DAY 3 - AMAW/CAMAW - post your menu here!

It has been a progression for me -- I have used just about every artificial sweetener known to man. I currently use liquid stevia that is pure -- because it has the least impact on me. Not everyone likes the taste, however, and it did take some slow weaning to for me to appreciate it. I also like monk fruit, but I have found it needs cut with another sweetener to be really good. I use the liquid stevia because it doesn't have added fillers or stabilizers to make it pour well, etc.

For Americans (not sure about labeling in other countries) -- The only thing I will throw out there is that all packets of common sweeteners (i.e. splenda, sweet n low, equal, etc) should be counted as 4 calories each. I know they say "zero" calories, but they are allowed to claim that if it's under 5 calories. It's actually 4.8 for splenda, for example. That may seen negligible, but consider that if you use 2 packets in your drinks several times a day, that can quickly add up.

I use 4-5 servings in my water throughout the day, so 20-25 calories? I've never considered counting those as they are relatively low and I can't get enough water in without some kind of flavour :)

You can put me in the column of people that don't really like stevia. I sometimes use it when baking because the taste is hidden, but I've tried stevia sweetened drink mixes and I don't like the taste.

Yeah, I hated them, too. Trust me, it was a slow progression -- and not one everyone needs/wants to make.

If you are using liquid flavor enhancers, they are lower than packets. :-)

In general I find the liquid sweeteners taste better. Both stevia and splenda. lower carbs too... yes whatever they add to make them a powder- maltodextrin, I think ...gives an off taste.

Yes! The dirty secret is rounding down. They adjust serving sizes of many things, so they can adjust calories down by 5.

Some containers say they have 2 servings instead of one, so they can play the same rounding tomfoolery.

ETA Take the big containers of powdered "creamer." The serving size is just big enough to knock it down 5 calories. In reality, we use a lot more than the "serving size." Toss in some "zero calorie" packets of sweetener, and that zero calorie coffee is a LOT more calories than we bargained for.

These are things that really matter more the closer to goal one gets. In the beginning and middle stages of losing our excess weight, these seemingly minuscule calories really don't affect us much. But, as we lose and have to eat even less to lose or maintain, these can become the deal breakers.

It's good to at least know these "dirty secrets" -- so we can make conscious decisions about our food intake.

I add a sugar free flavoring to my plain greek yogurt, either a syrup, or a partial pkg of a single tube.

I couldn't live without Crystal Light and Splenda...

some of them can make me really hungry. some - can even contribute to me getting RH.

so far I tolerate liquid stevia - and my body does much better with little of real sugar - than with some of the artificial stuff.

Hey Meggles, WICKED AWESOME on the scale! WOW look at you go girl! I am impressed!! Water weight or not its a win!

Love that you were able to talk to yourself at the grocery store out of eating all the yummy carbs they have there, good job! How is your SO finding the challenge, does he love it or hate it or meh? You are doing amazing so I hope he is with you for the ride!

I use splenda daily in all my coffees, just one per coffee. I also use products that use sweeteners, I don't think they make me more hungry or change my taste buds. I don't like too many of the crystal light stuff so that's just a personal preference and I am cheap and can't find the SF syrups at a good price so I don't buy those either. But I think you go to the US often to shop right so you know as I do so much more variety there. Next time you are in the US pick up the liquid sweetener. NYMOM222 (Cynthia) uses one that I loved. I went and met her last year in NYC and it was like Splenda but in a liquid form, reach out to her to see the brand name and where she gets it, it was really good.

Your menu is awesome, ham with melted cheese sounds like a good comfort food! Where did you get your bacon jerky or is it home made? Hope soccer was awesome!

You are doing so great and I can't wait to see what you have on your menu for day 4!