How to quit artificial sweeteners?

[Bettyandthebunion]

I can’t ignore the evidence anymore at how harmful artificial sweeteners are for the gut biome. I’ve been a Diet Coke junkie throughout most of my life and although I now no longer drink it, I still have 2 teaspoons of artificial sweetener in my 3 cups of coffee everyday and a spoonful in my Greek yogurt 😬.

I have tried slowly reducing but I always end up back to the original amount and I’ve realised today that the only way to finally beat this is to go cold turkey. There’s load of info online about quitting sugar but very little about what to expect when stopping artificial sweeteners. There surely has to be some withdrawal symptoms? after all it’s a chemical I’ve been throwing into my body for at least the last 30 years!

Has anybody else managed this? I would be interested to know how you found it.

Surely the obvious solution is to just use real sugar?

As PP said, start by swapping sweeteners for sugar. It will also make you realise how much sweeter sweeteners are.

however be aware finding drinks without sweeteners is really difficult. Even those with sugar (so sugar tax) have artificial sweeteners in. I am intolerant and really only drink San Pelligrino.

you do become expert at checking labels though.

I use Stevia sweeteners. Is that an option (or are they as unhealthy as the others)? About 69p per pack in Asda.

Why not Just use sugar. I hate the taste of sweetners and don't drink anything with them in. It is so hard to get drinks nowadays without it.

If you are interested in switching to an alternative that is not sugar, take a look and see what you think of allulose.

These are still a UPF which is far more unhealthy than the natural product which is also unhealthy. Best outcome is to cut out sugar and artificial sweetener completely

Thanks all - I guess I’m trying to not fall back on sugar as I would have to use so much to replace the sweetness of artificial sweetener and would rather just get it over and done with.

I guess I was wondering if there were any withdrawal effects that differed to quitting sugar as it’s a chemical compound/additive, but I’m going to see how I get on and how soon my taste buds adapt!

That’s bad news 😢

surely its the same as reducing the amount of sugar you have in things, so reducing how sweet your tastebuds like things and giving them time to adapt?

so for instance cutting amount of sweetener in everything by 20pc for a few days and then reduce by another 10pc every few days?

Honestly, there is life after sugar. You don't need it, it is really, really bad for you and if you persevere, after a while you will lose your sweet tooth but it's like any addiction, you need to go cold turkey and withdraw

Thanks for this and I agree, I think it’s the only way to conquer it. Just wonder how bitter I’ll find that coffee at 6am tomorrow morning! 😁

I don't use any at all, I didn't quit, I just never used them.

What sort of greek yoghurt do you have? I find the low fat ones can be a bit tart so if I have those, I add a drizzle of honey. The full fat I don't need anything other than my usual fruit.

In hot drinks, swap to real sugar. Half a teaspoon is enough to give a hint.

And as soft drinks - just stop them! Tea, water, wine, nothing else is needed 🤣🤣

Perservere and you will soon get used to it and before long you want want sugar in your coffee. You need to retrain your taste buds. Good luck

Won't want sugar in your coffee!