I’m on a mission – a mission to prove you CAN do Trim Healthy Mama WITHOUT using stevia.
My husband and I have decided to avoid using stevia to sweeten things, and I thought that meant no more THM, but as I started looking through the book again, I decided I COULD do this without stevia, and here’s where I started…
I noticed quite some time ago, that certain treats in the book didn’t really need the stevia they called for. The Cheesecake Berry Crunch (p373) and the Trim Healthy Pancakes (p223) are a couple of these. You just don’t need the extra sweet, so why add it? I decided to see what else I could find that didn’t need the stevia.
The first thing I tried was the Fat Stripping Frappe (p240) The original version calls for glucomannan powder and stevia. I left both of these out. I also substituted cashew milk – a new favorite with less calories than almond milk, and I used vanilla whey protein (because it’s what I had on hand). You could use unsweetened, chocolate or strawberry instead.
NOTE: When using a sweetened whey protein, be sure to check the label. So far, the only one I’ve found not using stevia is Swanson; however, it does contain xylitol which I know bothers some people.
There are a couple of tricks to making this Fat Stripping Frappe taste great, but the biggest component is FRUIT. Strawberries are mentioned as an “option” in the book, but to do this without stevia, strawberries or another berry are ESSENTIAL! That’s why this version is called a Chocolate Strawberry Fat Stripping Frappe! The berries give you the right amount sweetness needed to make this drink palatable. I’m also using a “sweetened” protein powder (see note above), but I’d encourage you to try an unsweetened version too!
No Stevia Chocolate Strawberry Fat Stripping Frappe
1/2 c. almond or cashew milk
1/2 c. water
1 Tbsp cocoa powder (could leave out if using chocolate protein powder)
1/2 c. coffee (optional, but yummy!)
1 scoop vanilla, chocolate or strawberry protein powder
4 large strawberries (or other berry – frozen or not)
dash vanilla
dash salt
12 – 24 ice cubes (depends on how frozen you want it)
Mix all of this together in a high-powered blender and enjoy!
Note: I’ve also made this without coffee, with only 1/2 a scoop of protein powder, and using frozen berries. All versions have been perfectly palatable WITHOUT stevia! I personally prefer it with the coffee and the fresh berries. Try all sorts of combinations – I think you will find one perfect for your summer sippin’!
Amanda says
Just wondering why you were trying to follow THM and not use stevia? Do you not like the taste or is there some other reason?
Amy says
I’ll be explaining more in a subsequent post. 🙂
Nikki says
We did THM and we never used Stevia. I stopped the plan while pregnant as I did use Xylitol sometimes though. Both my husband and I did the plan together never using Stevia but still eating fruit. I need to restart.:)
Wendy says
You look SO pretty in that picture!
Amy says
Awww, thanks! I was a little hesitant to let my daughter take the photo because I didn’t have any makeup on! lol
Wendy says
That’s why I like it- beautiful with no makeup.????
Amy says
🙂
Wendy says
Sorry about those question marks. That was unintentional and I didn’t realize they were there.
Julie says
I would also like to know the reason for cutting stevia – is there an issue – something that it causes?
Amy says
I’ll be explaining more in a subsequent post. 🙂
Jasmine says
I’m curious about the decision not to use stevia anymore as well. what has prompted that decision?
Amy says
I’ll be explaining more in a subsequent post. 🙂
Stacy says
I’m also trying to get back on board without using stevia. I hate the headaches it gives me. My husband doesn’t like xylitol, so I think we’ll just have to avoid most sweets. I completely agree that a lot of the recipes don’t need the extra sweetener. We’re really loving Complete protein powder by Juice Plus. It uses a combination of stevia and unrefined cane sugar that keeps it low glycemic. It’s not enough stevia that I’ve ever had a problem with it. We don’t care for whey protein powder because my hubby is lactose intolerant.
Jessica says
I was also wondering why you didn’t want to use stevia. Did you have a bad experience with it??
Amy says
I’ll be explaining it very soon. 🙂
Sharon says
I am so glad you are doing THM without stevia! I am too after 5 miscarriages I blame stevia for. That was after many healthy pregnancies. My hormones went berserk and I ended up with adrenal fatigue. I am now just getting back to normal and my regular fertile signs have returned after going AWOL with stevia.
Jessica says
What a beautiful picture of you! That could be straight out of a magazine ad!
LindainCO says
Yummy, thanks!
Deb cross says
Thank you i do thm and have been looking for no stevia recipes because i dont always like it. Thanks this is aling with my taste
Christie says
Yum! I’ve been wondering how It would work to omit stevia in some of the THM recipes – I’m just not sure about it and would rather not use it. So do the berries give it a definite strawberry taste or just a sweetness? Thanks!
Amy says
There isn’t a super strawberry taste because chocolate tends to cancel out just about everything! lol