Daily Tips

A food label that says “sugar-free” does not mean it is also carbohydrate-free and calorie-free. Always check the nutrition facts label to find out the total carbohydrates and calories that should be figured into your meal plan.

A few popular sugar substitutes include:

• Aspartame. Also called NutraSweet or Equal (Merisant).
• Sucralose. Sold under the tradename Splenda, this sweetener has no carbohydrates and no calories.
• Sugar alcohols. Also called polyols, these aren’t completely absorbed during digestion and therefore may cause less of a rise in blood glucose levels. They can also have a laxative effect for many people, so should be taken in small doses.