Using Stevia as a Sweetener

When I first started dieting I was predominately using Sweet-n-Low and Splenda as an artificial sweetener.  My mother, who is big into the natural stuff, recommended that I start using Stevia.  She also recommended that I do some research on the artificial sweeteners that I was currently using.  At first I dismissed the idea of doing the research on these products but over time I decided to take a closer look. 

I came across website after website that listed a long list of harmful effects on the body caused by using these artificial sweeteners.  Many of these websites also linked illnesses such MS, arthritis, memory loss, and to my amazement even obesity to some of these artificial sweeteners.  However, just don’t take my word on it I highly recommend that you research for yourself.  Just Google “effects of (enter your favorite artificial sweetener here) on the body” to see what you can find.

What I like about Stevia as a sweetener is that it is made from an herb and is not chemically created in a lab (like the other artificial sweeteners).  However, not all Stevia products are the same.  I have tried a variety of different brands of Stevia and some of them have a very bitter aftertaste.  After trying numerous brands, my brand of choice is the NOW brand of Stevia.  I prefer the NOW brand, whether Alcohol or Glyercine base, because it has no aftertaste.  I also personally prefer the liquid over the powder because I have found that the liquid dissolves better in my coffee and protein shakes.

Now a word of caution, Stevia is very sweet and I recommend starting out with only a few drops to get the taste where you like it.

However, one of the biggest challenges I have found with the NOW brand is that it is hard to fine in stores.  I have found only one health food store in my area, and I live in a big city, that carries the NOW brand.  If you are having a hard time finding the NOW brand in a store near you then I recommend checking it out on the internet.  Actually I pretty much buy my Stevia online now because I hate to drive across town for it.  The best deal that I have found on the internet is for around $5.35 for a 2 oz bottle of the Alcohol free Stevia Glycerite.  You can checkout the latest deals by clicking the link below.

Now’s Stevia Glycerite Alcohol Free 2oz