Can anyone tell me why agave nectar is ok? From looking at the nutrition information it doesn't seem very low in sugar. Is it digested differently? I have some in my kitchen but I haven't used it for anything yet.

Agave nectar, if I remember right, is 60 cal/Tablespoon, which is high in calories. BUT, it is a low glycemic index, so it won't cause a spike in glucose levels, and therefore not trigger cravings.

So, it's an alternative for sugar, but you have to be easy on it!

(perfect replacement for pancake syrup, IMHO)

You'll find more discussion on this subject in the Natural Sugar Substitutes thread in the main SBD forum.

Wife2aBadge, Dr. A might want to konk me over the head for saying this, but as long as you kept it to a very, very small amount (like a measuring teaspoon a day), you might be able to have some sugar in P2. If you look at some of the things that are recommended (such as FF Cool Whip or FF 1/2 n' 1/2), you'll notice that they are made of sugar, but the serving size is so small, they're allowed. You might use that as a guide. But if you did it, I'd try to use as natural a sugar as possible, thinking that the less it's processed, the less the effect on your system.

Ciaran,

What is the Stevia sweetened Soda called? I'd love to find some for myself!

The name is Zevia and it came in a couple flavors.

Thanks. I'm on day 5 of P1 and for the few ricotta desserts I've had I've put in 1/3 or 1/2 tsp of sugar instead of the artificial stuff. It tastes sweet enough for me and I haven't noticed any mad desire to run out for chocolate chip cookies.

I get headaches from artificial sweeteners too. I do, however, like agave. I'm on the fence with stevia just because I don't like the after-taste.

I really don't like to use chemical sweeteners. I figure if I choose to use real sugar I will just control how much of that food I eat. I wonder...is raw sugar better than white sugar? Also do you have to adjust the usage in the recipe or use the same amount? Thoughts....

From a South Beach perspective sugar is sugar so raw is no different than processed. Actually as far as your body is concerned that's true too. It has the same impact on your body with or without any chemicals used for processing.

I have only found myself needing Splenda for my NF Yogurt to help it out, because it's really bitter to me, and a packet for some tea, I don't think that is too bad.

I have found when I drink a diet pop I get a headache. I only allow one every couple of days just because after a while water tastes...well...just like water. I have been making the SB desserts with real sugar but I only enjoy them seldomly. My boys on the other hand love the recipes I have made so far.