Sugar free candy/Dreamfields pasta

Lucy1018 · 12-03-2012, 07:51 PM

I was wondering what people's experiences have been with sugar free candy, such as gummy bears, and with low carb pasta like Dreamfields. I had some of the latter recently and it tasted too good to be true. Is it? I'm wondering the same thing about sugar free gummy bears, etc. Have things like that helped others stay on track with their diet by offering low carb alternatives to favorite foods, or are they gimmicks with 'hidden carbs'?

picklepete · 12-03-2012, 10:52 PM

It depends on the substitute ingredient being used. Candy is typically maltitol which is definitely not zero calorie or zero carb--some people report glucose readings equal to a similar amount of straight sugar. The pasta/bread/tortilla things are still mostly wheat so I steer clear of those since wheat does some dubious things apart from the carb load.

I agree that scratching an itch for a high-carb food is an important tool to have in the drawer, but it's probably best to make it from scratch since at the end of the day we really don't know what's in the commercial packages.

My "candy" is coconut butter melted, embellished, and chilled in a miniature tart pan. My "pasta" is either shirataki or julienne zucchini, and other bread products can be made from nut/seed flour or nut/seed butter. A treat is still a treat and I don't expect it to be slimming, but at least I know what went into it.

Arctic_Mama · 12-03-2012, 11:34 PM

I'm with Pete, avoid the processed low carb products like the plague if you can. They're junk food, albeit semi-legal on many plans. Nutritional substitutes are a wiser idea (and shirataki is genuinely yummy

).

That Girl · 12-03-2012, 11:42 PM

I love Dreamfields, I have not had any BS problems with this pasta...You have to cook it exactly per the directions...It's delicious!! The gummies are another thing...most sf candy is made with malitol and while all those candies really do taste like what the are imitating, say the peanut butter cups or the peppermint patties, most of us have a bad reaction to them. Potty issues to name a few! Just wanted to add about the pasta, it has helped me be able to stay lc and feel like I can have lasagna or angel hair pasta like everybody else and still lose weight.

nic~at~nite · 12-04-2012, 01:08 AM

I have used the pasta with no problems in the past. Another great substitute is spaghetti squash.

I eat sugar free candy sometimes. One or two pieces a week. Not a lot, but enough to satisfy me.

stardustshadow · 12-04-2012, 03:21 AM

DreamFields pasta will not give you an initial blood sugar rise. But trust me, as a diabetic, it WILL make your blood sugar rise at 3 or 4 or 5 hours after eating. I would avoid it.

HappyHappyJoyJoy · 12-04-2012, 09:04 AM

Your mileage may vary.

There are a few people who can eat that stuff and do fine. It doesn't seem to spike their blood sugar or give them cravings or give them the runs. Or set them on the road to ruin, gaining back all their weight and more.

Most other people - not so lucky. You might need to test it to find out. But go slow.

The only frankenfood I eat are Atkins bars and the most I will eat is 1 in a 24 hour period. UNLESS I am in desperate straits - like stuck on a girl scout campout with no control over the food. Then, I spent a weekend eating them. Seemed a better choice than totally falling off the wagon.

The most consistent way to lose weight low carbing is by eating regular, real food with the least amount of commercial processing.

SharonB61 · 12-04-2012, 11:43 AM

I have used Dreamfields pasta throughout my low carb WOE and have experienced no problems with stall or gains. I don't overdo it, however, and only eat it occasionally.

Cryssi · 12-04-2012, 11:59 AM

It all comes down to a YMMV thing.

I personally have no problem with Dreamfields. I am not a huge pasta eater to start with so it is easy for me to cook the recommended serving size, eat it, and be done with it when I want the occasional pasta dish. (I just make regular pasta for the rest of the family).

The candy - too much malitol WILL give you tummy issues, I can promise THAT is not a YMMV thing

I personally cannot eat just 1-2 pieces. I will eat the whole dang bag and then I am sorry. So I stay away from it.

I know it's not the answer you want but you just have to try each of the items and see how they work with you.

froggyx6 · 12-04-2012, 05:22 PM

I had Dreamfields for dinner tonight. I am a diabetic (almost 20 years). I did a finger stick before dinner and again several hours after dinner...no change. It's never affected my blood sugar. I also checked a keto stick...it stayed purple. I have a SF candy occasionally but am careful with them. I have trouble stopping with just one.

sfmom · 12-04-2012, 05:48 PM

I have never tried the dreamfields pasta but I have had the sugar-free candy with out any problems weight gain or stalling problems, like the others have said you have to use portion control with them or you will end up chained to the toliet LOL

Amber_Baby · 12-05-2012, 03:36 AM

I don't bother with pasta or bread substitutes because I don't really miss them and I am quite happy with cauli mash or cauli rice. But I do like to have some sweet treats to hand - I have a range of Atkins day break/advantage/endulge bars which I like and will have maybe twice a week. In addition I make fat bombs using various nut butters, cocoa, sweeteners etc and I have various da vinci syrups for flavouring coffee but I have also found that whipping a little double cream and adding a few drops makes for a great little dessert. So I do find ways of using whole foods to make treats but I also believe that low carb products have their place and they don't cause any craving/stalling issues for me personally.

kmcintosh21 · 12-16-2012, 02:57 PM

My Fiance is type 1 diabetic and dreamfields works fine... BUT.. you have to cook it for the time it says.. if you over cook it.. his BS will rise.. we have tested it almost every time we cook it.. and it never fails if i let it over cook on accident.. up his BS goes.. it is a great way to stay low carb but still get some of your favorite foods and not feel guilty about it. I am curios to how the lasagna noodles they have works.. because it takes way more then 8mins to cook that dish! My stores do not carry it so never actually looked at box.. but all the other types is 7-9 mins varrying..

Widget · 12-16-2012, 09:45 PM

I am also a diabetic and Dreamfields is kind to my blood sugar. I cook it 2 minutes less than the time stated on the box and it always comes out perfect. I have heard that if you reheat it, that takes away the low carb properties.

Trigger828 · 12-17-2012, 03:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stardustshadow

DreamFields pasta will not give you an initial blood sugar rise. But trust me, as a diabetic, it WILL make your blood sugar rise at 3 or 4 or 5 hours after eating. I would avoid it.

This! I agree. Dreamfields is not kind to diabetics at all!

gummy bears? YUCK. what are those? LOL wouldn't touch one. ate one once and would never put that junk in my body again

flatferenghi · 12-17-2012, 10:42 AM

i make it exactly according to box directions, and stayed to portion limits. However, i have little or no control over the sugar free candies, and other FRANKENYUMMIES, so i must avoid them, for a while/a long while. Love & Profits: FLATFERENGHI

Trigger828 · 12-17-2012, 11:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by flatferenghi

i make it exactly according to box directions, and stayed to portion limits. However, i have little or no control over the sugar free candies, and other FRANKENYUMMIES, so i must avoid them, for a while/a long while. Love & Profits: FLATFERENGHI

FRANKENYUMMIES! LOVE THAT WORD!!

LoriWants2Lose · 12-17-2012, 02:49 PM

I have one small piece of SF candy several times a week. I can tolerate the Russel Stover ones, but things like Twizzlers make me gain and make my bs go up. Dreamfields I have only very very very occasionally. I think the key is probably moderation. We used to have pasta at least once a week before low carb. I shudder to think of all the years I fed my family that non-nutritious stuff.

greybb1 · 12-18-2012, 01:09 PM

I eat dreamfields all the time. At least once a week. I test my blood sugar and I don't have a problem with it spiking or with stalls or weight gain.

jmc305 · 12-19-2012, 08:58 AM

I am NOT diabetic, but I have eaten Dreamfields for years. It tastes wonderful and I have never had any problems with stalls or weight gains. I have (and still do) eat it while on Induction. I can eat Shirataki's if I am DESPERATE, but I much prefer Dreamfields.

The main thing about this diet is figuring out what will work for YOU. Some people love coconut oil coffee. I hate coffee, so that won't work for me. Some love their Da Vinci syrups, I have tried them and I don't like the taste at all. You can follow a book, but there will still be a lot of trial and error and finding what works for you. So just be prepared to try a lot of things and realize that some of them will end up in the trash. Just goes with the territory.

flatferenghi · 12-19-2012, 12:41 PM

cottage cheese, farmers cheese, ricotta drizzled with melted butter. Gonna make some this weekend. I PROMISE to be mindful of portions. FF

JWR · 02-23-2013, 09:24 AM

Thanks for all the information and experience with the Dreamfields pasta. I bought some and thought that it was absolutely amazing and probably too good to be true.
Having the diabetic information from FSBS after eating this pasta helps me to proceed with this pasta in moderation, sticking to the instruction on the box and to make small amounts with no leftovers to reheat.
Thanks again.

rotay60 · 02-23-2013, 09:44 AM

Purchased my first box of dreamfields today. I am not diabetic and am really looking forward to spaghetti.

Strawberry · 02-23-2013, 10:24 AM

Quote:

you have to cook it for the time it says..

Also, the Dreamfields company warns that if you reheat leftovers it can break down the pasta to a form that your body can absorb the carbs and spike blood sugar. They also warn against leaving the pasta to soak in an acidic sauce, because that can also break down the pasta enough to where your body can absorb the carbs and spike blood sugar.

Britt1975 · 02-23-2013, 10:58 AM

I don't eat the dreamfields - I tried it once and I didn't like the texture. I prefer zucchini noodles made with my Spirooli. I do eat the sugar free Russell Stover candy. I was forewarned, before I ever had a single piece, that it could cause EXTREME gastric distress if you ate too much. I've never experienced it for myself because I never eat more than one or two pieces at a time. I just looked back at my food tracker, and I've had 6 pieces in the last 4 weeks. I have no problem stopping at one piece - it doesn't cause cravings or stalls for me. If any of those variables were different - I wouldn't allow it in the house.

creseis · 02-23-2013, 03:29 PM

I have a question about dreamfields pasta: I was looking at the ingredients and the nutritional information, and I saw *nothing* different from several other brands, even the carbohydrate count per *weight* was the same, and it came to something like 28g per serving less dietary fiber. Am I missing something? I ate the stuff once and it gave me nightmarish stomach cramps.

12-03-2012, 07:51 PM	#1
Lucy1018 Senior LCF Member Join Date: May 2012 Posts: 62 Gallery: Lucy1018 WOE: Paleolithic-no dairy, moderate amounts of fruit	Sugar free candy/Dreamfields pasta I was wondering what people's experiences have been with sugar free candy, such as gummy bears, and with low carb pasta like Dreamfields. I had some of the latter recently and it tasted too good to be true. Is it? I'm wondering the same thing about sugar free gummy bears, etc. Have things like that helped others stay on track with their diet by offering low carb alternatives to favorite foods, or are they gimmicks with 'hidden carbs'?

12-03-2012, 10:52 PM	#2
picklepete Senior LCF Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Minnesota Posts: 750 Gallery: picklepete Stats: 265/189/189 WOE: 6hr window + no refined calories	It depends on the substitute ingredient being used. Candy is typically maltitol which is definitely not zero calorie or zero carb--some people report glucose readings equal to a similar amount of straight sugar. The pasta/bread/tortilla things are still mostly wheat so I steer clear of those since wheat does some dubious things apart from the carb load. I agree that scratching an itch for a high-carb food is an important tool to have in the drawer, but it's probably best to make it from scratch since at the end of the day we really don't know what's in the commercial packages. My "candy" is coconut butter melted, embellished, and chilled in a miniature tart pan. My "pasta" is either shirataki or julienne zucchini, and other bread products can be made from nut/seed flour or nut/seed butter. A treat is still a treat and I don't expect it to be slimming, but at least I know what went into it. __________________ "I can confidently state that quantity of diet may safely be left to the natural appetite; and that is quality only which is essential to abate and cure corpulence. These important desiderata have been attained by the most easy and comfortable means by a system of diet that formerly I should have thought dangerously generous." -William Banting (1863)

12-03-2012, 11:42 PM	#4
That Girl Major LCF Poster! Join Date: Dec 2005 Posts: 2,382 Gallery: That Girl	I love Dreamfields, I have not had any BS problems with this pasta...You have to cook it exactly per the directions...It's delicious!! The gummies are another thing...most sf candy is made with malitol and while all those candies really do taste like what the are imitating, say the peanut butter cups or the peppermint patties, most of us have a bad reaction to them. Potty issues to name a few! Just wanted to add about the pasta, it has helped me be able to stay lc and feel like I can have lasagna or angel hair pasta like everybody else and still lose weight. __________________ bella Last edited by That Girl; 12-03-2012 at 11:45 PM..

12-04-2012, 09:04 AM	#7
HappyHappyJoyJoy Senior LCF Member Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Texas! Posts: 362 Gallery: HappyHappyJoyJoy Stats: 201.8/160.6/161 WOE: Atkins Start Date: April 10,2012	Your mileage may vary. There are a few people who can eat that stuff and do fine. It doesn't seem to spike their blood sugar or give them cravings or give them the runs. Or set them on the road to ruin, gaining back all their weight and more. Most other people - not so lucky. You might need to test it to find out. But go slow. The only frankenfood I eat are Atkins bars and the most I will eat is 1 in a 24 hour period. UNLESS I am in desperate straits - like stuck on a girl scout campout with no control over the food. Then, I spent a weekend eating them. Seemed a better choice than totally falling off the wagon. The most consistent way to lose weight low carbing is by eating regular, real food with the least amount of commercial processing. __________________

12-04-2012, 11:59 AM	#9
Cryssi Noah and Wyatt's Mommy Join Date: Jan 2004 Posts: 25,260 Gallery: Cryssi Stats: 322.2/313.6/130 WOE: Low Carb Start Date: 1/1/13	It all comes down to a YMMV thing. I personally have no problem with Dreamfields. I am not a huge pasta eater to start with so it is easy for me to cook the recommended serving size, eat it, and be done with it when I want the occasional pasta dish. (I just make regular pasta for the rest of the family). The candy - too much malitol WILL give you tummy issues, I can promise THAT is not a YMMV thing I personally cannot eat just 1-2 pieces. I will eat the whole dang bag and then I am sorry. So I stay away from it. I know it's not the answer you want but you just have to try each of the items and see how they work with you. __________________ ~A year from now you will wish that you started today.~ ~ A goal is a dream with a deadline. ~

12-03-2012, 11:34 PM	#3
Arctic_Mama Major LCF Poster! Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Alaska Posts: 1,729 Gallery: Arctic_Mama Stats: 257/163/140 WOE: Atkins 2002 Start Date: R1 12/11, R2 3/12	I'm with Pete, avoid the processed low carb products like the plague if you can. They're junk food, albeit semi-legal on many plans. Nutritional substitutes are a wiser idea (and shirataki is genuinely yummy ).

12-04-2012, 01:08 AM	#5
nic~at~nite Junior LCF Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Illinois Posts: 41 Gallery: nic~at~nite Stats: 216/182.4/148 WOE: Atkins with fruit Start Date: October 2012, post pregnancy	I have used the pasta with no problems in the past. Another great substitute is spaghetti squash. I eat sugar free candy sometimes. One or two pieces a week. Not a lot, but enough to satisfy me.

12-04-2012, 03:21 AM	#6
stardustshadow Very Gabby LCF Member!!! Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Copenhagen, Denmark Posts: 3,365 Gallery: stardustshadow Stats: 248.6/163/150 WOE: VLC/IF Start Date: July 5th 2010 (Atkins)	DreamFields pasta will not give you an initial blood sugar rise. But trust me, as a diabetic, it WILL make your blood sugar rise at 3 or 4 or 5 hours after eating. I would avoid it.

12-04-2012, 11:43 AM	#8
SharonB61 Senior LCF Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: North Carolina Posts: 391 Gallery: SharonB61 Stats: 168/131/135 WOE: VLC / IF	I have used Dreamfields pasta throughout my low carb WOE and have experienced no problems with stall or gains. I don't overdo it, however, and only eat it occasionally.

12-04-2012, 05:22 PM	#10
froggyx6 Senior LCF Member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: NW Florida Posts: 703 Gallery: froggyx6	I had Dreamfields for dinner tonight. I am a diabetic (almost 20 years). I did a finger stick before dinner and again several hours after dinner...no change. It's never affected my blood sugar. I also checked a keto stick...it stayed purple. I have a SF candy occasionally but am careful with them. I have trouble stopping with just one.

12-04-2012, 05:48 PM	#11
sfmom Major LCF Poster! Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: North Central, Illinois Posts: 1,045 Gallery: sfmom Stats: 176/122.0/135 5'8" tall WOE: Low carb	I have never tried the dreamfields pasta but I have had the sugar-free candy with out any problems weight gain or stalling problems, like the others have said you have to use portion control with them or you will end up chained to the toliet LOL

12-05-2012, 03:36 AM	#12
Amber_Baby Major LCF Poster! Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Milton Keynes, England Posts: 1,080 Gallery: Amber_Baby Stats: 276/236/168, 5'9", 26 WOE: Atkins Start Date: 7th November 2012	I don't bother with pasta or bread substitutes because I don't really miss them and I am quite happy with cauli mash or cauli rice. But I do like to have some sweet treats to hand - I have a range of Atkins day break/advantage/endulge bars which I like and will have maybe twice a week. In addition I make fat bombs using various nut butters, cocoa, sweeteners etc and I have various da vinci syrups for flavouring coffee but I have also found that whipping a little double cream and adding a few drops makes for a great little dessert. So I do find ways of using whole foods to make treats but I also believe that low carb products have their place and they don't cause any craving/stalling issues for me personally. __________________ Amber 26 years old 40 pounds gone forever 68 pounds to goal

12-16-2012, 02:57 PM	#13
kmcintosh21 Junior LCF Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Houston, Texas Posts: 7 Gallery: kmcintosh21 Stats: 225/187/150 WOE: Just Plain Low carb.. under 20 a day Start Date: July 09	My Fiance is type 1 diabetic and dreamfields works fine... BUT.. you have to cook it for the time it says.. if you over cook it.. his BS will rise.. we have tested it almost every time we cook it.. and it never fails if i let it over cook on accident.. up his BS goes.. it is a great way to stay low carb but still get some of your favorite foods and not feel guilty about it. I am curios to how the lasagna noodles they have works.. because it takes way more then 8mins to cook that dish! My stores do not carry it so never actually looked at box.. but all the other types is 7-9 mins varrying..

12-16-2012, 09:45 PM	#14
Widget Senior LCF Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Illinois Posts: 324 Gallery: Widget WOE: LC/HF	I am also a diabetic and Dreamfields is kind to my blood sugar. I cook it 2 minutes less than the time stated on the box and it always comes out perfect. I have heard that if you reheat it, that takes away the low carb properties.

12-17-2012, 10:42 AM	#16
flatferenghi Way too much time on my hands! Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 13,812 Gallery: flatferenghi	never had problems with Dreamfields i make it exactly according to box directions, and stayed to portion limits. However, i have little or no control over the sugar free candies, and other FRANKENYUMMIES, so i must avoid them, for a while/a long while. Love & Profits: FLATFERENGHI

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12-17-2012, 02:49 PM	#18
LoriWants2Lose Major LCF Poster! Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Anywhere my imagination takes me Posts: 2,425 Gallery: LoriWants2Lose Stats: 228.6/192/155 WOE: Atkins Start Date: October 12, 2012	I have one small piece of SF candy several times a week. I can tolerate the Russel Stover ones, but things like Twizzlers make me gain and make my bs go up. Dreamfields I have only very very very occasionally. I think the key is probably moderation. We used to have pasta at least once a week before low carb. I shudder to think of all the years I fed my family that non-nutritious stuff.

12-18-2012, 01:09 PM	#19
greybb1 Major LCF Poster! Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: The South y'all Posts: 1,247 Gallery: greybb1 Stats: 320/238/175 WOE: Atkins Start Date: September 2011	I eat dreamfields all the time. At least once a week. I test my blood sugar and I don't have a problem with it spiking or with stalls or weight gain.

12-19-2012, 08:58 AM	#20
jmc305 Senior LCF Member Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: TN Posts: 300 Gallery: jmc305 Stats: 323/220/205 WOE: Atkins mostly Start Date: September 2011	I am NOT diabetic, but I have eaten Dreamfields for years. It tastes wonderful and I have never had any problems with stalls or weight gains. I have (and still do) eat it while on Induction. I can eat Shirataki's if I am DESPERATE, but I much prefer Dreamfields. The main thing about this diet is figuring out what will work for YOU. Some people love coconut oil coffee. I hate coffee, so that won't work for me. Some love their Da Vinci syrups, I have tried them and I don't like the taste at all. You can follow a book, but there will still be a lot of trial and error and finding what works for you. So just be prepared to try a lot of things and realize that some of them will end up in the trash. Just goes with the territory.

12-19-2012, 12:41 PM	#21
flatferenghi Way too much time on my hands! Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 13,812 Gallery: flatferenghi	i lov dreamfields with cottage cheese, farmers cheese, ricotta drizzled with melted butter. Gonna make some this weekend. I PROMISE to be mindful of portions. FF

02-23-2013, 09:24 AM	#22
JWR Junior LCF Member Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: Missouri Posts: 4 Gallery: JWR Stats: 210/186/175 WOE: Atkins Start Date: March 2009	Thanks for all the information and experience with the Dreamfields pasta. I bought some and thought that it was absolutely amazing and probably too good to be true. Having the diabetic information from FSBS after eating this pasta helps me to proceed with this pasta in moderation, sticking to the instruction on the box and to make small amounts with no leftovers to reheat. Thanks again.

02-23-2013, 09:44 AM	#23
rotay60 Senior LCF Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Georgia Posts: 538 Gallery: rotay60 Stats: 142/134.2/115 for now, 4'11" WOE: Low carb	Purchased my first box of dreamfields today. I am not diabetic and am really looking forward to spaghetti.

02-23-2013, 10:58 AM	#25
Britt1975 Senior LCF Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Florida Posts: 448 Gallery: Britt1975 Stats: 331/293/150 WOE: Low carb whole foods Start Date: 1/14/2013	I don't eat the dreamfields - I tried it once and I didn't like the texture. I prefer zucchini noodles made with my Spirooli. I do eat the sugar free Russell Stover candy. I was forewarned, before I ever had a single piece, that it could cause EXTREME gastric distress if you ate too much. I've never experienced it for myself because I never eat more than one or two pieces at a time. I just looked back at my food tracker, and I've had 6 pieces in the last 4 weeks. I have no problem stopping at one piece - it doesn't cause cravings or stalls for me. If any of those variables were different - I wouldn't allow it in the house. __________________ 1st mini goal - 30 days of eating on plan - Met 2/12/2013 2nd mini goal - 299lbs -Met 2/26/2013 3rd mini goal - Fitting in to my new scrubs 4th mini goal - 275 lbs 5th mini goal - weighing less than my husband

02-23-2013, 03:29 PM	#26
creseis Senior LCF Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Troy, NY Posts: 897 Gallery: creseis Stats: 163/152/135 WOE: Atkins/Eades's/Volek and Phinney/Attia.. Ketogenic Start Date: Jan 10.2013	I have a question about dreamfields pasta: I was looking at the ingredients and the nutritional information, and I saw nothing different from several other brands, even the carbohydrate count per weight was the same, and it came to something like 28g per serving less dietary fiber. Am I missing something? I ate the stuff once and it gave me nightmarish stomach cramps.