XYLITOL....
Tastes like sugar......
But no cavities
So it's really good for you

AGAVE....
Tastes like honey......
But low-glycemic
So it's really good for you

ERYTHRITOL....
Tastes like sugar......
But no calories
So it's really good for you

Some of the more recent diet plans say it’s fine to eat sugar, as long as you count the calories. I understand the theory behind these statements. The bottom line in most weight-loss regimens is basically the same: It’s the calories. Carbs, shmarbs. Combining, shmombining. The only thing that matters at the end of the day is that you eat fewer calories than you burn. This is true, but I stand by my advice to avoid sugar as much as you possibly can.

I have noticed — and if you haven’t yet, you should — that many sugar-free products contain as many (sometimes more) calories as their sugar-laden counterparts, so their benefit is not in having fewer calories. But I maintain there is a very good reason to avoid sugared foods, regardless of how many calories you save or don’t save.

Here is my reasoning on this: When you make up your mind to pass up sugar in any form, whether a proffered piece of pie or a can of regular soda, you are strengthening your resolve to eat healthier. And since so many foods have added sugars of one kind or another, this is a workout for your determination muscles.

Don’t just grab foods mindlessly, choose them wisely. Anything you choose to eat or drink ought to be based on a decision to benefit yourself and your health. If you have to go out of your way to find something sugar-free, you are sure to have given it a lot of thought. Don’t settle for junk food that goes down easily and sticks to your thighs forever.