An Easy Way to Cut Back!

Whittle Your Waist Naturally

Sweeten With Stevia

Derived from the leaves of a relative of the sunflower native to South America, it has been used as a sweetening agent in that region for at least a few centuries, and has been used in Japan, as a sugar substitute, for over 30 years.

It has a licorice-like after taste in its raw form, but purified, it is a white powder with little or no after taste. It has up to 300 times the sweetness of sugar. Since it does not raise insulin, glucose, or have an effect on blood sugar levels, it shows promise as a treatment for diabetes and obesity. It has no known side effects, and unlike other chemical sweeteners, has not been shown to produce cancer or other harm in laboratory studies.

On the contrary, it has been shown to improve glucose tolerance possibly by inducing insulin production and insulin sensitivity. In some countries, it is being used to treat conditions such as heartburn, obesity, high-blood-pressure, hypertension, and possibly for osteoporosis (due to stimulating increased production of serum calcium).

Xylitol

This is naturally present in minute amounts in many fruits and vegetables. In fact, the body produces its own during certain metabolic processes. Although, it is classified as a carbohydrate, it is slowly absorbed in the digestive tract. Thus, it does not cause a rapid increase in blood glucose or insulin. It also does not cause cavities, unlike sugar, the bacteria in the mouth cannot utilize it and die. It is considered a safe and natural alternative for a sweet tooth. Dentists and nutritionists recommend its use!

Reducing sugar intake can significantly reduce daily caloric intake. By making it a habit to consume less sugar daily, over time we can reduce more body fat. As part of a healthy diet and lifestyle, these two sweeteners can help you enjoy your favorite foods without packaging on the pounds.