I don't know how to eat.

[panuge1028]

Even though I have read some books and articles in mags, I still don't fully understand how or what to eat. I don't really get it about carbos-good or bad. I rarely eat anything with sugar in it and artificial sweeteners play havok with my IBS. Can you help me to simplify?

[kitcurious]

The after taste of Stevia is horrific in my book.

Try Splenda, I don't notice an aftertaste, certainly no worse than actual sugar which has one too.
Unsweetened would superior to Stevia, yuk.

[Pete919usa]

Hey... about the artificial sweeteners, I hear you... I don't have IBS, but they definitely cause "issues" for my GI tract.  I found Stevia... it's a naturally sweet plant extract that has no carbs.  A lot of folks don't like it because it can have a bitter after-taste, but I don't think it's any worse than the chemical artifical sweeteners.

There are a number of good websites out there (try searching for "diabetic diet"... but it *does* take time to filter through the ones that just want to sell stuff)... The ADA website is an OK place to start, too.

Especially with IBS, try seeing a nutritionist as they can be really, really great with helping find foods and meals that work for you.

[Anita Ramsetty, MD]

Hi,
In general, carbohydrates as a group will raise blood sugars but the more complex types(like beans) will do it more slowly than simple sugars(like juices). Splenda seems to be a good choice as a sweetener, so you may give that a try. The American Diabetes Association website has some good information about food choices and meal planning that should help with lists of good options. Good luck!