David Gillespie - Fructose Malabsorption

19 Dec 2011 4:05 AM

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Message # 776994

Deleted user

Hi all,

I joined this forum as I have recently been diagnosed with fructose malapsorption and lactose intolerance combined with IBS. I just happened to be trying to google sugar free pavlova and came across this forum.
Although I know that sugar makes me really sick I just cannot seem to break the habit of having that sugary snack. I tell myself that today is the last day and tomorrow will be different. I'll be good tomorrow if I can just have some chocolate today. Tomorrow comes and the cravings come again and cycle begins again.
This is how I know that I am a true sugar addict. I am hoping that this forum and the quit plan will help me break the neverending cycle.
I am eagerly awaiting the arrival of my book so that I can start reading.
Does anyone have any hints in the mean time?

Kate

19 Dec 2011 7:33 AM

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Reply # 777077 on 776994

Deleted user

No hints as I am new, welcome, but I ask you, how did you go with a sugar free pavlova recipe?

19 Dec 2011 8:10 PM

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Reply # 777481 on 776994

Deleted user

I've had a few attempts at a sugar free pavlova. The problem the sugar helps create that hard outer shell and soft inner. When using dextrose it stays soft like meringue so you don't get that hard outer shell. After a bit of research I'm going to attempt again using something else. However in the mean time, some tips. If you cannot go cold turkey, why not try reducing your sugar intake slowly? I know your not supposed to make dextrose treats until after withdrawl, but you know what the dextrose treats actually helped me during my withdrawal period. My main problem was the sweet treat after dinner. During the day was fine, i was happy to have cheese, nuts, kabana etc but nothing would change that after dinner sweet. I would only have a tiny bit, enough to keep me satisfied. Eventually the cravings went and I stopped having dextrose treats altogether.

20 Dec 2011 3:57 AM

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Reply # 777774 on 776994

Deleted user

Hi Tony and Janelle,
I really wasn't expecting to get a reply so fast. Thank you for your responses. I haven't had any luck with the sugar free pavlova yet as it won't set like a normal pavlova but I am determined to make it work. I have read about the sugar free meringue nests that apparently set quite hard so I will try them on Saturday just in time for Christmas and if they work I'll fill them with fresh rasberries and strawberries. I'll let you know how I go.
Thanks for the hint Janelle. I think I need to go cold turkey and I did manage it for a while when my fructose malabsorbtion was first diagnosed. Silly me though thought I could re-introduce a small amount of chocolate to my diet and all of a sudden the floodgates were open and I went nuts! I struggle to go a day without chocolate and am very good at talking myself into it. For me it usually happens when I am at work and having a stressful day. I tend to be a bit of an emotional eater. As I cannot not work I need to find a distraction for when I get that mid morning craving to stop me from going straight for the chocolates (my work has charity chocolates scattered throughout the workplace which makes fighting those cravings bad as once I see it I want it).
No matter how hard I will do this though. I have to for my health.
It's good to find a group of supportive people that I can do it with.
Thanks,
Kate

20 Dec 2011 5:30 PM

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Reply # 778324 on 776994

Deleted user

Yeah I haven't had much success with the sugar free pavlova either. Although I have found a recipe that used agave syrup, thinking if I change the agave to glucose syrup or even rice malt syrup. I'm having a go Friday for a special dessert for dinner Friday night so will let you know how it goes! You can actually buy dextrose and sugar free chocolate. the 85% chocolate is the best sugar chocolate you can get. I did originally find it too bitter but I love it now. Also on the free forum site there is heaps of recipes for home made chocolate. I found making the dextrose treats worked for me for those times I really needed it, espeically during that time of month. At our work we used to have a chocky store right near me, I used to get a chocolate nearly every day, it did take a little will power at first but the more you get into the no sugar the easier it will be. Luckily they moved the chocky store so I wasn't tempted anymore.

30 Dec 2011 9:24 PM

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Reply # 784298 on 776994

Deleted user

Hi Kate,Try gradually cutting the sugar out. I did what David did and had coke zero to satisfy my cravings for awhile. But only do it for the short term. I no longer crave any sweet things. At my work we are given lots of chocolates as a thankyou. I have avoided them all over xmas, haven't craved them at all. Wine is my downfall though. My new years resolution is to cut the wine now. You will be surprised how much better you feel once you ditch the sugar.

Helen