Do you know of instances where a diabetic has found that when he/she switched to artificial sweeteners in their low carb baking/cooking, the artificial sweeteners triggered/increased their addiction/cravings for sugar.
Since some sweeteners are derived from sugar, I don't see that as being out of the realm of possibility. Probably pretty likely depending how similar the molecule of the artificial one is to the real one.
I used to eat powdered Splenda thinking it was perfectly low carb but then read in Bernstein that the maltodextrin filler can raise bg. Now that I'm paying more attention I believe I've found that to be true.
Planning to order some EZ-Sweetz, which I understand to be basically liquid Splenda, but in the meantime sticking with stevia drops.
Ah sorry I misread the question. I do believe for some people at least that eating sweets, regardless of whether they're low carb, can increase those cravings.
I find that some sweeteners make my cravings worse, splenda is a huge culprit. Though once I learned that splenda is chlorinated sugar... it was easy to cut that out forever!
I never buy fruits anymore, even berries, because I can't stop myself once I eat one. Stevia is the most craving friendly but I have to admit that personally, any sweet flavors make me want more.
I have found that if I want to indulge in sweets, that the best way to avoid cravings is to make extremely fat heavy desserts. Something like a cookie, which is mostly nut flour and sweetener, I could eat forever and still want more. But if I make my own chocolate whipped cream (which is about 99% fat), I can eat one portion and be done. It isn't that I do no want more, but instead fat is so satiating that I couldn't eat more.
I think what matters most is to be test it on yourself. Try going without anything sweet for a week and gauge your hunger, cravings and how often you think about food. Then try out different sweets and honestly assess if it is something you could easily overeat. If it is, either find something else or maybe set some rules on when you eat it, e.g. only birthdays and holidays.
I have found that if I want to indulge in sweets, that the best way to avoid cravings is to make extremely fat heavy desserts. But if I make my own chocolate whipped cream (which is about 99% fat), I can eat one portion and be done. It isn't that I do no want more, but instead fat is so satiating that I couldn't eat more.
You can be addicted to sugar and you can be addicted to some others sweeteners I think.
If you stay away from sugar and other sweeteners and all the products that have sweeteneres in, you will be de-sugared and not craving for it any more.
Autumn when I make my chocolate whipped cream I just whip up the cream and add Walden Farms chocolate syrup to it. 0 carbs. Sometimes I use the caramel. Occasionally I add a smidge of cream cheese
I attribute the abandonment of my low carb diet in the early 90's to artificial sweeteners. I never fell for the low fat products as fat was replaced by sugar. I am so thankful for the Paleo movement. I now enjoy real food and cooking. The use of:butter, coconut oil, lard, bacon grease, and my daily supplement of MCT oil has given me the satisfaction I need to turn my back on the desire for sweets. I occasionally have a square of 80% chocolate which is all I need. My cravings are now for steak and kale.
The use of:butter, coconut oil, lard, bacon grease, and my daily supplement of MCT oil has given me the satisfaction I need to turn my back on the desire for sweets.
MCT stands for medium-chain-triglyceride, which products include the coconut oil so many of us are very fond of. Check your favorite search engine for more extensive information.
No, I take it, and the coconut oil by the teaspoon or tablespoon three times a day. The oil is tasteless and easy to swallow. Some people put MCT oil in smoothies or add it to salad dressing. As far as I know you cannot heat it. Coconut Oil on the other hand, can be used in cooking in the place of butter or other fats. I usually take a teaspoon of both oils if I am hungry or do not have time for breakfast.
Anything with aspartame in it would double, treble even quadruple (if possible) my sugar cravings. I also get headaches after eating or drinking anything with aspartame in it.
I came to the conclusion 25 years ago that if I'm going to give up sucrose sugar then I do so without substituting with artificial sweeteners. The only time I add sugar to beverages is when I have a strong cup of coffee (and then I only have 1/2 a teaspoon of dark brown sugar).
The less sugary foods I eat the less cravings I have for sugar and I actually find too sweet foods disgusting to taste. I prefer to drink water, tea (especially herbal teas) or coffee. If I have a soda/soft drink it's usually plain soda water (not flavoured) or indian tonic water (not the artificially sweetened kind). I even use soda water as a mixer with bacardi or vodka (yes I do enjoy the occasional drop) - I can't stand coke, and lemonade is way too sweet.
I don't have a problem with sugar cravings after fruit - the fruit would satisfy my need and I limit myself per fruit serving.
I find I crave carbs a lot less when I go wheat free and I'm back on a wheat free diet presently (I'm being checked for wheat intolerance).
My nutritionist, 25 years ago, suggested glycerine as an alternative sweetener - but I found that too expensive and hard to come by so I opted for no artificial sweeteners.
dinabeth
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