Artificial Sweeteners

[chead99]

As a person that gets severe headaches from aspartame, and some of the bad reports on artificial sweeteners, I was surprised to find out that FirstPlace advocates their use.

[Pat/TX]

I'm not sure what you mean by "First Place advocates their use." In the user's guide, information is given on sugar as well as non-sugar sweeteners. Members are given a clear picture of the effects all of them might have on their bodies. On page 136 the point is made that the sweeteners without sugar may have no nutritional value and that we must consider nutrition in a healthy eating plan.

This quote from page 137 sums it up: "If eating some sugary foods allows you to better reach your goals, that's okay. If eliminating sugary foods or using nonnutritive sweeteners helps you to reach your goals, that's okay, too. Many members of First Place have found success with this last approach. You decided what's best for you and your body."

To me that says that First Place equips me with the facts, but as an intelligent adult I must make the decision of what is best for me and my body. If a nonnutritive sweetner gave me headaches, I'd definitely not use it. But for whatever reason, it doesn't give everyone headaches. So each person must decide for himself.

Many people avoid aspartame, and others avoid saccharin. Some people strongly object to corn sweeteners. I think it's a personal thing and should remain that way.

Pat/TX