If you limit or don’t use artificial sweeteners, you’ve already got this challenge nailed. Just post your comment on the blog here so we can give you a cheer (and your name goes in the prize hat). Do tell us if and how you sweeten your drinks instead.

For you artificial sweetener users, listen up. To meet this weeks challenge, I’m asking you to stop adding artificial sweeteners to your coffee, tea, other beverages or foods. No fear, we’re making a substitution. Here’s why…

Artificial sweeteners have very damaging health effects. Aspartame has been dubbed a chemical poison and a potent neuro-toxin. Complaints about aspartame account for 75% of all food additive adverse reactions reported to the FDA. It has over 90 documented symptoms, some of which are very serious. It is linked to illnesses that damage nerve cells. Why this chemical is even allowed in our food supply is beyond me…

Sucralose is not as dangerous as aspartame, but it is not without problems. Sucralose interferes with the absorption of
certain medications, reduces good bacteria in your intestines by half and can actually cause you to gain weight.
It’s more similar in chemical composition to DDT than sugar (even though it’s made from sugar) and can cause a variety of
symptoms such as a stuffy nose or fatigue.

Here’s an easy substitution to make:

If you want to add a sweetener to a beverage or food, use stevia extract. If you tried it years ago and didn’t like it, give it another try. Manufacturers have improved the taste. Liquid extracts even come flavored with vanilla and other flavors that are supposed to be quite delicious. Or add a small amount of sugar or honey along with the stevia. Frankly, a bit of raw organic sugar or honey as your sweetener of choice is no doubt better for you than chemicals.

Stevia is 300 times sweeter than sugar so you only need a tiny bit. Like all plants, stevia contains antioxidants that fight free radical damage. It does not raise blood sugar or insulin levels like sugar or artificial sweeteners.

Here’s another easy switch: Chew gum with xylitol instead of sugar or artificial sweeteners. Xylitol is a sugar alcohol, but unlike other sugar alcohols, it doesn’t cause gas or bloating. Nor does it raise blood sugar. As an added benefit, it fights plaque by reducing bacteria levels in your mouth. You can use xylitol as a sweetener in drinks or food too.

Note: Be sure to keep xylitol powder and foods, gum, beverages and other products containing xylitol (like nasal sprays and lozengers) away from your dog. It is highly toxic to dogs and can kill them.

When you are ready to up the ante and take another step: Decrease the amount of sweetener you use. Buy commercial drinks pre-sweetened with stevia rather than artificial sweeteners. Say bye-bye to artificial sweeteners for good.

Are you in? Are you willing to reduce your use of artificial sweeteners by not adding it to your food or drink? Are you willing to go ‘cold turkey’ or use a substitute natural sweetener instead?

If so, great for you! Make a commitment and tell us about it below.

(Remember: only members and subscribers can win prizes and receive updates. Not a member yet? Join here.