Sweetness without guilt.

[undine2006]

Since I posted about reducing calories in carb rich foods, I though I may as well add a note about natural sweeteners. It was with great joy that I discovered these a while ago, most with far fewer calories than sugar - what's not to like!

Xylitol is derived from birch trees and is actually good for your teeth; I add it to my fluoride free home-made toothpaste. Then there is Stevia, which is best in its pure form (drops). It has been added to commercial sweeteners but I found found those left a nasty after-taste. There is also Erythritol. Isomalt and Acelsulfame-K (Ace-K) can be used to make sweets. Lots or recipes online.

Werther's do sugar free butter candies/caramels with these sweeteners. Prices for a 80g bag vary from £1 in Waitrose, to £1.50 in Sainsbury's or more in other stores. Great for a treat, only downside is they are slightly laxative (and may cause wind) so you can't eat too many, 2 is my maximum. There is also lovely chocolate with Stevia called Cavalier. It comes in Dark, Milk, Hazelnut and Berry flavors, sold in Waitrose.

[Maxxxx]

Thanks for the info - very helpful as I get severe headaches when I eat sugar!

[undine2006 in reply to Maxxxx]

I have to avoid it like the plague, it is highly inflammatory and sets my arthritis off.