Sugar Free and Fat Free?

[shantra 73]

Is there anyone else out there that has trouble with these foods? I saw a list of things to have in when you have had lap band surgery, it included fat free and sugar free on it, I just don't do either. No, it is not being stubborn, yes I have really tried to like both.

sugar free stuff gives me terrible diarrhea, as do any other products that have maltodextrin in. I can't even do sugar free powder for drinks.

As for fat free, often it seems to me that fat free is full of other stuff that really isn't healthy to make the fat free palatable. And in the case of fat free cheese, even the fat free so called sharp cheddar is like tasteless plastic to me. I just can't eat the stuff.

The way I see it, the band will help me to eat like the French do, quality food in very small portions.

Is there anyone out there who agrees or has the same issues?

[CherieRyde 227]

YES! I stay away from the processed crap as much as I can. It all tastes like plastic, rotten food, and chemicals.

[labwalker 1,177]

Those labels mean little to me... we've been lead to believe that foods that are sugar or fat free are healthier, but they often contain the same number of calories as regular foods. I'd opt for the sugar free, only because the body does need some degree of healthy fat intake. I can eat those foods, but I avoid them. As you noticed, they aren't that tasty. Again, I'd worry about intaking too many sugar substitutes that are questionable chemicals that may cause long term harm.

The latest fad is "gluten free," a legitimate concern for many folks, that is being exploited by ad agencies. One has to really read food labels very carefully to ascertain what the package contains.

Edited October 9, 2014 by labwalker

[Bandista 7,466]

I'm with you, Shantra -- I cannot figure out why people eat that crap when pure food is so delicious. Why not eat really well, especially when we're having so much less than before? All those addictive chemicals, blech.

One of my pet peeves recently is that Stevia is being widely sold in a blend with maltodexterine. For people who have no nutritional background or who are not real label readers, this is so misleading.

When I was waiting to be banded I was nervous about having to give up certain foods. One of my fears was that I'd become lactose-intolerant -- no idea where I got that idea except that I love dairy and was nervous about forfeiting favorite foods, etc. So happy that now I can have a little cheese or a small yogurt and it doesn't set me off on a "more, more, more" feast. Love the band and having my appetite dimmed. I feel like I can have what I want and need, just in small amounts.

[cheryl2586 3,053]

I do neither and that is because your body needs a certain amount of good fats to work properly.

[F_it 101]

Love what you said about "eating like the french." Thats how I like to see my new eating lifestyle. I avoid fat free and sugar free products.

Fat free foods are usually loaded with artificial yucky flavor substitutes that end up raising the calories, just so it can be labelled as fat free. So not worth it. And I totally avoid artificial sweeteners. As far as I know they can do more damage than good in the long run.

Would totally prefer smaller quantities of high quality, natural ingredients and decadent flavors that I savor thoughtfully over flavorless FAKE food wrapped in "health hype" promises.

Plus there are plenty studies out there that demonstrate how things like "good fats" and full fat dairy is actually more beneficial to long term weight maintenance. One thing i like about the band is that its not about deprivation but about training yourself to be aware with how to feed your body :-)

[JustWatchMe 7,117]

Ooh la la! I had no idea I was now eating like the French!

I hate fat free anything and sugar free stuff too. One low fat item I surprisingly like is Trader Joe's Light Mild Cheddar cheese Sticks. For some reason they taste just fine to me. I usually have one as my Breakfast. As for anything else, like sour cream or half and half in my coffee, etc, no way. Real deal or why bother. I was never a huge diet soda drinker but I don't miss it a bit.

[Corridor72 518]

I do some sugar free stuff. I like the crystal light drink packets. I also eat sugar free hard candies, jelly Beans, and gum but none of them in large quantities.

I DON'T do fat free stuff for the most part because, in most cases, the fat has been replaced with sugars and carbs so why bother? If you look at that stuff, the calorie count is usually pretty close to the same in both the full fat and fat free versions. I'm more interested in reducing the sugar and carb content so I generally don't do fat free anything. There are a few exceptions but not many and it's not stuff I eat often.

[mrsto 2,925]

Those labels mean little to me... we've been lead to believe that foods that are sugar or fat free are healthier, but they often contain the same number of calories as regular foods. I'd opt for the sugar free, only because the body does need some degree of healthy fat intake. I can eat those foods, but I avoid them. As you noticed, they aren't that tasty. Again, I'd worry about intaking too many sugar substitutes that are questionable chemicals that may cause long term harm.

The latest fad is "gluten free," a legitimate concern for many folks, that is being exploited by add agencies. One has to really read food labels very carefully to ascertain what the package contains.

I think gluten free is good for some, but you're right.....it's a fad. So much so, that some dog foods boast "gluten free". Really? Unbelievable.....

[JustWatchMe 7,117]

Ok this post got me thinking so I went to look at my Water Enhancer drops and they have sucralose . Splenda. I'm a bit put off by what I'm reading about that ingredient. But it helps me drink my water! Aaggh.

Edited October 9, 2014 by JustWatchMe

[mrsto 2,925]

I'm okay with some sugar free things, but I don't really eat much of it. I use Splenda in my morning coffee, and drink Water the rest of the day. I guess the Quest Protein bars have some adulterated sugars, and I do eat one most days.

As for everything else, I do not use fat free anything. When I have salad, I use olive oil and vinegar. If I want something sweet, I'll have a little bit. If I make popcorn, I pop it in the microwave in a brown lunch bag with some butter. The bag absorbs most of the butter, and the kernels have a butter flavor. The fake butter sprays, crystals, etc., are much worse than the real thing.

I'm with Shantra.......small servings of the real thing. Thanks to the band, this is now an option without me going overboard.

[mrsto 2,925]

Ok this post got me thinking so I went to look at my Water Enhancer drops and they have sucralose . Splenda. I'm a bit put off by what I'm reading about that ingredient. But it helps me drink my water! Aaggh.

Hey, whatever works! a lot better than drinking a six pack of diet coke every day.

[labwalker 1,177]

I allow myself one large cup of coffee in the morning, with some Half and Half, and at most two tablespoons of sugar. That is my limit for added sugar to anything I eat. I need my cup of coffee, prepared how I like it. I take into account those calories, and they are my treat for the day.

[mrsto 2,925]

I allow myself one large cup of coffee in the morning, with some Half and Half, and at most two tablespoons of sugar. That is my limit for added sugar to anything I eat. I need my cup of coffee, prepared how I like it. I take into account those calories, and they are my treat for the day.

Lab - all of my adult life I've always said that the first cup (and for me, the only cup) of coffee in the morning is sacred.....have it how you like it. I take mine with some original Coffeemate powder and Splenda. I've tried half & half, heavy cream, milk.....but only like it with the (what I call) "death powder" It's my morning ritual, and I savor every single sip.