I have been having a lot of GI problems over the last several month or so. The pain became unbearable this week, so I went to my dr and she thinks it's due to artificial sweetners. As I think about my diet, much of what I eat has these sweeteners in them. I will do anything to avoid the pain and bloating caused by the artificial sweetener, so I am looking for ideas on how to revamp my diet. I could care less about eliminating most of it, but I think I'm really worried about protein shakes because they are my go to item. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated!

Why and when do you still drink shakes?

Some people are tight in the mornings and it's the only food they can get down?

And, is this your PCP or bariatric doctor?

Yes...it's my pcp. And as I think about times that I've felt bad over the last several months, it really does make sense.

shakes...yes I have them in the morning. Or after fills.

So, can you eat normal food in the morning instead of a shake? Or, just have a shake with sugar(or fructose) in it? It only adds about 80 calories and in the short run should not make a difference. That way you can eliminate the shake with artificial sweeteners as the culprit?

I don't do artificial sweeteners at all. A good coop or health food store will have lots of Protein shakes to choose from -- look for Steevia, as that is a plant, but make sure you get 100% Steevia and not one that is mixed with something else, like Maltodextrin or other fillers (my auto correct is trying to change Maltodextrin to "Exterminator" -- hmmmm). Watch out for all those additives and fillers -- have to really check labels carefully. Real food in small quantities is my goal; a diet free of chemicals is a beautiful thing. Good luck to you -- I think you are really on the right track for true health!

I can't tolerate them either. Nor stevia. It's definitely hard. One thing I love is unjury unflavored. It's one of the only unflavored protein powders that doesn't taste terrible. I sometimes blend it with plain Greek yogurt, maybe 1/2 banana, powdered PB and maybe unsweetened cocoa. Makes a decent shake that's really high protein and pretty low cal.