Question:
Does anyone else think the sweetner in sugar free kool-aid triggers hunger?

I love sugar free kool-aid it helps me get my water in easily, but I am concerned it is triggering hunger for me. I seem obsessed w/eating & when I do eat it depresses me because I don't enjoy the eating nor does it satisfy the urge I had! Could changing to the new sweetened drinks w/stevia help me get my liquid requirement in? Anyone else had this problem? Need suggestions struggling bad!! Need to get a grip on this!! Thanks!!    — Jackie B. (posted on January 17, 2004)


January 16, 2004
Have you tried Nectar proteins? I find that the Strawberry Kiwi (my favorite flavor) tastes like Kool Aid and maybe other people think the others do. I also like Whey Fruity Protein which comes in both Lemonade and Tropical Punch flavor. I mix the Whey Fruity with some water (to dissolve it, it doesn't dissolve as easily as Nectar proteins)...and then add a can of Minute Maid Lite Lemonade or Crystal Lite. The Tropical Punch I just mix with water. You not only get your liquid in, but protein too! I gag on the thick drinks and these have been my lifesaver. I was very low on my proteins at my 8 month checkup because I was struggling to get protein in and then I started drinking these and I just got back my 1 year blood work and my proteins are GREAT says my doctor. I don't think they trigger my hunger in any way. I buy these at netrition.com but you can probably find them in a variety of places.
   — susanje

January 17, 2004
I think if you believe that.. then it will trigger hunger for you. It sounds like you have a bigger problem .. maybe? I don't know.. maybe it is a trigger. I have been drinking splenda sweetened kool aid.. and lemonade.. and limeade.. all home made since I had surgery.. as getting water in is hard for me... I've never thought it triggered hunger for me. I often tell myself if I want to eat, to have a big glass of whatever liquid (kool aid etc) and then eat if I am still hungry. Good luck.
   — Lisa C.

January 17, 2004
My surgeon told me that reasearch says that aspartame (nutrasweet) DOES have an opposing affect on our insulin levels (read that same info in Dr. Atkins book). Insulin is a fat storing hormone and also triggers our hunger impulses when it spikes due to sugar consumption or other substances that cause an insulin surge. Aspartame is known to do that, so you're not crazy. I would limit the amount I consume, and try to stick with those drinks sweetened with splenda or stevia.
   — Happy I.

January 17, 2004
Jackie, It sounds like you're having a glycemic response to the artificial sweetener - which totally makes sense! That's what your body is supposed to do! The only one who is being fooled by the "artificial" part are our taste buds! True, they carry few calories, but they can still be detrimental - in many ways! (Have you seen the new study that warns pregnant women to NOT consume anything containing Splenda because of the risk of birth defects?) Anyway - it may be time to just kick the habit. I try to stick to water and iced green tea. (Don't do the green tea if you're anemic, tho!) I drink the water with a slice of lemon or orange in it for a little flavor - and always love it super iced cold. Hot tea is wonderful, too. Hope that helps some! Blessings, dina
   — Dina McBride

January 17, 2004
While visiting my mother in Florida I went to work out at Curves they had posted an article about artificial sweeteners and the effects they have . The interesting thing on the article was that it said that in some foreign country I believe it was ( Switzerland ) that the farmers gave artificial sweeteners to increase the weight on their swine ( pigs ) because it increased their appetite. I know when I drink crystlite I do want to graze at eating more. If this is true I wish they would document it more for the public.
   — charanewme

January 17, 2004
Right after WLS I was eating alot of Splenda in everything. I found it REALLY increased my hunger and grazing. Actually anything with artificial sugar does. I don't know about Stevia as that is the most vile tasting crap I've ever ate. I'd rather drink liquid potassium than consume Stevia. Anyway, I'm doing the Carbohydrates Addict Diet and they say NO artificial sweetners because our bodies THINK it is the real deal and will put out insulin. I think for those of us who are carb addicts, we have real problems with hunger from artificial sweetners. If it does this to you, why not try to save the artifical sweetners for foods during supper. Not take them in the morning or day when they will trigger eating binges?
   — Danmark

January 17, 2004
The sugarfree koolaid doesn't trigger hunger for me but it does taste strange for some reason.
   — jennifer A.

January 18, 2004
I buy the little packages of unsweetened Kool-Aid in different flavors and make them according to package directions, only using Splenda or fructose instead of sugar. Tastes great!
   — Lynette B.




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