New here and wondering about Xylitol

[shelly808]

Hello,

I am really new to this way of eating and just found this website yesterday and I am liking it!

I am not a big slenda fan, is there any reason why we can not use a teaspoon or so of xylitol here and there??

It apparently does not effect insulin levels, is metabolized differently, has 75% less carbs and tastes delish.

I would appreciate getting in the know about this.

Thanks!
Shelly

[Georgiana]

Hi, Shelly!

Originally Posted by shelly808

I am not a big slenda fan, is there any reason why we can not use a teaspoon or so of xylitol here and there??

Xylitol is one of the sugar alcohols allowed on Atkins, so you can use it instead of Splenda and count it towards your sweetener allotment, as you would do with any sweetener.

It apparently does not effect insulin levels, is metabolized differently, has 75% less carbs and tastes delish.

Different people handle sugar alcohols differently. Here is a post Megs (not2late) made about sugar alcohols: http://www.atkinsdietbulletinboard.c...ml#post1047685 (Sugar Alcohols)

[sadie147]

I have used xylitol without issue in the past, and I too liked it. Of the sugar alcohols I think it's one of the better more 'natural' ones.

Another alternative is Stevia which is plant based and natural, though it's an aquired taste...you'd be best to buy a very small package of it to try it out first.

[shelly808]

Thanks for the replies.

Georgiana, sorry but I do not understand that! Do you? If so, what does in mean in lay terms? Thank you!

Hello Sadie, that was going to be my next question...(stevia), I have used it off and on for many years and notice that lately lots of companies are using in as a sweetener...I am glad to know these are acceptable in the induction phase!

I used about a T of xylitol yesterday in a broccoli salad that made 4 BIG servings and wanted to make sure that it would not interfere with fat burning before I did that again....the salad was delish!

[Kathi22]

It shouldn't be an issue, but every person reacts different to sweeteners. I for one get headaches from most sweeteners, Atkins friendly or not. I pretty much steer clear of foods that require sweetener but I limit myself quite a bit by doing this and it doesn't always work for many.

[liv]

Do you need sweetener is your salad. There is some natural sugar in most vegetables. You added it to a dressing maybe?
1 T is one table spoon and that would be the limit of your daily sweetener ration. You are limited to 3 tea spoons

[Georgiana]

Originally Posted by shelly808

Georgiana, sorry but I do not understand that! Do you? If so, what does in mean in lay terms? Thank you!

Right. So, on Atkins, we are counting net carbs. Net carbs are total carbs minus dietary fiber and minus sugar alcohols.

Now, what that excerpt says is that the body can absorb a certain percentage of the sugar alcohols you ingest. Since they are absorbed in a smaller amount (and slower) than sugar, their potential to cause a rise in blood sugar levels (thus, to trigger insulin production) is smaller. Part of the absorbed sugar alcohols may be then metabolized to generate energy (calories). So if a sugar alcohol messes up your blood sugar levels, it is better to count it towards your net carbs instead of subtracting it.

If you use small quantities in cooking, then this should not be an issue. Problems may appear only when you are consuming them in large quantities (e.g. eat 10 pieces of SF chewing gum per day or other frankenfoods). Then you either get a "sugar rush" or, if you are not absorbing the sugar alcohols, you will get some very unpleasant bathroom effects.

[shelly808]

Ahhh, well ok then. Thanks Georgianna.

Yes Liv I added a little xylitol to the dressing for a broccoli salad. And you know what? It was toooo sweet! I just wanted a hint of sweetness, so next time, a t vice T!

Kathi, yes the same happens to me when I eat too many of those maltitol coated nuts. A good friend cant do anything but stevia....interesting.

[Elizellen]

Just a note of caution about xylitol for people with pets - particularly dogs.

There have been cases of dogs being poisoned from eating food containing xylitol
Xylitol: Sugar Substitute Xylitol Can Be Life-Threatening for Pets

So if you often feed your pets with leftovers from your plate be careful not to give them any with xylitol in them.

[pagliaccia]

Dumb question, I'm sure, but does this mean that xylitol gum would be ok in small doses (say, one to two sticks a day)?