reported by Dianna Shaffer

QUESTION 10: Sugar Substitutes. I have a sweet tooth and I know I should cut back on sugar and desserts at RV. I have heard there are some sugar free desserts at RV. Tell me about them.

 Ms Foodie: This is a challenge for most of us, but there is help.

 To address sugar concerns, Tricia Opgenorth, our RV Pastry Chef, created several desserts using a sugar substitute made from monk fruit, which is grown in Southeast Asia and is common in traditional Chinese medicine. In 2010 the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved its use as a sweetener and classified it as Generally Recognized As Safe or (GRAS). The commercially available sweetener is derived through an extraction process using the skin and seeds. The final product has zero calories and carbohydrates but is intensely sweet, so is usually blended with dextrose, erythritol or other sugar substitutes to reduce the level of sweetness. Monk fruit products are available for home use.

 Many different kinds of sugar substitutes or artificial sweeteners are commonly used in processed foods such as soft drinks, baked goods, candy, jams, and dairy. Scientists, doctors and users have differing opinions on safety, taste and suitability in some recipes.

 Tricia continues to work on more monk fruit recipes. She has done taste testing with resident volunteers to assess overall flavor, texture and appeal. Check with your server or contact F&B for future availability

 Sugar intake is but a small part of the big picture. Educate yourself on the value of foods you commonly consume, and read labels, especially the line indicating “added sugars.” As an independent resident at RV, each individual is responsible for dietary and nutritional choices that can either contribute to good health or contribute to bad health. Talk with your health care provider for more specific guidance or consult a registered dietitian.