3 Reasons why I don't recommend Zero-Calorie Sweeteners

Many clients ask me about zero-calorie sweeteners such as stevia. If you are regularly using zero-calorie sweeteners and yet you find yourself gaining weight, then it is time to reexamine some factors. Unless you can't have sugar for medical reasons, here are the top 3 reasons why I encourage real sugar. 

1. Zero-calorie sweeteners can send a message that you are not good enough to have the real thing. Does this self-conversation sound familiar?
8AM: I am being good! Taking stevia, I just saved 30 calories with my coffee!
11AM: I am not drinking regular coke, and having diet instead, because regular sugar has calories and I can't have these calories
2PM: I want to lose weight so than I can look good and be loved and love myself. Hmm..does that mean I don't love myself right now?
3PM: I deserve something yummy and good. Like regular cake. I want to show myself that love that I am craving. Who cares about calories! 
5PM: Now that I screwed up the day, I might as well have whatever else I want.

It is not uncommon that one can overindulge in the afternoon to release the stress that accumulated from not allowing yourself to have 30 calories of real sugar! I believe it is better to have the real thing and leave the stress behind. Tell yourself you are worth looking and feeling fabulous and you deserve to have real food.


2. Zero-calorie sweeteners can change your taste buds
Because zero-calorie sweeteners have a different flavor than real sugar, our taste buds can change the way they react to real foods. Those who are used to zero-calorie sweeteners are more likely to overeat when they are given a real sugar dessert simply because it doesn't taste sweet enough. 

3. Zero-calorie sweeteners can add toxins to your body
Because our bodies are not naturally programmed to deal with zero-calorie sweeteners, they view these sugars as foreign objects. If your digestive system is working on other foods, zero-calorie sweeteners can be stored as toxins in your tissue, in order to protect your body. This in turn, can lead to extra pounds, not to mention other health issues. 


SWEET TREAT IDEAS:

• Justin's Chocolate Hazelnut Butter on Ezekiel Bread
  
• Fruit "Ice Cream" - Peel a banana, freeze and blend in a food processor. Mix in berries, nuts and serve
  
• Sweet Vegetables: Yams, sweet potatoes, squashes cut in chunks or fries: sprinkle with cinnamon and bake
  
• High quality organic dark chocolate
  
• Fresh Exotic Fruit

We only live once, so we might as well live fabulously!