Do You Use Stevia or Not?

Just wondering how many people use Stevia/not use Stevia and if it hinders fat loss for them? Experience off and on Stevia?

I liked it, and had no problems with it. It's still a processed food, regardless of how natural it is, unless you are literally using stevia leaves.

I have since moved to a more strict paleo diet, and I don't use any sweeteners of any kind right now.

I used the actual stevia leaves that I order from Mt. Rose Herbs. I never noticed that it had any effect on fat loss, either good or bad.

I am guessing that if one was eating a caloric surplus, much of it added sugars, then replacing the added sugar with stevia might help reduce overall calories and result in fat loss. Just a theory.

I use it occasionally for deserts that need sweetening. But then again, I rarely eat desert now anyway, so hardly ever.

Mark posted an "Is It Primal?" wherein he gave good marks to stevia and even mentioned a few studies linking the use of stevia to improved insulin sensitivity. Just do a search on the main page for "stevia" to find it. ;)

Funny aftertaste so I don't. I usually don't add sugar to things but if I do (usually if having good cafe con leche) I will add "real" white sugar, just enough to get a hint of sweet in there.

I used to and I still use real stevia leaves (Stevia plants like hot weather, btw - they're pretty easy to grow) in the summer on fruit salad or in my coffee grounds or tea bags. But John's right, if it's white powder and it dissolves in liquid it's processed - I don't know how it gets that way, but that's not how "real" leaves act. Stevia drops may be less processed - it's fairly easy to boil stevia leaves and get a super-sweet brew out of them, anyways. I don't know if that's what you buy in the store.

I have the drops and I really want to make jello with lime juice, and I don't think I can take lime juice straight.

Don't use them to fuel your sweet tooth...

No. Since quitting sugar I find I can taste the sweetness in a lot of foods much more. I drink my coffee strong and unsweetened and some veggies, like onions, carrots and cabbage, are almost too sweet.