Sugar Alcohol???

Hi everyone...can anyone tell me how we calculate sugar alcohol when we are allowed 5 g. of sugar per food item? I don't want any trouble if you know what I mean... thanks, colleen

Hi, Colleen! Sugar alcohols aren't sugar. The 5 grams of sugar you're talking about refers to actual sugar (and forms of sugar like corn syrup) that are added to items. So naturally occurring sugars...such as fructose in fruit and lactose in dairy products...don't count either. Otherwise we wouldn't be allowed to eat a piece of fruit or drink a glass of milk. Debby P.S. The support group meeting at Middlesex Hospital on the 5th Mon. of the month (which only happens a few times a yr.) is run by Elina Schwartz (Dr. A.'s dietician). There'll be such a meeting on 1/30 (2 wks. from now), so that's a good time to get clarification on topics like this, without having to pay $65 for a half-hr. session with Elina. Not that you're not welcome to post your question here, as you did. But sometimes someone else at such a meeting asks something that reveals some confusion on our part regarding something that we didn't even realize we were confused about. (As if that last sentence didn't sound confusing... )

Colleen, How are you doing girl? Thank you for asking this question because it was something I was wondering as well. Debby is so right too. We should try and make it to that meeting. Thank you for that info Debby! hugs, Chrissy

Colleen, Here's a great article on sugar alcohols and what they are/do. http://www.ynhh.org/online/nutrition/advisor/sugar_alcohol.html paula

Ohhhhhhh now I get it. See you learn soemthing every day.

Hey Everyone, Thanks for the info. I am supposed to call Elina tomorrow. I will ask this question and post her response....thans, colleen