Sugar Alcohols

[xmmwx]

Okay..I have a question. It seems that everyone and every other board I have read say that Malitol or some of the other sugar free sweetners tend to stall weight loss..Is this true? If it IS true..WHY does Dr. Atkins say they are acceptable? I am not sure if I am reading an old book (2002) but, when talking about artificial sweetners he says to only stay away from ones that have "ose" at the end and nutra sweet or aspartame. Also, in Chapter 19 he says that if you are struggling with temptation to have things available just in case (meaning low carb snacks or controlled carb is what he calls them.) He mentions sugar free chocolate. I know he says use moderation, but if it stalls weight loss why is that not mentioned? I am asking because I got RAKED over the coals for suggesting some people try the Low carb cheesecake at the Cheesecake Factory. (which happens to be delicious and only has 6 carbs.) And, while I didn't lose weight that day, it did NOT stall my weight loss. Also, I lost 100 lbs and I did eat sugar free chocolate..It is what kept me sane. I'd like to hear what other's experiences have been with this.

[Chef Kevin]

Re: Sugar Alcohols

Sugar alcohols do 2 things to me.
First, they knock me out of ketosis.
Second, they tear me a new one in the gut area. Especially malitol and xylitol (sp?)

So, I avoid them like the plague.
If you read the warnings on those little sugar free candies, the intestinal discomfort is from the sugar alcohol. Not everybody is affected by sugar alcohol, although I think it is more widespread than the good Dr. ever thought.

I'm not going to rake you over the coals, just do some experimenting on yourself to see if it affects you like it does so many others. Check the ketostix and see if it affects the amount of ketones. Who knows, maybe you are lucky. One piece of those sugar free Russell Stover chocolates and I am locked in the facilities the rest of the day.

[Chicklady]

Re: Sugar Alcohols

I use erythritol for various things with no ill effect, but if I were rich, I'd use Sweet Perfection (ogliofructoside) exclusively

[liv]

Re: Sugar Alcohols

Atkins does preface his chapters on sweeteners with "You must determine which artificial sweetener agrees with you". And I think that this is the key. Some people can tolerate them or some of them, others cannot. That is true for almost every food out there. So for every time somewhat says 'try this, I ate it, I lost weight' Someone else is going to come around and say 'stalls me'. It even happened when someone talked about celery the other day. We are very individual here. And on Atkins we are suppose to learn gradually what we can and cannot do. It is great that you can eat certain items and it is wonderful that you have tested them and determined that they work for you. That is what it is all about.

Sweeteners are a particularly touchy subject, I think. Many people struggle to maintain control when they have something sweet - even if it is artificial, so for them it makes more sense to cut it out. Or like with Chef, sweeteners effect their systems.

For me personally, I can have some in moderation. Malitol is out for me as it has a very laxative effect. I can maybe eat half a piece of a Russel Stover treat and get a way with it. If I want to spend a lot of time in the bathroom, well then it is the thing to have.

[xmmwx]

Re: Sugar Alcohols

Yeah, I guess they are good to have when you are constipated..Huh? Well, I have been on Atkin's 2 other times before (I had babies and got off..then got back on after I had my two daughters..) Anyway, I ate them both times (mostly the Russell Stovers) Since I am a stay at home mom..I am usually near a bathroom so if that DOES happen, that doesn't concern me. They don't throw me out of ketosis either..BUT, they are extra calories and I do agree that they can spark your desire for the real thing..but, for me there are just days where I need something sweet..and I am definitely a chocoholic so, they saved me in that respect.

I guess I am asking because the weight is coming off in a weird way this time around..I will lose good for about a week then not lose anything for a while. I don't know if it's because i'm older or if it could be the candy. But, I only eat it occasionally. I think I will just try staying away from it for while and see what happens. I think I'm just getting frustrated. I welcome anymore suggestions though.

[Chicklady]

Re: Sugar Alcohols

I'm on my third (and final!!!!) time on Atkins, and i am 1) losing slower 2) losing harder in some areas (belly) than my first times. I'm thinking our bodies are saying "oh, I know this trick" !!

[xmmwx]

Re: Sugar Alcohols

Yeah..that is how it seems for me as well. My belly fat just doesn't want to go. I have lost 56 lbs and I still have 40 more to go and I haven't lost any in about 2 weeks..well, I keep bobbing up and down between two or three pounds. I've also been sick and am wondering if anyone else has ever had that experience when they've been sick. I just have a cold, so am able to stay on the diet and still exercise a bit but wondering if anyone else has done the same.

[not2late]

Re: Sugar Alcohols

The sugar alcohols aren't absorbed by our bodies---at least that's true for some of us. For others, they are absorbed and have an equal effect on our bodies as eating regular sugar.

As for the cheesecake factory cheesecake, those and other low carb products are really dependent on what Phase you are in. For example, if a rye cracker has 2 net carbs, it's not acceptable for Induction Phase, because rye and other grains aren't acceptable foods for Induction. However, grains may be added during On=Going Weight Loss Phase and Pre-Maintenance Phases, so a rye cracker may be included in one's menu.

So you need to check the ingredients and see if those ingredients are acceptable to your particular Phase of the Diet.

[leesh]

Re: Sugar Alcohols

It does not cause me to stall at all? I have never had an issue with it really ever, even the first time I did atkins and I lost a lot of weight and I had them all the time, everyone's tolerance and sensitivity is varied. Same with extra cheese or meat, they never affected me negatively...however, low carb bread, tortiias, atkins bars and nuts have stalled me and set me back several times.