Although artificial sweeteners do not contain calories, its best to avoid them. Data in both animal and human studies suggest that the effects of artificial sweeteners may contribute to metabolic syndrome and the obesity epidemic. Artificial sweeteners like aspartame (NutraSweet, Equal) and sucralose (Splenda) are calorie-free, however they are hundreds of times sweeter than natural sugar. If consumed regularly, they can dull the taste buds for less sweet foods such as fruit and ramp up the desire for more intensely sweet foods.
Another concern with these artificial sweeteners is that they make it difficult for the body to gauge how many calories are being consumed. They provide a sweet taste without any calories. This results in a desire for more sweets; and the more you eat, the more you want making it virtually impossible to kick the sugar habit. Avoid artificial sweeteners and this vicious cycle altogether by staying away from artificial sweeteners.
Make this Aussie Bites recipe (low sugar) at home! Aussie Bites are a fun little snack filled with chewy bits of seeds and dried fruit. They remind of a mini muffin, a soft granola bar or a healthy cookie. Perfect for kids and grownups alike — they make delicious addition to lunchboxes or snack bags. They’re a bit salty, soft, and crumbly with just the right amount of natural sweetness coming from the honey, apricots, and raisins.
Lorraine Matthews-Antosiewicz, MS, RD
PS…
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