What do you guys think about sweeteners? I’m cutting carbs, so would like to cut out the sugar in my tea and coffee, tried some little canderel tablet sweetener thingys and my coffee was horrible! Couldn’t drink it! I’m sure it made it more bitter! There’s loads on the market! Any recommendations? 😁
Sweetener anyone? : What do you guys... - Weight Loss Support
Sweetener anyone?
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Nobodysperfect
1kg
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78 Replies
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I stopped sweetener in my coffee, about the same time as I stopped Diet Coke, I found they made me crave sweet things, as if my brain expected sugar and when it didn’t arrive it shouted out for some . . . It wasn’t easy but I did get used to it eventually. I drink more tea than coffee and didn’t have sugar in that which helped. I switched from Diet Coke to diet tonic water and then just fizzy water . . . I think it has helped as I don’t have an especially sweet tooth now. I do have full fat milk or cream in my coffee which also helps 😊
Good Luck!
Thanks IndigoBlue61. I think I will just have to try to readjust to not having sugar in my tea, but don’t think I’ll be able to completely cut it from coffee, and will miss my morning cup! I don’t really drink much fizzy thankfully. I was wondering if anyone had any success with other sweeteners. I saw there is a ‘natural’ Stevia. But not sure how ‘natural’ or if it would be just as awful as those little tablet thingys I tried. 🥴
I tried many sweeteners and they were horrible but the stevia is place based and is ok. Still slightly leaves an after taste but nothing compared to all the others. Everyone tells me I’ve just got to give sugar up totally, no sweeteners. I’m up by almost 4 stone since menopause so I have to try but I’m struggling too. Stevia definitely the best tasting out of all the alternatives. Argave syrup is nice but still a sugar based syrup
Hi and welcome, Billie-Jane 
All of the information you need about the forum can be found in Pinned Posts healthunlocked.com/nhsweigh... and I hope you'll be joining all the Events, Challenges and Clubs that we run, especially a weigh-in and the daily diary.
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Thank you. I’m still trying to get to grips with finding everything. But finding active 10 is much like all the other things that record activity. It makes me feel that fighting this weight gain is a waste of time. I physically don’t seem able to do what all these apps call brisk. 😕 I walked 42 minutes but it gave me 12 minutes! It’s so demoralising, I’m going to keep trying but do as my daughter suggests and look for a calorie management app, I don’t suppose there’s one linked to this is there please 🙂
Instead of trying to get your body to conform to apps, why not work with it? Have a look at these and see if they would be better for you healthunlocked.com/nhsweigh... and phcuk.org/wp-content/upload...
All forms of exercise are good! Don't push yourself to do more than you're able, improvement will come with time
Reduce gradually order try agave syrup and then reduce that ? I agree with others about stevia being ok or insulin which is made from chicory 🙂
Yes, Stevia is a plant
Morning IndigoBlue61, I'm with you.
I drink mainly tea with no sugar. I used to drink 2 litres of diet coke a day but have now given it up. I bought a filter jug instead and now enjoy chilled tap water which is a lot healthier not to mention cheaper
Well done you! It’s tough but my taste buds have adjusted which makes the cravings easier to handle 😊
I am lucky I don't have mains water my supply comes from a spring which often runs dry so I also collect every drop of rain water that I can and use that. Luckily this summer I was only short of water in March/April, after that I had more than enough water for myself. When I return home to Stoke though I can't abide the water, it tastes of Tcp to me and I take a couple of gallons home with me or have to buy spring water in gallon containers. The Co op's is the cheapest I have found up until now.
I know what you mean about tap water hence the filter jug though I may give the Co op's spring water a try.
I didn't really notice it until I started cutting out the junk from my diet and started eating "proper" food.
Yes, it is strange how your taste buds change isn't it?
I used to not drink tea at all, I drank just black coffee for years, but for some reason I suddenly decided that I wanted milk in it again a couple or so decades ago. I tried many times to leave off the milk, but I always seemed to get a headache whenever I tried. So then, because of thyroid issues I wanted to leave dairy alone, I took to drinking Earl Grey tea instead of coffee. I needed a couple of saccharin with it though, but that is reduced now to 1 saccharin, hoping to stop all together soon.
I returned to black coffee a couple of times a day after a couple of months of doing without coffee at all and I was suprised that I never had the same headaches with it after that, I have no idea why. I take a saccharin in that occasionally, but I find it easier to do without sweeteners all together with coffee. But I don't want to be drinking gallons of coffee a day again so I mainly stick to my Earl Grey, or occasionally Chai, which I like very much.
I can only drink Twinings tea at the moment though, for some reason. I tried other brands of Earl Grey in lockdown - when Twings were unobtainable here - but I detested them all. So I buy boxes of Twinings whenever I see them, especially when the Co op puts them on offer!
Concerning 'fizzy drinks. If I am lucky enough to be in a pub, I drink Diet Pepsi. I find Diet Coke too sweet for me for some reason. I never drink it at home, but at nights I have a cross etween diet lemonade and sparkling water with a splash of lemon juice hits the spot during the night. I need a bit of fizz if I wake up in the night! I rarely want that fizz at any other time. I rarely want too many of the sweet things in life thank the Lord, so if I do occasionally want a milky coffee with lots of saccharin, or Stevia, I will have it.
That hasn't happened since I gave up dairy, about 5 or 6 months or so ago at least now, I think. And I keep a carton of long life milk in just in case I get that feeling. A little of what you fancy does you good on occasions.
Sounds like I’m not the only one to really dislike the taste of sweetener! Perhaps they’re all horrible after all!
Glad you’re enjoying your coffee Thehappyman! I’ll try mine in the morning with just 5g of sugar.👍
I used to take 2 sugars in my tea but I cut it down gradually and as I adjusted to the reduction (it was quicker than I thought), I was eventually able to take it without sugar. That was 30 yrs ago and I could never drink sweet tea again as it just tastes wrong. Good luck with your own tea and coffee 'transition'
It’s just habit really, I’m sure once I’ve got used to the taste of unsweetened tea I won’t want sugar. Might try to drop the sugar, I think it’s too bitter without!?
I found the only 1 i like are made by a sugar company
Silver Spoon sweetener .
I even give them to people who always ask for sugar .
And ask have I put enough.
Thanks for the tip aud3156. I will look out for the silver spoon sweetener. Is this a little tiny tablet thingy like I tried or a loose powder?
Hello and welcome, aud3156 😊
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Yes these are popular but Contain aspartame So for anyone with a chronic pain condition, can apparently contribute to pain. I wonder if NHS can verify that? As I’ve not tried them because of fibromyalgia.
Ah, Thanks Billie-Jane. Might avoid he aspartame then. Didn’t know about the link with pain. Thanks for sharing that.
I love weak tea and coffee with a little milk. I can't drink either without milk but don't like sugar. I can't even drink tea stirred with a spoon that has been used in a cup with sugar in it. I can tolerate coffee with a small amount of sugar but prefer it without.
I'm not a big fan of substitutes, sweeteners, almond flour, cauliflower rice etc. I either do without or take the hit.
I guess it’s all down to personal taste BigRedDBA. Perhaps if I keep trying it without sugar I will adjust. . I’m not sure how essential it is to completely cut out the sugar. I’m still craving sweeties and puds, wonder if it is because I’m allowing myself a little sugar in my hot drinks during the day? 🤔
I have to admit that I never had sugar in tea, even as a child. Upbringing plays a big part.
Just about making new good habits! 😁
Here's a piece about cravings that fits in with what you're noticing well.blogs.nytimes.com/2013...
Thanks. I’ll take a look! 👍
The one with the best reviews is called Swerve but pricey at nearly £20 for 12 ounces. good for cooking and baking.
Oh that is pricey! Not baking at the minute! Can’t trust myself to not over eat!
Hi
I have been trying to cut out sugar completely. If you gradually decrease the amount of sugar you have then you will get used to it. I also find that I can drink coffee without sugar if I put in a bit more milk. Definitely better for you than sugar!
Hello and welcome to the forum, sheshe1950 😊
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My husband used to take a teaspoon of sugar in tea and coffee, he bought Stevia as he didn't think he'd ever be able to drink them without sweetener. He does LCHF, within a few weeks he found his taste changed and it was too sweet,Just over two years later he still doesn't take sugar.
Stevia is very sweet apparently. Your taste will likely change with LCHF. You could try just using a little less sugar in hot drinks or buying a small amount of Stevia, I now have a mostly unused tub of it as my husband didn't use it.
Welcome back Needtodo
As a reminder, all of the information you need about the forum can be found in Pinned Posts healthunlocked.com/nhsweigh... and I hope you'll be joining all the Events, Challenges and Clubs that we run, especially a weigh-in and the daily diary.
We've found active participation to be key to successful weight loss and, of course, it's a good way to get to know people, find inspiration and share support and encouragement.
Wishing you all the best
Stevia has been best one for me & use the granulated one.
Tank_EGMaintainer7 stone
Morning Nobodysperfect,
I used to be a sugar addict, 3 to tablespoons on already sweet cereal, 2 teaspoons in every cup of coffee, sweets, chocolate, cake, etc.
I still have 50g of a sweet cereal for breakfast (Frosties) but no added sugar. I drink mainly tea which I like without sugar, I've given up fizzy drinks. I also drink a lot of chilled filtered water.
Whilst it looks like artificial sweeteners are safe for human consumption I'm not keen putting too many calories in my body. I've never got on with more natural alternatives to sugar.
Since trying to lose weight I've been eating more fruit and veg and once I gave my body a chance to adapt, I now prefer these to refined sugar. So plenty of sweet peppers, carrots, sweetcorn, melon, berries, apples - the list goes on.
It's only been a few weeks since I stopped adding sugar and cutting out fizzy drinks and I feel better than I have in a long time.
So it is possible but I would suggest small steps at first, don't go big bang. If you have 2 teaspoons of sugar in a coffee try 1.5 for a week then 1 finally a half before trying to cut it out completely.
Wishing you all the best and every success
Thanks Tank_EG, I will definitely try cutting down the sugar before resorting to sweetener. The one I had was horrible, and the more I read about them the more I think they are a bad idea.
I like to stick to adding sugar as I can control what I'm putting in. And it is just that. Sugar. But you could always try another type like honey, agave or maple syrup (sorry, I don't drink coffee so I have no idea what works and what doesn't) or perhaps adding something like lemon or orange as an alternative? It's weird, but sometimes I find that I'm not necessarily craving sweet exactly, just a punch of flavour. Maybe experiment and see what you get?
What milk do you use in your coffee? Nobodysperfect I don’t have sugar or sweetener but would find the coffee bitter if I used skimmed or semi skimmed milk. Full fat milk or single cream works for me.
Thanks Fran182716. I’ve heard that on here somewhere else that cream is good in coffee. Do just use semi skimmed milk, so perhaps I’ll get a small pot of cream to try. 👍
Hi try honey as sweeteners are not good for you. If you do some research online it may help as it can cause problems. When my mum passed away from cancer I read up on foods and it suggested cancers can feed on sugars so I gave it up. I also saw a nutritionist who told me that there is chemicals in sweetness so I just had to get used to no sugar or honey. You may have withdrawal coming off sugar as it’s more addictive than cocaine. I wish you the best of luck. You will see a big difference in your taste buds and check everything you eat and drink as sweeteners and sugar are in everything. If you really struggle try dark brown sugar as it has trace nutrients but avoid the light brow sugar as it can just be white sugar which is dyed. There has been studies done that show it can effect your brain and organs. Natural fruit is best too so go into a health food store as they will have some alternatives. Have a lovely day. Cheers. J.
Thanks Jeromicus. Didn’t know that light brown sugar could just be dyed! How misleading! You just assume it’s less processed! Not many people on here have got much good to say about artificial sweetener ! I’ll take your advice. 👍
GeetarplayerVisitor
Hi
I used to take 2 sugars in tea but then started doing 1 and a half. When I was ok with this I did one then half then none. I can’t stand sugar n tea now and I have never enjoyed tea so much. I think a lot of people do it that way.
Hi Geetarplayer and welcome back to this amazing forum. I suggest you spend some time clicking about to find your way around because some things have changed slightly since you were here.
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Thanks Geetarplayer, som others have suggested the same. I’ll cut down gradually to let my taste buds adapt. 👍
I cut out sugar about 8 years ago in coffee, I had stopped it in tea a few years before but had convinced myself that I needed it in coffer. Here is how I done it, I gradually cut down by 1/4 a teaspoon every week to two weeks then after down to last 1/4 teaspoon I literally wet the spoon and dipped in sugar cutting g down till just tip went in. I did this for a few weeks then just stopped. Have never looked back. Hate dugar or a sugary spoon bei g used in either drink. Xx
Hopefully I can do the same. 😃
I have tried all sorts of sweeteners in the past, but I generally don't like them.
I used granulated sweetener and halved the amount recommended then less and less until I was drinking beverages without any. Now I prefer the taste of coffee without. Good luck with it.
I take the sweeteners and I do not have an aftertaste. I am fine with them. Try different ones to see how you get on. I also use the powder to put on fruit such as berries and when I have porridge. No problems at all.
NoosatVisitor
I use organic Stevia
Hi Noosat welcome to the Weight Loss forum, I see you are a member of another HU forum, would you like to join us or are you just visiting? Whichever you choose is fine by us.😉
Jack2019Visitor
I think sweetners are a processed frankenfood and are not healrhy at all. IMO it is healthier to use plant sugar , cane or the stevia type etc. I also read that artifical sweetners may be calorie free but they will still cause an insulin response.
All foods cause an insulin response, fat, carbs, protein all cause a rise. We even have a rise during the night when we've not even eaten 🙂
The question was about opinions on sweetners, my response was offering what I think about them. Yes all foods, except fats, cause an insulin response.
Yes, the discussion asks the question of sweeteners. I know you were responding to what you think of sweeteners 🙂 but, fats cause an insulin response just like everything else and as I said, even no food ie when you are sleeping causes a rise in insulin so, I was just pointing out that there's no diet out there that won't cause insulin levels to rise.
Hi! It's called Stevia. I think it's a bit pricey but, worth it because you sure don't use as much there's no sugar in it at all because it's resourced from a naturally sweet leaf and no worry about cancer-causing agents either. Good Luck!
Hello and welcome, DRCH 😊
You'll find all our groups and activities in Pinned Posts healthunlocked.com/nhsweigh... , plus a Welcome message. A good place to start is with a weekly weigh-in on the day of your choice, and the Daily Diary, where members share their meal plans.
This gives you a tour of the forum healthunlocked.com/?tour=true and, along with Pinned Posts, will show you how things work. Active participation can be a great boost to your own efforts so I hope you'll become an active member and we will see you joining in around the forum 😊
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Thank You!
You're welcome Do some exploring of those Pinned Posts and then you know what's on offer
Thanks! It’s getting obvious that artificial sweetener is not the way to go! 👍
You're welcome and I forgot to say that there's NO calories in Stevia either.
I use Stevia if I need to cook anything that needs sweetening and in my tea/coffee I use saccharin, because I no longer have milk at all. I would never go for aspartame though, they are very much frowned upon, very chemical appparently and don't work too well in hot drinks or for cooking.
I would prefer to use Stevia in a hot drink too to be honest, but it is very expensive compared with Sweetex, not to mention being easier to harder to carry around in my bag!
I would prefer saccharin to sugar any day of the day personally. But I am cutting down on those now too, one sweetex in either black tea or coffee. I look forward to the day that I can drink hot drinks without any sweetener. But I have given up all dairy now and I think one sweetex in a hot drink not too shabby.
Thanks BrynGlas. I’m going to try cutting down the sugar little at a time until I can hopefully drink hot drinks without it. Perhaps try the stevia for cooking with when I need to. Great to hear what everyone thinks. 😁
It is a taste of the individual but me who loves sweets (especially Coke) I use Splenda or Monk Fruit.
I have bought some of those little sugar free sweeties that come in a little box. Not sure which sweetener is in them?? Scared of eating too many though because of the side effects! 😂
Sucralose ones don't taste as bad as the aspartame ones.
Hello and welcome, Babyc69 😊
You'll find all our groups and activities in Pinned Posts healthunlocked.com/nhsweigh... , plus a Welcome message. A good place to start is with a weekly weigh-in on the day of your choice, and the Daily Diary, where members share their meal plans.
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Try half & half. I tsp sugar + 1 or 2 sweeteners.
Hello and welcome, cattyfood
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Yes side effects wise monk fruit is safer the splenda.
Thanks for the tip off utep99.
amykpVisitor
If you are doing low carb then you can (should, really!) add double/heavy cream to your coffee--and that takes the place of a lot of the sweet! Then, if you want it little sweet, you can add just a teeny bit of sweetener and the "artificial" taste won't bother you.
I generally use splenda or monkfruit or boca sweet (monkfruit and boca sweet are natural BTW). IMO they are the closest to real.
BTW that's a trick with low carb baking as well--do not add as much sweetener as the recipes call for. You'll learn to prefer food that way.
amykp, Thanks for the tips. Seems wrong to add cream because we all know how fattening it is!?! Will get some to try though promise. 😄
Here's something about fat fatismyfriend.co.uk/
If you're significantly cutting down on carbs, you will need to add in healthy fats, to keep you going
amykpVisitor
It's not "fattening" if you are truly doing a low carb diet...carbs are! Remember--you count carbs, not calories. Double cream is better for you than single, and ANYTHING is better than skimmed milk. (12g per cup!)
But...that is only true if you really are doing low carb.
I am trying to do low carb. Have swapped bread at lunch for salads. Cauliflower rice instead of rice. Spiralizing veg instead of pasta. Really reduced potatoes, but had a little mash. Still trying to get my head around this while still feeding a family and working! I’m determined to give it a good go though! 👍 Thanks everyone for all the replies! ❤️
Hi there, I haven't taken sugar or sweeteners in drinks for a long time now, but my husband has Diabetes and we have found that Splenda is a good alternative for sugar on cereal etc. where you would use sugar. You can bake with it too. But get the recipes from Splenda first. Hope this is helpful. Kind regards Lynda.
Thank you Peacheabeau. It’s lovely to hear everyone’s comments. There are so many sweeteners to choose from. I think I will try to Limit the sugar and hope my taste buds adapt, but will try one of the Stevia sweeteners as they seem a little less artificial in the mean time. I’ll take a look at the Splenda recipes. I’m hoping to do some baking, teeeking the recipes to suit my new diet. 😁
EleanorbaMaintainer
I'm sure you've had lots of similar replied but I'm with IndigoBlue61 here. Better to just wean yourself off sweet stuff. I reckon you'll soon get used to it, even coffee. When I was a teenager I drank sugar in hot drinks then gave it up whilst I was a student (I think I just kept running out of sugar and was hopelessly disorganised with shopping!). I also gave up milk in both about 15 years ago. Now drinks with milk and sugar just taste like a horrible tea- or coffee-flavoured milkshake to me.
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