Splenda

[Soggy Bottom Boy]

Are products containing splenda okay for the induction phase or is that something I should try and avoid ? I'm starting to get a little sweet-tooth action kicking up on me.

[northernlady]

Splenda is an approved sweetner for induction because it contains less carbs than sugar and doesn't cause a blood sugar spike (good for diabetics too)

The low carb way of eating is intended to stop blood sugar spikes, which in turn causes an increase in insulin production -- which makes us fat!

[NeverMan]

As far as I am aware, Splenda is actually a ZERO CALORIE sugar derivative. Splenda is not digested by the body, just like fiber is not. So, to answer your question, yes, Splenda is fine for all phases of the Atkins diet.

[Teuthis]

What products are you talking about? I drank all the diet soda I wanted while doing Induction; splenda and aspartame based. But don't start eating a bunch of junk. This is the time that you start building new habits; not reinforcing the old ones in different ways. Be cautious and keep focused on your goal of losing weight.

Good Luck!

I believe in the Dr.'s book, DANDR, 2002, he says to limit the use of Splenda to three packets a day during Induction.

Only the liquid form of Splenda has zero carbs. The dry form requires a binder which does have carbs. Count one packet of Splenda as one carb.

[Soggy Bottom Boy]

Thanks for the help. I have been able to hold off from pulling the trigger on splenda so far and I'm into my third week. I think I'm going to stay with induction a few more weeks and keep trying to avoid splenda. I've lost 16 pounds so far but the last 5 days have been slow. It's kind of tough because I'm not able to exercise much due to herniated discs in my back.

After the third week it is natural for weight loss to slow down as the body plays "catch up" with the water and fat loss you've so drastically experienced in such a short time.

You're wise to factor in your exercise down time when making choices. You will lose more if you can exercise, that's a given. If you are not physically able to, however, you will still lose just fine as long as you continue to factor that into your food choices. That you're doing this already tells me that you're in control and know what you need to do to make this WOE work for you.

Unless Splenda initiates cravings for you though, I don't think you have to be terribly strict with it. The 3 packets a day recommendation in the book is an excellent guideline. Splenda appears to be pretty harmless for most when used in moderation. It's those sugar alcohols that have the potential of derailing you, especially if you can't count on being able to exercise.

[LunaCat]

Where can I get the liquid splenda? I have searched all of my local grocery stores and nothing. Does walmart or K-mart have it?

[blueskyes2]

As far as I know you can only get non-flavored liquid splenda online due to the FDA not allowing it to be sold yet or some such.

However, you can get the flavored syrups, such as Davinci or Torani's at many grocery stores, Wal-mart, World Market and even some coffee shops in a pinch. I use the vanilla flavor whenever I want to sweeten something and add minimal additional taste.

[LunaCat]

blueskyes you are so helpful Thanks so much for your input. I am about to order from the atkins website, so i am glad I asked that question before I placed my order. thumb Thanks again.

Tonya

[blueskyes2]

The Atkins syrups are expensive by comparison and not as good, so you will definitely save money by not ordering theirs.

[LunaCat]

so where do u get the liquid splenda online?

[blueskyes2]

Not sure. Maybe someone else knows. I know there was some lady that was selling it, but I have never bought any. I just use the syrups.

[melissa626]

I drink Diet Rite and love that!

[LunaCat]

I am drinking a diet rite right now yummy :P

but i need to make other things lower in carbs. I am currently using the atkins flavored syrups, but i like the flavor of coffee without added flavor sometimes too. My problem is i love coffee with my cream so i want to subtract some carbs.
Also, i want something carbless to take with me for when i am out and have coffee or tea. the packets are fine for now, but they add up.
Thanks for all of your help everyone.

tonya