Be careful when reading labels–just because a product says it’s sugar-free does not mean it is carbohydrate-free. As I always like to tell my patients, “A cookie is still a cookie.”

Carefully compare nutrients on the “regular” product and the sugar-free version. How much is the total carbohydrate changed? Are there differences in fat, saturated fat, cholesterol or sodium content? You might be surprised. Many times the sugar-free version of a product is actually less healthy than the real thing.
So keep an eagle eye out–sometimes if you really want a little treat, it’s better to have a little of the real thing.
Guest contributor: Abby Olson, Saint Louis University Dietetic Intern
Posted by Elizabeth Patton, MS, RD, LD, CDE 
