Pre-op I was probably using 30 artificial sweetener packets per day. I put that stuff on everything. Sweetener is approved in my plan, but I know that it doesn't me an extreme indulgence like that. I have cut it back to only six a day. I make 1/2 gallon of decaf tea every day and use my sweeteners for that. I don't put it on all my other food anymore .. Boy oh boy what a vice it was.

But, I was wondering what others are doing for sweetener: honey, agave, Stevia, nothing? What is your take on sweeteners?

I use Stevia. I use one packet in my coffee, and that is pretty much the extent of what I use daily. Plus whatever sweetener they use in Syntrax Nectars... I know it isn't Aspartame.

I use stevia and occasionally sucralose (Splenda). I figure I eat clean most of the time and if that's my worst habit left I'm pretty darn good!

Do you think Stevia tastes like licorice, or is it just me?

I use Stevia, also. I prefer Splenda because Stevia does have a little bitterness to it, but I like the fact that it's natural.

I use splenda, but only in my morning deaf tea!

Do you think Stevia tastes like licorice, or is it just me?

It does have a slight taste to it, but I think I am used to it. I don't think it is licorice.... I hate licorice, lol.

Most artificial sweeteners upset my tiny tummy. I shoot for Protein bars and shakes that use stevia and/or erythritol. I'd choose ones with real sugar if they made any. When I bake I use raw sugar. I use monk fruit in my homemade protein hot chocolate mix. Regular Torani and Davinci syrups to sweeten my plain Greek yogurt. Real maple syrup on my pancakes. Honey in my tea.

artificial sweeteners do the same thing to your brain and body's insulin levels as real sugar and will still give you carb cravings. The only difference is the calories. Erythritol is the only one I know of that doesn't affect your insulin levels.

Monkfruit. I totally forgot about monkfruit. I used to get it at Aldi's and they quit carrying it recently. I will see if I can get some online. Thanks for mentioning it. You are my new best friend.

I've read a lot lately about a connection between artificial sweeteners and increased belly fat, so I'm trying to cut them out entirely...SO hard! But I've also read that the powders (the packets) actually have sugar in them as fillers, so overall it just seems like something to avoid. Coffee/tea is the hardest. But it was a big vice for me, too, and I feel like it was keeping my sweet-tooth alive and made me crave more sweets. Now that I've got it out of my system I find it's a lot easier, and things like broccoli actually taste sweet to me. (Um, not that broccoli could ever replace my beloved homemade sugar-free pumpkin spice latte! Let's not get crazy now !)