Can I Use More Than 3 Splenda A Day?

[keepinthinner]

Hi All,

I know that DANDR says 3 artificial sweeteners a day on induction, but I'm extending this phase since I want to lose 40 lbs and would like to know if this is to curb your desire for sweets or another reason? I can live without sweets but not sweet free coffee and Ice Tea. Basically I am looking to use 2 in the morning on weekends (1 in each coffee) and 1 in the afternoon on weekends (Ice Tea) and 1 in the evening (Ice Tea). This would be limited to weekends and days off from work. Does anyone think this is an issue?

Thanks.

[pgmr_64804]

Re: Can I Use More Than 3 Splenda A Day?

Those little packets have filler in them that is actually sugar and I did not start loosing on atkins until I stopped using them because I was using a lot every day.

I use liquid stevia and use as much as I want and I have still been loosing, but I guess techically you are suppose to only have 3 of those too.

If you just must have the sweetenrs use something that is liquid so you will not get the sugar filler in the packets.

[keepinthinner]

Re: Can I Use More Than 3 Splenda A Day?

Thanks for the advise. Maybe I'll try to adjust my taste and go without...

[Elizellen]

Re: Can I Use More Than 3 Splenda A Day?

Wise decision, Keepinthinner
The 3 servings does not increase as you progress through the 4 stages of Atkins, but many of us have found that our tastes alter so we find some foods not normally considered sweet to taste so to us.
I find many vegetables taste sweeter to me now than before Atkineering! And a Diet coke I tried a month or so ago after abstaining for 3 years plus (several cans a day was normal for me) was unbearably sweet after just one sip!

[keepinthinner]

Re: Can I Use More Than 3 Splenda A Day?

Hey Eliz,

First let me say you look fabulous!! Congratulations great job on your loss... Now, I am just curious about something. I can understand the concept of a change in eating habits for LIFE but one thing I was wondering, does this mean that we will NEVER have a Mickey "D" french frie or a slice of cheesecake? Or are these things that we will have if desired but no where near like we may have included them in our diets before?

I can see eating like this on a regular basis as I'm not a fussy eater. But, if friends are going for ice cream on occassion I DO like to induldge. I know that my weight is from not eating proper like fast food and convienance just to eat something before passing out. I also had a bad habit of eating late after work and by then it's late so gotta go to bed for the next day. I think my biggest problem was starchy (high carbs) in my diet. So, do you think I gotta change my way of thinking or am I doomed to fail this way?

[julirama723]

Re: Can I Use More Than 3 Splenda A Day?

Atkins is NOT a diet, it is an eating plan that should be followed for life. This plan doesn't account for unhealthy stuff like McD's fries (and anyway, the carbs are the LAST thing I'd be concerned about in those fries, UGH!). As you progress through OWL, you add in LOTS and LOTS of great foods like nuts, fresh cheeses, red wine, beans, fruits, starchy veggies (like potatoes! but eat in moderation!), and whole grains. So if you're wondering, will I never eat a sandwich again? Yes, you probably will, on whole wheat bread, in moderation. If you're wondering, will I ever eat junk that is killing society? No you probably won't. And most likely you WON'T want the stuff either. What's a french fry, anyway? Something bland and starchy. It's only the salt and the fat that made it taste good in the first place.

As for stuff like pizza, cheesecake, ice cream--there are GREAT GREAT GREAT recipes for those things that taste amazing (especially the cheesecake ) because they are made with whole ingredients that are full-fat and delicious. The key with Atkins is eating whole foods that naturally taste good, and finding recipes for dishes and meals that taste so good you can't BELIEVE they're healthy!

Check out Linda's site--she has great recipes that are so tasty, and really easy to make.

http://genaw.com/lowcarb/index.html

[sallyseachange]

Re: Can I Use More Than 3 Splenda A Day?

So many of us do the "just one whatever, then I'm back on track" thing and find that it turns into a long period of bingeing and weight gain. I wonder if it's worth the risk?

[sadie147]

Re: Can I Use More Than 3 Splenda A Day?

In maintenance, everyone is different. Dr. Atkins did say in the book that this woe doesn't mean you'll never eat a plate of french fries again, but it will be very seldom, and only if your body can handle it..and it doesn't send you into a binge. In maintenance i even eat pizza (i order 12 grain crust) I may have had it 3x in the past year. Everyone is different, personally i wouldn't eat a bowl of ice cream (I avoid sugar all together), but I have had my 'treats', they're small, maybe 2/3 times a year, and have been able to get back on track. I never make it a treat day..it's normally very small, and limited to one meal. As far as french fries, i've never eaten an order of them, but after eating my meal i've had a couple of my husbands off of his plate, by then i'm full, and the french fries are cold, and usually they weren't as good as I thought they were going to be


The problem for many people, is once they treat themself they never stop. The 'oh well, I've already blown it for this meal, may as well make this a 'cheat' day'..that cheat day then turns into days, weeks, months. We see this alot on the board.

No one can really dictate how anyone will handle maintenance, or what they can eat we're all very different, and can handle different foods. My biggest issue food is usually nuts (portion control problems), and they are a legal food. I'd be more likely to eat a pound of nuts then to eat a gallon of ice cream. Just an example of how you even have to control your legal foods in maintenance.

We're all different, and you have to learn your food issues, intolerances etc, which IMO is a huge part of this woe.

[HeidiE]

Re: Can I Use More Than 3 Splenda A Day?

personally I think that you should look at your body and your mind ..are things working with this way I am doing it ..if it is ..and you are feeling good no cravings or hunger pangs...loosing wt at the rate you want and things like that ..then keep things as they are ..if you are stalled...craving sweets ....feeling like you just are not feeling as good as you could ..then nope ...don't do it anymore ...that is my advice ...

[cathyjobob]

Re: Can I Use More Than 3 Splenda A Day?

I wondered the same think thinner! Thanks for asking, this has been a very informative thread

[keepinthinner]

Re: Can I Use More Than 3 Splenda A Day?

Thanks to all for your advise... I must admit that about 8 years ago I was weighing in at 270 or so lbs and decided to lose it with a regular portion controlled and food quality diet. In about 1 year I was weighing in at 205 lbs. I have always managed to still enjoy ice cream and snacks on occassion. I always managed to hold between 205 and 210 because I knew it was a treat and not a way of life. I don't tend to think in terms of, if I eat a french fry I've blown the day and go all out until midnight. I figured that was my special treat and won't indulge again for a while. I alway's watched the scale and knew when to go into total control before the weight sneaked up on me. After 8 years I did go to my current weight of 220 lbs, but this was for a different reason. I decided to quit smoking 3 weeks before Thanksgiving and here I am today smoke free but 20 lbs heavier. I have decided this time to use Dr. Atkins approach because I would like to get to my BMI weight of 175 - 180. My friends and family said to stop when I hit the 200 mark last time because I looked toooo thin.

Many people have glared when I say I'm doing Atkins. The general census is "I would'nt because you will gain twice as much when you stop it and eat regular food". So, I wasn't sure if this system needed special attention because I've never heard of "ketosis" before. Some think your heart will explode If you eat a candy bar. Again, just interested in knowing how others have handled their maintenance after reaching goal. Thanks again....