i REFUSE to eat ANYTHING fat-free, as I believe the process that goes into making it fat-free and the additives actually makes those foods worse for our health. I will, however, make smart choices about what I put in my body. One thing I will be free of for sure is SUGAR. Thoughts?

Unfortunately, sugar free products are no better than fat free products. Both have a lot of additives to take the place of the sugar or the fat. With sugar free, there a lot of aspertime and other artificial sweeteners.

Truth is, studies have found that sugar free is actually worse for a lot of people than actual sugar or fat free foods. http://www.bellevision.com/belle/index.php?action=health_all&type=234

I'm not saying not to eat sugar free, mind you. I'm only pointing out that fat free (or low fat) isn't necessarily bad nor is it worse than sugar free. Everyone has to figure out what works best for their own metabolism and go with it. If fat free isn't right for you but sugar free is, then definitely stick with it.

Unfortunately' date=' sugar free products are no better than fat free products. Both have a lot of additives to take the place of the sugar or the fat. With sugar free, there a lot of aspertime and other artificial sweeteners.

Truth is, studies have found that sugar free is actually worse for a lot of people than actual sugar or fat free foods. http://www.bellevision.com/belle/index.php?action=health_all&type=234

I'm not saying not to eat sugar free, mind you. I'm only pointing out that fat free (or low fat) isn't necessarily bad nor is it worse than sugar free. Everyone has to figure out what works best for their own metabolism and go with it. If fat free isn't right for you but sugar free is, then definitely stick with it.

I believe everything you said above, when I say "sugar-free" I mean consume nothing with sugar SPECIALLY artificial sweeteners.

Well, I agree with not using fat free or no fat products but my coffee and I have to have the Splenda or as a sub stevia. Aspartame is extremely bad for you. My friend was addicted to Diet Coke and she drank a 2 liter bottle daily. She found out she had fibromyalgia and the doctor told her to stop using products that contain aspartame. There is a marked improvement with her health since she stopped using aspartame products. She never had a weight problem but was walking with a cane for years. She now takes walks everyday without the aid of a cane.

I'm with you. i'm still in my post-op diet and there are still a lot of FF and SF products in my life but as I get back to real food I hope to keep a food approach that is local and as close to the whole ingredient as possible. i'm ready to give up refined sugar and flour - i've already had so little of it in the last month+ and my cravings are almost gone so it seems like a good time to let it go. the chems in FF and SF food make me nervous.

there's also been some studies around our food sources today vs a hundred (or more) years ago - and when we have a craving for something rich, and drink skim milk - we haven't satisfied the craving, and you might find yourself grazy b/c the craving hasn't been met. but if you had just a small amount of whole milk - you might be satisfied.

Some sugar free things will cause my sugar addition to rear its ugly head some don't. Aspartame is good for getting rid of ants as it paralyzes them after the get into it they go back to the next and spread it around and all the ants get paralyzed. I had an ant issue and my landlord told me to spread aspartame around and it worked, no more ants, at least in that spot.

I used SF sometimes such a popsicles as there is not addiction issue for me, but the "No sugar added" fudgesicles are a problem sometimes.

Well' date=' I agree with not using fat free or no fat products but my coffee and I have to have the Splenda or as a sub stevia. Aspartame is extremely bad for you. My friend was addicted to Diet Coke and she drank a 2 liter bottle daily. She found out she had fibromyalgia and the doctor told her to stop using products that contain aspartame. There is a marked improvement with her health since she stopped using aspartame products. She never had a weight problem but was walking with a cane for years. She now takes walks everyday without the aid of a cane.[/quote']

I'm glad you're friend is feeling better! I'm not a coffee drinker, per se, but if I MUST sweeten something, I think I'll use VERY little of the real stuff, rather than the artificial. That's why I stay away from most drinks and stick with Water

i try to eat as natural as i can

(i prepare 98% of my food myself) that way i know what i goes in my food in my food

i dont focus on low fat/fat free but i try to not eat any sugar unless its in my fruit

but i do use peach ice tea mix so i do use artificial sweeteners