any sugar substitute with aspertame in it should be avoided. it is cancer causing and is the "food product" that gets the most amounts of serious complaints to the FDA over any other product.
its not a diet for me...it is a way of life. i do eat chocolate once in a while, but on a day to day basis i do not eat any processes sugar products.
fruit is naturally occuring sugars which are better for you, but you still do not want to over do it. watch out for fruit juices since a lot of them have added sugar. juices you make yourself are always a better option especially since ALL comercial fruit juices are pasturized (by law) which depleats almost all nutritional value in the produce...therefore you are basically drinking sugar without the nutrient benefits of a peice of fruit.
Stevia is the "bark" sugar product someone was refering to. stevia IS NOT "sugar" nor is it made from aspertame. it is a naturally ocurring sweet product derived from a plant. it is a better choice for anyone who has diabetes or insulin regulating problems since it does not cause a spike in insulin levels like sugar does.
oh man...i could really go on for a long time about this subject! lol. i have cook books galore for recipes involving no sugar whatsoever. i found when first starting out that nuts and seed help a lot of cravings and keeping a peice of fruit on you at all times in case a sugar craving comes around, you will not cave in and buy candy or chocolate!
ok...i'll stop now...
