I was thinking about using Stevia rather than Splenda because from what I've understood from different sources, Stevia is natural and better for your body (you know, when it all comes down to Splenda is still a chemically made product).
Atkins briefly mentioned that Stevia is approved as a supplement not a sweetener but he didn't say anything about its usage in his diet program.

So I was wondering is it ok to use Stevia exclusively as my choice of sweetener in the LC diet?
And as a further note, as far as I know Stevia does not affect blood sugar level and it's recommended for diabetics too.

Thanks.

Stevia is a great sweetener. The clear liquid stevia is better tasting and easier to use than the powder or greenish brown drops. It is also heat stable, like Splenda.

Karen

I agree with Karen. Especially about not using the greenish extract or powder. This is made directly from the powdered leaf, and although it's "natural" it tastes very "herbal" ... grassy. Blecchh

Stevia can cross the line between sweet and bitter if you use too much. For example, one or two drops might make your food taste sweet, but 4 or 5 drops won't make it sweeter, it will just make it bitter. You have to experiment, and taste-test the recipe for sweetness, since there's no standard equivalence such as 1 drop = 1 tsp sugar-sweetness.

Doreen

I love Stevia, and use it occasionally (I try not to have more than one sweet thing a week).

Some brands taste batter than others. My favourite is NOW liquid extract.

As for blood sugar effect, it depends on the person. Try it and see how you react to it.

Wa'il

Thank you. I saw Stevia powder the other day at the grocery but I still have to look for the liquid form.

And yes, I tried using Stevia powder with tea this one time, didn't like it that much, may be I put too much! eheh