lonniehuffman's Journal, 07 Jul 20

Lots of people probably have opinions and perhaps science to back it up, but I've always felt like a chemical far from it's natural state trying to tease the brain into thinking something is sweet isn't a great idea. When I have had artificial sweetened foods, I'm not sure it has helped me lose weight at all. I'd rather have the whole, yummy treat. Obviously, some people love their artificially sweetened treats, but I'm left wishing I hadn't bothered with any of the calories to consume something not super enjoyable. When I started here a year and a half ago, I did buy some monkfruit sweetener. It seemed somewhat natural and I enjoyed it. But, it is costly and I figured I'd rather have moderation in my life enjoying the best stuff!!! 😁  

I always wonder the same from a science standpoint. There is so much conflicting info out there about this topic. I personally think artificial sweeteners are fine in moderation like everything else. But if I have to choose between a diet and a regular soda, I would choose the regular because I don’t like that fake sugar aftertaste. Calorie wise, pure sugar isn’t too bad in my opinion, so I would rather have the real thing and enjoy it without overdoing it. I have a can of regular pepsi now and again because it helps my migraines better than anything else. 

Thanks for responding, newname and Melissa! I also think, well I hope, that artificial sweeteners are okay in moderation. Before I started my diet this past December, I drank nothing but diet sodas. My favorite was (and still is) Coke Zero. Diet sodas today don't have that aftertaste that they used to have, at least not one I can detect. Anyway, while I was in the losing phase of my diet, I totally quit drinking diet sodas, and I also quit using Equal or any other artificial sweeteners. I'm not sure, but I think it may have helped me lose weight. I certainly never lost weight as fast before, but I never had so few calories while dieting before either. Who can tell? Lately though, now that I have reached my goal weight and have a normal BMI, I've started having a few Coke Zeros again, in moderation, as a treat. So far I haven't seen or felt any negative effects. Next time I see the doctor, I'll see what they think too. Thanks again for your input! 

My idea is that "artificial sweeteners" are not bad, but "overdosing is bad". "Water", "Sunlight", "Vitamins and Minerals", "Dietary Fiber", "Salt" necessary for maintaining good health Even if these things are necessary for survival, there is no problem if they are in appropriate amounts, but if you "overdose" beyond the limit, you will die at worst. I want to protect an appropriate amount. ▽°｜b✨ 

Thank you for chiming in, ヤママユガ. I too think moderation is key. Too much of anything can be harmful. I like that aspartame, the most available artificial sweetener today, is made from natural occurring amino acids that your body gets from other foods sources. Also, when consumed, it is broken down by the body into amino acids that you get anyway from eating protein, and a small amount of methanol, which also occurs naturally in fruits and vegetables, according to what I've read anyway. I did read that some say it tricks the body into thinking something set had been eaten, and may play a part on causing diabetes in some people. I was pre-diabetic, but reversed that problem. I'm mindful of this now, and will monitor my A1C to see if a moderate amount of artificial sweetener in my life starts to cause a problem. Thanks again, ヤママユガ! 🙂 

I think you understood perfectly, Ralph. Thank you for entering the discussion. I agree with you. While I was trying to lose weight, I stopped using all forms of artificial sweetener., and I really think it played a part in accelerating my weight-loss. What do you think though about a moderate amount of artificial sweetener once you're no longer trying to lose anymore weight? Is it still a bad idea then? 

I have to say that when I want something sweet, I go for a coke zero or cherry coke zero. makes me feel like it's not so bad since there's no calories. but I know the artificial sweeteners aren't the best for me.  

Neither is actually very good for you. If I'm have something bad, I'd at least like to have something real. I'm not big on fake sweeteners. 

I have two a day. Usually one has caffeine and the other doesn't. I don't care what's considered super healthy or not. I enjoy everything in moderation and my health is perfect. 

I never drink my calories unless it's 1% milk so diet coke, water, black coffee for me. Mostly water. 

I drink diet dr pepper, hasn't been an issue. Dude at the store was all like, those aren't good for you. I was all like, sugar causes diabetes, choose your destructor. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ I suspect neither statement is entirely true.  

I appreciate y'all for commenting on this subject. It's kind of a controversial subject because there's so much contradicting information out there. I'm never sure anymore if I can trust what I read, especially when I read it on the internet. I knew I'd get honest opinions from all of you though. My concern here is diabetes. Supposedly, it runs in my family. I know my brother has it, and he drinks diet soda and uses artificial sweetener. He is also almost 300 pounds and relies on medicine to keep his blood sugar, as well as several other medical issues he has, in check. I don't want to fall into that trap. I really appreciate your feedback, everybody. Thank you!  

That's encouraging, Draglist. Thank you! 🙂 

Why not aspartame, Dave? 

Thank you for sharing those articles, Dave. I read both of them. They're scary because before this year I drank diet sodas almost exclusively. While I was in the losing phase of my diet, I totally quit drinking them cold turkey, and I think doing so helped me lose weight. Since I entered the maintenance phase, I started having an occasional one as a treat. I agree with the second article, in that more, better, more trustworthy research must be done. I think it should be done NOW! Thanks again, Dave. You've definitely given me something to think about.