FYI #1 - Stevia

Aspartame has been given a lot of bad press in the past and in the present. Apparently there are a wide range of side effects from the consumption or over consumption of this synthesized sweetener. Aspartame is also not recommended too cook with.

Stevia is a great alternative and like aspartame is CALORIE FREE! It is derived from a plant and is recommended for people with diabetes or carbohydrate controlled diets.


It comes in liquid or powder forms. (Most of the flavors are in liquid form) and you can put it in water, tea, coffee, milk, protein shakes, oatmeal, plain yogurt or anything else you would normally put sugar in.

Some examples of flavors available are
* Cinnamon * Grape * Chocolate * Peppermint * Root Beer * Apricot Nectar * English Toffee * Vanilla Creme * Valencia Orange * Lemon Drop * Chocolate Raspberry * Berry * Hazelnut

You can purchase them at Nutters or Oliver Foods ($12-15 per bottle) for sure in Lethbridge there is probably other stores too.

www.steviasmart.com or www.amazon.com has them at a good price too.

Summary
One level teaspoon of sugar = 16 calories and 4 grams of carbohydrate
One level teaspoon of aspartame = a slew of possible health problems
One level teaspoon of stevia = 0 calories, and 0 grams of carbohydrate!