the Week

For weight loss, every calorie counts. Try to limit the intake of simple sugars that are found in donuts, cokes, candy bars, etc. Otherwise, substitute alternative sweeteners for sugar to save calories. One common way to use alternative sweeteners is by switching from regular to diet soda. This small change alone in your diet could lead to weight loss. By following this tip you will be able to cut down on calories and move towards a healthy weight. The three most common alternative sweeteners are explained below.

Saccharin: This is the oldest and most researched alternative sweetener. It was once thought to cause cancer (in animals) but studies over that past several decades have proven otherwise. Saccharin is found in the pink packet and has the brand name of Sweet’N Low. It is 300 times sweeter than sugar and is very stable in food. The main problem most people have with saccharin is that it has a bitter aftertaste.

Aspartame: Formed from two amino acids, phenylalanine and aspartic acid, aspartame is 180 times sweeter than sugar. Found in the blue packet under the brand name of Equal and in liquid form as Nutra-Sweet. One reason aspartame is often preferred over saccharin is that it has no aftertaste.

Sucralose: Sucralose is probably the most versatile alternative sweetener on the market. It is about 600 times sweeter than sugar and its brand name is Splenda (yellow packet). The biggest plus to this sweetener is that it is heat stable, so it can be used for cooking. Foods containing sucralose include ice cream, soda, gum, and baked goods. Most recipes call for the substitution of ½ cup of Splenda for every cup of sugar.

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