Sugar Alternatives

[nailit]

I am trying to loose a bit of beef (or at least not put any more on) as I'm at least a couple of stone overweight. The problem is my sweet tooth. For some weeks ive been using honey on my breakfast cereal instead of sugar but a bit of research, here for instance http://www.fitday.com/fitness-articles/nutrition/healthy-eating/food-myths-debunked-honey-is-better-than-white-sugar-because-it-is-natural.html#b suggests that its no better.
Also ive been eating more fruit than I used to (about 3-4 portions a day) and then im reading that fruit is high in sugar and may contribute toward weight gain.Researching on the internet can drive you bonkers with conflicting articles so can anyone share with me any experiences with using sugar alternatives for weight loss.
Many thanks.

[nailit]

BTW I'm 6ft tall and weigh 16 1/2 stone, what should be a healthy weight for me.
Thanks

[gingejbee]

So, nailit, what did you think made honey sweet if it wasn't glucose and fructose?

[Baldric]

Any help?

http://www.calculator.net/ideal-weight-calculator.html

[albaqwerty]

6ft tall and 16 1/2 stone sounds fine to me.

Sugar alternatives :
sweetex (or something similar in tea/coffee)

The diabetic sugar on the market is vile if you're used to the real stuff.

[nailit]

Thanks Baldric for the link
Alba, according to Baldrics link I'm somewhere between 3 to 5 stone overweight. Personally I think I'd look ridiculous if i lost that much, a couple of stone would be nice though.
ginge, just thought by useing honey it would be better than refined white sugar. Appears I was wrong. Same with upping my fruit intake instead of snacking on crisps and choclate bars apparently.

[albaqwerty]

just had a look at Balders link too. For one of them I should be between 114 - 155 lbs.
Quite a difference, don't have scales here, so might wiegh meself at a pal's.

Don't forget about the obscene amount of sugar in alcohol if you enjoy a tipple on occasion.

[mallyh]

i have a banana on my cereal instead of sugar.

[Sqad]

nailit, my darling. this is your arrogant, rude, fat rich uncaring Dr. answering your query from his villa in the Mediterranean bought from ill gotten gains of tears of medical practice, insulting patients.

Sugar alternatives as a method of weight loss .....forget it ...we both know it is not going to happen.

If you enjoy honey on your cereal.....then continue eating and enjoying it.

Fruit?....essential.....yes high in carbohydrates, but healthy when taken as the whole fruit and NOT the sqash.

Your method.......you will lose a stone in weight in about 75 years.

Good luck.

[nailit]

Alba, unfortunetly I know all to well about calories in alcohol :-(
On the brighter side I'm drinking loads of water in the day and have cut out juice, pop and other sugar laden drinks. Only drink tea occasionally....with sweetners and havnt drank coffee for years. Also switched to skimmed milk on cereals.

[nailit]

lol Squad. I blame it on my medication ;-)

[Sqad]

\\\\ I blame it on my medication ;-)\\\\

LOL...LOL....;-)

[nailit]

So whats the deal with fruit then?
Numerous people have told me to eat sweet fruit when sugar cravings strike but it appears that might be just as fattening as consumming sugar? (although obviously healthier)?
Im confused? (it doesnt take much to confuse me)

[Prudie]

I am a sugar monster where tea is concerned, I take 3 but for a long time now I've used Half Spoon - it has no fake bitter taste at all, seems just like sugar but half the calories. Having said that it would be a drop in the ocean. What else are you eating, I'd have thought hefty fats and carbs like bread/chips/pasta might need tackling plus more exercise of course.

[Sqad]

Naaah! fruit in moderation is good for you.......as i have told you relying on cutting out fruit and sugar in your diet will take you....DECADES.

[nailit]

Mallyh, missed ur post there, I too have a banana on my cereal but am told that bananas are fattening and should be avoided (or at least have only as a treat)

[nailit]

Prudie and Squad, so its more about the carbs then? Dont eat chips, have between 2-4 slices of bread a day and a portion of potatoes or rice at night

[mallyh]

i was told bananas were fine it's grapes i stay away from (shame)

[nailit]

mallyh, so much conflicting advice. I like my grapes in liquid form. In a bottle. from the off license ;-)

[mallyh]

lol x

[Scarlett]

Giving up sugar is a good idea as many foods which are sugary are also high in fat and actually a bit pointless, nutritionally. I would advise just giving it up. Your palate will get used to it after a week or two and you will start to crave food which you actually need instead. I did the Carol Vorderman Detox Diet few years back and found it amazing. It got rid of all my cravings for bad food and made me aware of when I was hungry or not.