Sweeteners

[JustJ280]

Hi! Been hanging out here and on the blogs and was noticing that no one has really mentioned much about sweeteners. I know that particularly on Atkins, you're limited on the types of sweeteners to just Splenda and a handfull of others. Not only in type, but amounts. So, my question is, is there anyone out there using any of the 'natural' sweeteners and having good luck? I tried several of the Stevia products and so far, I really enjoy the Sweetleaf brand. The packets and the liquid drops. Not a huge fan of the Truvia -- it does indeed leave a small cooling effect on my mouth afterwards. So, was just curious to see if anyone else is using any of these sweeteners and what you thought of them or if the 'new' Atkin's book addressed them? Thanks!

[firkindness]

It's been years since I read the Atkins book so I suppose I'm following his philosophy rather than following his plan to the letter. Still, I've had significant and steady loss over the past 4 months and use both Splenda and Stevia powder. However, I don't use a lot as over time I've lost my craving for sweet things.

[JustJ280]

Yeah, my cravings for sweets have dropped a lot! And I'm thankful. Not only that, but something doesn't have to be super sweet for it to taste good to me now. Splenda just tends to slow me down for some reason -- I think it's the maltodextrin that they use to 'bulk' it. And since it isn't really calorie or carb free except in tiny amounts, I don't like to use but maybe 4 packs a day. I had used the granular for cooking, but was VERY upset to find that 1 cup on Splenda for baking actually has 96 calories and 24 grams of CARBS! I mean, that's still better than sugar, but WOW. It's not Splenda that has the carbs, but the 'bulker'; aka maltodextrin. So, I was just curious to know if the newer addition of Atkins book mentioned any of the natural sweeteners like the Stevia. I am going to try making some of my protein cookies with the Stevia and see how it turns out. If I can't get a good baking consistency, I'll just quit using the Splenda in drinks and that way I won't be going overboard if I decide to have something else with it in it.