Daily Archives: October 5, 2011

Gary Taubes wrote an article* for the New York Time Sunday Magazine, 10/2/11, on artificial sweeteners, though he did not address the most prevalent in soft drinks, aspartame, and concludes he prefers stevia as the one natural alternative. I don’t disagree as to their safety, but like many others, the super sweet nature of the artificial sweeteners can be a trigger for those of us who are extremely insulin resistant, hypoglycemic, or hyperinsulinemic. I know my own cravings markedly reduced when I gave up the artificial sweeteners. As mentioned in previous posts, with sweeteners at 200 to 600 times sweeter than sugar, our brain is getting the message that loads of calories will be forthcoming, and when they don’t come, then cravings only increase. If I ever use artificially sweetened foods or drinks, I make sure there are plenty of fats and protein to give the satiation the sweet is promising.
Again, each of us has different tolerances, and if you can use artificial sweets without cravings developing, then that’s great for you. Same for sugars, all but high fructose corn syrup which is one sweetener no one should consume who has weight issues, or wants to avoid them.
* http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2011/10/02/magazine/29mag-food-issue.html?scp=1&sq=food%20and%20drink,%20Times%20magazine,%20October%202,%202011&st=cse#/health