Diary of a Nutritionist

Who: Sucralose is a form of chlorinated sugar. It is produced synthetically by replacing three naturally existing chemical groups in sugar with three atoms of chlorine. (Also known as Splenda but will appear on packaging as sucralose as well).

What: Much sweeter than sugar itself (600x sweeter) and far lower in calories, it is used in replacement of sugar to reduce the amount of calories reported on food packaging. It is considered a “safe” replacement for “sugar sensitive” individuals (i.e. diabetes) because it is not absorbed like sugar into the bloodstream.

Where: Commonly seen in low-calorie and artificial foods like: candy, juice, soda, cereal, and gum … etc. etc.

My thoughts: The following things come to my attention, specifically:

“synthetic”

“replaced”

“[removed] naturally existing”

“chlorinated”

Sugar (from sugar cane—not fruit, beets, honey, etc.), has no nutritional value. It is more, or less, like adding a spoonful of empty calories to food.  Like a drug, it can also be addicting and debilitating. Now take this sugar, [which yes, in it’s purest form is “natural” (but so are common drugs—like “marijuana,” for instance)] and use a synthetic process to disrupt it’s natural chemical structure, in order to create a form of chemically processed sugar that no longer contains calories (and by the way, the reason sucralose can claim: “no calories” is because it cannot be properly absorbed by the body).

Wow. What a charmer.

Calories are not the bad guys.

Calories, the right calories (and sugars) from wholesome foods (fruits and veggies, for instance) can be wonderful sources of energy and nutrients.  You don’t often hear of people being addicted to (organic) apples, but you do hear of people being addicted to soda, dairy, sweets, and baked goodies (and even condiments).

On top of that… chlorinated?

I am laughing but the first thought that comes to mind is a swimming pool…

A quick Google search of “chlorinated sugar” will give you a wide variety of articles ranging from “it is fine” to “stay away.”

The obvious answer to me is: STAY AWAY.

If you are looking for energy, reach for something naturally sweet that contains nutrients. After all, nutrients (vitamins and minerals) and natural sugar (that will gradually be absorbed into the blood stream and increase glucose levels in the body) is what the body is yearning for (not a donut). Once it is satisfied, you are good to go- go- go.

Alternatives? Raw honey, agave, and Maple Syrup Grade B. But if you are looking for something naturally low-cal to carry with you… I vote Stevia.

Contest and Quick intro to Stevia:

Growing up, I loved me some chocolate candy bars, soda fountains, powdered donuts, gummies, icing—you name it… I loved it. When I started to eat more healthfully, I switched to “diet safe” artificial sugars, most commonly, sucralose. While it may have helped my waistline initially, I still craved sugar. The more artificial sweeteners I consumed, the more carbohydrates I wanted. I would devour breadbaskets when I went out. I felt deprived. I switched to Stevia a few years before it became a mainstream product. Thank goodness.

Stevia, an herbal sweetener (sometimes naturally bitter) is very low calories and highly concentrated making it sweeter than sugar. While I will not acknowledge it as a health food (and most brands do contain other ingredients too) , it enables me to add that sweetness to more nutritious and wholesome recipes sans the cravings, or side effects of processed and artificial sugars and sweeteners. There are plenty of Stevia products on the market these days, but my favorite remains NuStevia—specifically, their Liquid Vanilla NuStevia (Alcohol Free). I like my life sweet, and NuNaturals has been kind enough to supply me with my favorite Vanilla, every now and then. So… since the opportunity has presented, I would like to offer you the chance to enjoy this sweetener too.

If you are looking to eliminate artificial and processed sugars (including table sugar), from your diet (or if you suffer from a sugar sensitive ailment like Candida or diabetes) I recommend NuNaturals NuStevia.

Why? Well, honestly, not only do I prefer the taste (non-bitter), but NuNaturals has been open and honest to me about their products. Every question I ask is immediately answered. As it pertains to this topic, here was the short version of their response:

“The bottom line is our ALL-NATURAL products have absolutely NOTHING ARTIFICIAL in them whatsoever, and the processing of our Stevia plants is done by non-chemical methods.”

 CONTEST. CONTEST. CONTEST. CONTEST. 

FREE. 

Ironically, in writing this article about Sucralose, I received an email from NuNaturals about a Giveaway opportunity (which is how Stevia came to be a part of this article). Coincidence? Whatever the case, it is a favorite of mine and NuNaturals is offering FOUR (4) lucky readers (In the U.S.) some goodies to try.

Win: (1) box of our NuStevia Packets, 50 ct. Box,  AND one (1) bottle of our NuNaturals Vanilla Stevia Liquid, 2 oz. bottle. 

Contest Rules:

1. Tweet this contest (1 point)
2. Include it in your blog (2 point)
3. Come back and leave a comment below, letting me know you did the above (or just to say you are interested)! (3 points)
4. Bonus Comment?  What recipe would you make? (5 points)

…$ SAVINGS:

In the meantime, NuNaturals is offering a savings coupon of 15% off your order with code: BLG531 (Offer Expires MAY 31, 2011). I like my life sweet, and I am not afraid to stock up on their Vanilla. It keeps me from eating the kids candy, livens up my hot cocoa, herbal tea, coconut pudding, and the powdered Stevia is fun to play around with in the kitchen (it is totally bake-able, I am just a terrible baker). I am always looking for cookie and cake recipes for the kids (suggestions?). Oh… and apparently orders over $35.00 receive free Shipping/Handling. I mean I hate to sound like an advertisement but I really love this product, and have for years now.

oh… And… if you want to try some samples of the powdered packets… they are offering free samples to US readers. It seems pretty simple:  send a SELF-ADDRESSED, STAMPED, # 10 envelope to NuNaturals at the following location :

NuNaturals , Inc.

2220 West 2nd. Ave. # 1

Eugene, OR 97402

Ready Set. Go! Leave your comment below.

I hope you get the chance to try this alternative sweetener. 

Starts: Now. (April 22, 2011)

Ends: May 5th. The anniversary of my arrival in Dallas, Texas.

Cheers to the sweeter life.