Six Reasons (and Ways!) to Incorporate Zero-Calorie Sweeteners into Your Diet

Rumors of dangers from sugar-free sweeteners are plentiful on the Internet - you can read everything from warnings that aspartame causes Alzheimers to cautions that saccharine can result in warts. Reality check: although some individuals ARE sensitive to certain types of artificial sweeteners, it's wise to check wtih your health care provider (not Dr. Internet!) to determine whether the use of zero-calorie sweeteners is wise for you.

If your doctor approves, here are six sugar-free reasons (and ways) to motivate yourself to give it a go:

1. Cut calories. For example, if you're trying to lose weight, shifting from sugar or honey in your coffee or tea to a zero-calorie sweetener can make a dramatic difference over just a few months. Once your taste buds become used to the shift, you won't notice the difference. How to do: try different varieties and see which ones taste best to you. Tip: I recently tried Splenda for Coffee. The Mocha variety has zero calories but makes coffee taste fabulously flavored!

2. Cut carbs. Just as with the calories, shifting to low-carb or carb-free sweetners can help you achieve your weight loss goals more quickly. Be sure to compare artificial sweeteners, as some choices do have more carbs than others. How to do: if carbs are a concern, be sure to read labels carefully. In contrast to calories (which typically are 0 in most artificial sweeteners), carb counts do vary in different types of artificial sweeteners.

3. Enjoy desserts without so much guilt. Does a treat such as a cup of pudding make you feel so guilty that you can't fully enjoy it? By opting for sugar-free varieties, you can savor the flavor without those guilt pangs! Sugar-free individual pudding cups often have just 60 calories per serving, compared to those with sugar, which may have 3 times as many calories.

4. Add more fiber into your diet, if you opt for Splenda with Fiber as your chosen zero-calorie sweetener. New on the market, Splenda with Fiber contains added fiber. Studies have shown that fiber benefits your health, making this choice a win-win when it comes to improved general health as well as weight loss. How to incorporate: try sprinkling Splenda with Fiber on half a pink grapefruit or a baked apple with cinnamon.

5. Cut down on cavities. If high dentist bills are giving you a headache, removing sugar from your diet just may ease your woes without aspirin! Try sugar-free gum, for example, which many dentists say is actually good for your teeth, rather than gum made with sugar.

6. Love to cook? Experiment with new recipes. You don't have to give up your fondness for baking and cooking - just try some new recipes. Many cookbooks are available filled with recipes specifically designed to eliminate sugar.