[BobL]

” I also avoid anything with Aspertame. It wreaks havoc on your body as well. Originally invented as a pesticide.”

Yea, I heard that too. Freaky stuff. I think the key is how much ‘processing’ (i.e., chemical changes) is done, as human bodies, of which our medical community knows squat about, is not designed to handle them.

[grania]

FWIW, I buy granulated cane sugar in one teaspoon packets and use that for sweetening cereals and tea/coffee. Two teaspoons is only 30 calories and it provides more sweetening than those calorie or chemical laden ingredients in manufactured foods. Besides that, real cane sugar in that amount actually seems to be a plus for digestion and feeling full and satisfied from foods.

The other thing is cooked plain vegetables. At a buffet, if I can get plain boiled or steamed carrots, brocolli, cabbage, celery and some others, a dish of that as an appetizer is filling, nutritious, and very tasty when your taste buds adjust. Breads or cereals...only 100% whole grain, no added sugar. Instead of butter...a Smart Balance concoction with olive oil. Also, no sauces and no breading. No cooking in butter. The result....I'm an average weight for the first time in my life (I was born 10% overweight) and have never enjoyed food more!

And I still enjoy a good steak dinner, often.