James and I banter all the time about nutrition and health matters. Most of the time we agree, but not always. For years I’d tell him that I just didn’t like non nutritive sweeteners and he’d say, “let people have something sweet. It’s fine.” I’d say, “No. I know there’s something not right with them. None of my clients lose weight when they’re using these.” And now, research is catching up with my observations. Recent research indicates that the use of non-nutritive (some might call them artificial) sweeteners increases one’s chances of developing the metabolic syndrome by up to 40 percent. Finally, my husband caved. He’ll even admit – I win this one.

I have never liked non-nutritive sweeteners. People call them artificial sweeteners, but that’s a misnomer. I prefer to call them non-nutritive sweeteners. I think there is a whole host of things wrong with them – especially when they’re given to kids. And it’s all of them: stevia, truvia, aspartame, splenda, nutrisweet, etc. It doesn’t matter if they’re “naturally sourced.” Our bodies still react to them.

When you eat non-nutritive sweeteners, your body senses the sweet taste and gears up your metabolism to break it down. However, you’ve just provided your body with no calories and your body is now looking for those calories. When you start your morning with non-nutritive sweetener, say Stevia, in your coffee, you are going to end up hunting for sweets all day. Chances are you’ll also eat more calories in the day. Research shows that those with no non-nutritive sweeteners in their diets eat approximately 1/3 fewer calories per day. You’re also increasing your chances of developing the metabolic syndrome by up to 40%. And guess what folks? When you get the metabolic syndrome, you are knocking on diabetes’ door.

I have heard from many people that have read our book and then shared with me the same testimonial. They all say, “I’m not perfect, but I did cut all non-nutritive sweeteners from my diet and I’ve now lost 40, 50, 60 pounds.” Then they all ask me why no one ever told them to cut non-nutritive sweeteners before.

Many people also want to know what I use for sweetener. I honestly don’t use sweeteners. Naturally sweet (from fruit, etc) is an acquired taste, but you can do it! If you must have a sweetener, try something completely natural, like:
• Honey
• Agave Nectar
Please use only a very small amount of these and then gradually wean yourself away from them. This will help you avoid blood sugar spikes and crashes caused by simple molecules (sugar and easily digested carbohydrate) entering your body. These are the same spikes and crashes that will eventually make you insulin resistant and/or diabetic.

And remember, sugar and non-nutritive sweeteners come in all shapes and forms. Watch for it in:
• Drinks
• Packaged foods
• Diet or fat-free jellos and puddings
• Yogurts
• Lite or fat-free packaged foods

Good Things are In-Season Now.

If you haven’t been through the produce section of your local supermarket lately, now is your time to get there!  Move away from the frozen fruits and vegetables and check out what’s fresh.  I try to buy organic whenever possible, but realistically, this is still expensive to do.  Even more important than organic on my list: buying local.  

Locally grown produce is available at your neighborhood supermarket or farmers’ market.  The benefits of buying local are many fold.

• Buying locally grown produce helps your local economy.
• When grown locally, transportation time is null.  Your fruits and veggies get from the farm to your plate in a much shorter time than if they’re grown somewhere in South America.  Travel time is huge for retaining nutrients.  The lesser the time in transit, the more nutrient dense your produce will be.  (Less time in transit also equals less gas used – you’re benefitting the environment!)

The most important thing when buying produce is to buy a variety of colors as every color is associated with a different type of antioxidant behavior.  Again, I buy organic when possible, but ultimately, it’s the look and firmness of the fruit or vegetable that sells me.  Just always make sure to wash your fresh produce thoroughly.

Springtime Fresh Fruits and Veggies You’ve Got to Try:

Have you noticed the strawberries this spring?  They’ve been gorgeous this year.  It’s only Tuesday and our family is on our second case this week!  We cut them up and serve with dinner – a giant bowl is gone in minutes at our house.  They taste great and are loaded with antioxidants.  They’re a power food!

Clementine oranges are affordable by the case right now.  They’re easy to peel and you can eat two or three at a pop.  A plus – kids love them!

Asparagus is everywhere this month.  We brush it with olive oil and a little Mrs. Dash or other salt-free seasoning and grill it on foil outside.  Grill it just enough so that it’s a little soft outside and crunchy on the inside.  This is another kid favorite and is high in vitamin C, and has a ton of antioxidant behavior. 

Artichokes are another seasonal veggie that are often overlooked.  They’ve looked great lately, too.  We simply steam them, pull off the leaves and eat the bottoms.  Then be sure to pull the ends of the leaves and eat the heart.  At dinner, we make two artichokes and everyone shares (except the heart – there is always a fight for that at our house)!