Is sugar-free candy a setback?

[Mookieloo6]

Hi all!
I started induction exactly a week ago, haven't shed a pound yet, but ketosis strips are starting to change color!
Last night, after a long (16 hrs) day of work, a colleague "treated" me to 3 pieces of Russell Stover sugar-free coconut candy. I checked the bag and it counts 30 g of carbs (2 fiber, 28 sugar alcohol) for 3 pieces. I was tired and initially refused, but when she read the nutrition info, I succumbed. It was tasty and satisfying, but I immediately felt guilt ridden.

I know eating any kind of sweet during Induction is a no-no, but how badly did I set myself back for this indulgence?

Please help!

[Waterbabe_Helena]

Re: Is sugar-free candy a setback?

In my humble opinion, induction is the time to kill your sweet tooth and sugar cravings.

Eating sugar-substitutes just prolongs your sweet tooth and therefore your cravings.

If possible, you will be making life far easier for yourself if you don't have sugarfree sweets.

In terms of setting yourself back, it probably won't make much difference so long as you are 100% otherwise.

Just get back on the wagon immediately!

Just my 2p worth, having tried to do induction a hundred times and learned the hard way that artificial sweeteners made it harder!

[julirama723]

Re: Is sugar-free candy a setback?

Sugar alcohols have to be burned off first (as with all alcohol) before your body can resume burning fat. So those 28 grams must disappear before your body can resume the fat loss process. Many sugar alcohols can have a laxative effect and/or cause gas.

I agree with Helena--it's a good idea to steer clear from that stuff in the beginning especially, as sweet stuff (even if it's not "real" sugar) causes cravings in lots of people, and that sort of thing can be detrimental to your progress.

I, personally, am not against the idea of sugar free chocolate as a special treat every now and then (I might have a piece or two on Halloween while my boyfriend and I are watching our movie) but I would NOT recommend it for induction in any way shape or form, or for early on in the plan, and especially if it's going to cause cravings.

[Mookieloo6]

Re: Is sugar-free candy a setback?

Thanks, Waterbabe!
As I said, I know it was wrong, but sometimes you just need advice and support. I will heed your warning about the artificial sweeteners as well!

Onward and upward!

[Hudson]

Re: Is sugar-free candy a setback?

The sugar alcohols are the question. I understand that some people process them much the same as sugar. Many only get about half the carbs. And some don't process them at all. (making the low carb count work for some people) I have had better luck strictly limiting myself to half of one per day. And even better luck completely eliminating them.

So to answer did you do a bad thing. It depends. But the best thing is to avoid all sugar - including sugar alcohol.

But for me splenda has never caused me any problem. So I disagree with the idea of avoiding all atrificial sweetners. Though If you can do it - the best thing would be to avoid them as well. Splenda keeps me going.

[Chris]

Re: Is sugar-free candy a setback?

I make it a very firm rule to avoid anything containing sugar alcohols. Some, such as maltitol, although having around half the glycemic index of sugar, still have about the same as a potato. As I'm sure you know, we count all the carbs in a potato!

The lower G.I. ones, such as lactitol, are very poorly metabolized by the human body -- but not so by the bacteria in your gut. These invariably lead to gastric distress.

So, the choice is yours; either going over your carb limit (regardless of what it says on the label) or spending much of your free time in the bathroom!

[cleochatra]

Re: Is sugar-free candy a setback?

Sugar-free candy is a setback, only if you don't think sitting on the toidy is great entertainment. It also creates cravings more more sweet stuff. On TOP of all that baddy badness, a lot of us absorb every single one of those 20+ carbs. You know. the ones they say we're not supposed to absorb?!

Finally, a lot of that stuff is extracted from things like pineapple, which are totally not low in carbs.

That's just a few reasons.

Adding to this, the onus should be on healthy eating and not spending an arm and a leg for versions of stuff that made us grow a third thigh in the last place are even more reasons!

I could go on, but I'd probably schmutz. I'd heavily recommend staying away! Away!

[Mookieloo6]

Re: Is sugar-free candy a setback?

Thanks to all for the fantastic advice! My mind is made up: I will stay true to Induction. Wish me luck!

[cleochatra]

Re: Is sugar-free candy a setback?

Woohoo on making a decision you won't regret! And your handle is too cute!

[choeve]

Re: Is sugar-free candy a setback?

Coming in on this one late, and I see you have already decided to do a clean induction which is the best thing to do, but for anyone else thinking of trying the sf candy and bars at any time with the sugar alcohol THEY ARE THE DEVIL!!! LOL At least for me they are. If i eat even a little, I want more! If I eat more I get the worst gas ever, and then have 3 or 4 visits to the bathroom after the gas. And the worst part is I crave everything under the sun for the next couple of days. I can do sweet things i make at home with spenda, but cannot do the sugar alcohol stuff. Period. Lesson learned. LOL

[Mookieloo6]

Re: Is sugar-free candy a setback?

There's no such thing as "late"! Thanks for your input as well - everyone's advice just solidifies and confirms what I have to do, and leaves no room for doubt.

Thanks again!