Dr Oz: 3 R’s to Quit Artificial Sweeteners
After Dr Oz told us that sugar substitutes cause Metabolic Syndrome and Bladder Damage, and how artificial sweeteners make you sick, you may be wondering if it’s ever OK to have any of them. Check out the 3 R’s for kicking artificial sweetener addiction, using natural options like Buckwheat Honey or Stevia.
He said it’s OK to have these in your diet in small amounts. Dr Oz invited registered dietitian Ashley Koff to share some of her advice about weaning yourself off artificial sweeteners. She has three Rs to help you get in the right mindset.
Dr Oz: 3 R’s Artificial Sweeteners Plan
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Dr Oz & a registered dietitian Dr Ashley Koff outlined a three-step plan (the 3 R’s) to phase artificial sweeteners out of your diet with Buckwheat Honey & Stevia.
Reduce the quantity of artificial sweeteners.
- Replace artificial sweeteners with natural alternatives.
- Renew your taste buds.
Ashley Koff: Artificial Sweetener Reviews
Ashley Koff said that you have to start by cutting back on how much you’re consuming. She said that means you should try to get down to one serving per day. Whether you’re having one cup of coffee or five, the amount of sweetener you use in a day should be the same, she says. Easier said than done, lady.
Dr Oz: Stevia Natural Sweetener Replacement
One popular reason for using artificial sweeteners is that they have low or no calories. But there are natural ways to find low calorie sweeteners, such as Stevia. Ashley Koff said this is sweeter than natural sugar, and it’s easy to use when cooking or in beverages.
When shopping for Stevia, choose a package whose only ingredient is Stevia (it might also say organic Stevia or Stevia extract). Some products have other additives and chemicals you don’t want in your body. Find it in your grocery store for about $10. (Dr Oz said he grows it at home.) Renee was on hand to try out these sweeteners, and she gave it her seal of approval.
How Much Stevia Can You Have Each Day
It’s hard to tell in coffee shops or restaurants whether you’re getting the real deal, so Ashley said you should try keeping it in your purse so you have it on hand. Portion size is important here as well, and she suggested limiting yourself to three or four packages per day, because of the enhanced sweetness.
If you’re using Stevia for baking, find an online calculator to help you adjust the amount and prevent over-sweetening your recipe.
Dr Oz: Buckwheat Honey Replace Artificial Sweeteners
When it comes to renewing your taste buds, you have to re-teach your body to feel great using natural ingredients. “Give the body what it recognizes best, what exists in nature,” she said. She said that an apple should taste sweet to you, but if your taste buds are warped by artificial sweeteners, it might seem bland instead.
Ashley recommended Buckwheat Honey, which is unrefined, with a dark color and rich taste. She mentioned that if you’re using sugar substitutes for energy, you are receiving stimulants but no calories to convert into energy.
She thinks you could find a natural energy boost by switching back to these natural alternatives. Buckwheat Honey is available in food stores, and Ashley suggested that a $5 bottle could last a year or more, depending on how much you’re using. Have you ever tried Buckwheat Honey?
Denise says
If you are looking for organic stevia, i came across it at naturestealeaf.com. it comes in a dried form and you can add it to your loose tea leaves before adding your hot water and just let them steep together.