My sweet tooth is not strong by any means, but I nonetheless couldn’t quite seem to give this one up.

I knew about the controversial research and lack of conclusive results about its safety.  I place a great deal of emphasis on good health, yet I still [...]]]> Confession:  Until recently, I was a staunch splenda addict.  

My sweet tooth is not strong by any means, but I nonetheless couldn’t quite seem to give this one up.

I knew about the controversial research and lack of conclusive results about its safety.  I place a great deal of emphasis on good health, yet I still found myself turning away from that knowledge.

Sure, I read stories of people who had given up artificial sweeteners and actually lost weight.  But I convinced myself that if the calorie-free option was available, why not use it?  A bit of an odd argument considering I don’t eat, for instance, fast food, just because it is easily accessible.

I was aware that my splenda use was more than a bit hypocritical.  I pride myself on living a whole and natural lifestyle, and there I was, reaching into a bag of highly processed, artificial powder.  Each time I dropped a spoonful into my evening tea, I had to wonder what chemicals brought about the not-so-gentle buzzing that occurred as the powder dissolved into my mug.

In all other areas, I was a strong proponent of the naturally sweet.  Bananas and dried fruit provide pure sugars to my morning oats; my yogurt frequently receives the same from the addition of berries.  I always cap off my lunch with a sweet piece of fruit, and if I bake, I choose agave, honey, or maple syrup.

I tried to quit my splenda habit twice, but the final place that it remained was in tea.  Ironic, considering the plethora of health benefits that come to tea drinkers.  And yet, I wasn’t really tasting the tea; my tongue was instead overpowered by mock sweetness.

A couple months ago, I was standing over my counter, steeping my evening decaffeinated cup, spoon in hand, gaze fixed on the splenda jar.  I realized I had absolutely no desire to ingest it.  

Sometimes healthy habits just click.  Simple as that, I haven’t eaten it once since.

How do you feel about artificial sweeteners?  Do you stick with the naturally sweet?

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