Winners: Averie, Eileen, Rachel, and Karina whose favorite sweeteners are stevia, maple syrup, apple sauce and coconut sugar. Very nice! Thanks for entering, everyone 
~~~~~
Thank you for your supportive comments from yesterday’s post. When I decided to be candid on the topic of my health and my personal struggles, I was a bit concerned with how it would be received. But as always, you were loving, supportive and understanding.
You’re all just so fantastic!
Let’s keep the love going by doing a giveaway, shall we?
[source]
Stevia is one of my favorite alternative healthy sweeteners. It’s a herb from South America that has been used for over 1,400 years. In it’s green powdered form, it’s 100% natural and has zero calories.
While other alternative sweeteners have a slight impact on blood sugar and insulin, stevia does not. This makes it an ideal choice for people with insulin sensitivity and Type II Diabetes.
If you’d like to learn more about healthy alternative sweeteners, and my top picks, check out this video.
When I first tried stevia I was taken back with how sweet it was and the metalic aftertaste it left in my mouth. After playing around with it for awhile, I learned that there is a very fine line between too little and too much. If you are using a drop to sweeten coffee, tea, yogurt or a protein shake it is fine, but you have to be really careful when adding it to baked goods or other bigger ticket items.
As a rule of thumb, 1 pinch of stevia = 1Tbsp of white sugar. If you are using it to replace sugar in a recipe it can be challenging to find the perfect quantity substitution.
Luckily, I’ve made a bunch of stevia recipes that you could follow if you’re feeling a bit antsy on taking the stevia plunge! Some of my favorites are…
Grain-free Carrot Cupcakes
No bake Blueberry Cream Pie
Strawberry Cinnamon Shortcake Sandwiches
Can you tell I’m in the mood to bake? Yummy!
Stevia and I are like two peas in a pod, so when Ron over at NuNaturals asked if I wanted to host a giveaway of some of their products, I jumped at the chance!
The giveaway
Enter for a chance to win:
- One 50 count box of NuStevia Packets
- One 2oz. bottle of NuNaturals Vanilla Stevia Liquid
4 winners will be selected!
Giveaway is restricted to U.S. residents ONLY
How to enter
Receive up to 4 entries by:
- Subscribe to the Healthful Pursuit RSS feed
- Facebook like Healthful Pursuit and share this post
- Tweet it You could say something like: I’ve entered to win 1 of 4 stevia prize packs from @NuNaturals and @be_healthful –> http://su.pr/1Ldi2M
- Comment What is your favorite alternative sweetener?
Please leave a *separate comment* for each entry!
The giveaway will be open until Tuesday January 17 with the winner announced on Wednesday January 18.
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{ 230 comments… read them below or add one }
I have been using Truvia as a sweetener. I even use it in my son’s green smoothies!
What a great giveaway and perfect timing! I just started (today) a new blog series about the different types of artificial sweeteners. I plan on highlighting studies about each of the available artificial sweeteners. My favorite is stevia because it is natural and stabilizes blood sugar!
i love using stevia as a sweetener! also using fruit to sweeten- like bananas and dates- are my favorite
I love using stevia! I just started recently and it’s good to know it’s natural and not artificially made!
I love stevia, too. Especially the vanilla drops! I like to sweeten my cakes with agave syrup, bananas and dates
I love Stevia vanilla drops in my protein shakes. I’ve also recently started using Xylitol and am really happy with it!
I subscribe!
tweeted
stevia especially the vanilla is my favorite!
I have never used stevia- I’ve always used Truvia
My favorite sweetener is Stevia but I also love using dates!
And I subscribed
I’ve been using sucanat, and even my 2 year old will eat goodies I make with it. I’ve been really wanting to try Stevia!!
I use Stevia In The Raw. I have not tried to bake with it yet. I was scared it wouldn’t replace the sugar quite right. I am going to try your recipes this weekend now!! Mmm.. Cupcakes..
can honey be a favorite ‘alternative’ sweetener. haha, its the most natural thing, but so far from mainstream!
I LOVE Stevia! I have a natural sweet tooth, I always choose something sweet over something savory, so stevia has become a staple in my kitchen. I haven’t tried any flavors though so i’m interested to find out what the vanilla tastes like!
I have not gotten into alternative sweeteners yet but I have been wanting to (I have started to use honey more than sugar which is a start!).
I subscribe!
I subscribe to your feed.
Stevia drops are my favorite!
I usually use sweetleaf liquid stevia simply because my local grocery store carries it but I have tried NuNaturals a couple of times and love it! I just wish liquid stevia in general was cheaper but hopefully as it becomes more mainstream the price will go down. I would love to win this giveaway!
I just tweeted about the NuNaturals stevia giveaway!
My favorite alternative sweetener to use is just plain fruit! Bananas are my favorite however if I am i need of more sweeteness then I usually use pure stevia extract (very powerful!)
I am subscribed
I liked you on facebook
Love this giveaway because I use and LOVE nunaturals. It’s the only brand I’ve had that doesn’t seem to have a funky aftertaste to it.
And i’ve subscribed way long ago!
USA residents only?
Aren’t you in Canada, though?!?
I wish I could enter!
In any case – I really appreciate yesterday’s post. Your honesty is inspiring. Thanks Leanne
i like to use maple syrup, but i’ve been trying to introduce stevia more often. the first time i used it i substituted 1:1 for sugar! yikes!
I already like you on Facebook
I already subscribe.
I usually go for some good, local honey when I want to sweeten something.
Stevia is high on my list of favorite alternative sweeteners, but I’ve yet to try NuNaturals. Your stevia-sweetened baked goods are gorgeous!
I love the vanilla stevia drops, especially for oatmeal and smoothies!
My favorite sweetner is honey for tea, agave when baking and dates for smoothies!
I subscribe!
I subscribed!
My favourite alternative sweetener, like everyone else, is stevia.
I like the vanilla and chocolate stevia drops, but the regular is my favourite!
i like your page on facebook
my favorite alternative sweetener i’ve tried so far is truvia
I have never tried stevia before, but I see it on a lot of the healthy food blogs I read and have always wanted to give it a go! Right now, I sweeten with honey and sometimes pure maple syrup. I’m also a big fan of using dates whenever possible although that hard because clearly those aren’t a liquid!
Love your blog!
I actually just picked up a package of the Stevia packets and I really like them so far! I have been using them in coffee/tea but can’t wait to try it in some of the recipes you listed! I am really interested in trying to lighten my dependence on refined sugar and this seems like the perfect product!!!
My favorite alternate sweetener is a tie between honey ans Stevia.
Pure stevia extract.
I have been using truvia but I would love to win this give away to make those bean brownies
I love using dates and usually applesauce as a form of sweetener
I’m also a big fan of just plain ol’natural honey
I’d love to try the vanilla stevia drops!
My favorite alternative sweetener is NuNaturals Stevia actually! I use their mixes frequently
I “like” Healthful Pursuit on facebook!
I’m following your blog via google reader if that counts!
I already love Stevia but I’m curious about all of NuNaturals’ different products
Healthful Pursuit has been on my google reader for quite some time now!
I am following your blog via google reader!!
xoxo
I “Like” Healthful pursuits on facebook!!
xoxo
I just started sweetening with Stevia and am looking forward to trying some of your recipes!
xoxo
Leanne, you are so sweet and generous! [just like stevia, hehe]
I am suscribed to your RSS feed!
I like you on Facebook and I shared this post
I tweeted about your giveaway!
My favorite alternative sweeteners are maple syrup and BANANAS! I know, not too extravagant but I do love the sweetness and health factor that bananas add to whatever I am making.
And I have one question about stevia. You use stevia drops quite a bit, and I was wondering does 1/32 t. of the powdered form = 1 drop of stevia? If not, do you know the ratio? Thanks
I subscribed!
I like you on Facebook!
My favorite alternative sweetener recently has been fruit, whether it be dates, raisins, or banana. Naturally delicious!
stevia is my go to sweetener! and nunaturals is so much better than truvia!
I subscribe to your RSS feed.
I like you on FB – Suzanne Hill
I tweeted: https://twitter.com/#!/DucktorWho82/status/158257081886060545
I really like coconut sugar. I haven’t done much baking with stevia, I need to experiment with it more.
thanks for holding this amazing giveaway! I’m subscribed via RSS Feed!
Stevia is definitely and by far my favorite sweetener! Stevia and honey are my sweeteners of choice for all I make, eat, bake, etc.
And from all the brands I have tried so far the one I like the most is the NuNaturals (and I swear I am not just saying this because of the giveaway), specially the vanilla drops (makes my smoothies taste vanilicious!). The NuNaturals stevia doesn’t leave any aftertaste and it is super pure, which I like.
Ana
I LOVE medjool dates as an alternative to sugar. They make amazing preworkout fuel and are so portable. Date paste also works great in recipes, which I like.
Im a big fan of honey if that counts. I use it in everything. I just got the liquid stevia a little while back though and I’m loving that. I haven’t tried the flavored ones yet though
So far dates
-
I like raw honey and grade B maple syrup. I am also a big fan of stevia, though I have yet to try the liquid version.
stevia is my favorite!
I follow your Rss
I subscribe to your RSS!
stevia is by far my #1 alternative sweetener choice to sugar.
I FB like you.
I tweeted about your giveaway!
Rss feed subscribed
I’ve wanted to try NuNaturals for a long time! My favorite “alternative” sweeteners are stevia, date paste, apricot paste, mashed banana, and non-refined sugars like maple syrup, honey, and sucanat. I eat very little sugar, and I’ve completely eliminated refined sugar from my diet. I feel so much better! Thanks for the giveaway!
My favorite “alternative” sweetener is actually a mashed ripe banana! But sometimes you do need a pinch of concentrated sweetness without the moisture, and for that, Stevia is where it’s at! (Can’t exactly put mashed banana in my tea, can I?) I haven’t tried NuNaturals though, so this would be a great opportunity for me to see what it’s like!
Thanks for the giveaway.
I love stevia and use it often. I do know that stevia is better natural, i.e. the green stuff, not the white, and I’m wondering how to get that?
Stevia in the Raw is definitely my favorite alternative sweetener, although I don’t like to think of it as an alternative. I like to think of it as sugar’s slimmer and more intelligent younger sister.
I use this brand almost every day. I would have to say though that I prefer Truvia.
I absolutely LOVE STEVIA! Some people say that there is a strange after taste with it, but I haven’t experienced it, THANK GOODNESS! Because I don’t know what I would do without it!
Tweeted! https://twitter.com/#!/billiejeanie327/status/158305482342268929
“Like” Healthful Pursuit on Facebook and shared the post! http://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=280037028716974&id=1392101060
Following the BLOG!
I adore stevia too! All I can find in stores is the packets though:( I’ve yet to find the droPs in any stores by me!
Truvia has always been my go-to sweetener!
Stevia is my favorite sweetener!
My favorite alternative sweetener has to be stevia and xylitol!
I just tweeted your giveaway!
stevia is my fave!
liked you on facebook!
I love stevia for a sweetener. For most things, I prefer it over sugar!
Stevia is my favorite sweetener! I bought a box of packets for the first time a few months back and FLEW through them – they’re so good!
I also subscribe to your RSS feed
And tweeted about the giveaway!
Right now I use honey or agave nectar as sweeteners.
I subscribe to your RSS feed.
I signed up for the RSS feed as well as shared it on facebook! I usually use Splenda as my sugar sub.
I love maple syrup & stevia!
I really love stevia – I feel much better about it than chemical sweeteners, and it doesn’t give me a terrible headache like Splenda does.
I like HP on Facebook!
I’m also subscribed to HP on bloglines – does that count?
Vanilla stevia is a staple in my house. No need to add both vanilla extract and sweetener. Just a couple drops and you’re ready to go.
I’m an RSS subscriber to HP!
I love using stevia, but also like maple syrup in baked goods. Mmm . . .
I just liked and shared this post on facebook.
I love using stevia as well as maple syrup and palm sugar in limited amounts. Great giveaway =]
I don’t know how alternative this is, but we like using maple syrup around here!
already subscribe to your RSS feed!
stevia is my favorite alternative sweetener
Yummy! I’ve never tried Stevia but I would love to. I use organic evaporated cane juice and demerara (raw) sugar a lot. Honey and maple syrup are even more present in my cooking and baking, and I especially love them because I can buy them locally.
I subscribe to your RSS feed via Google Reader.
I already subscribe via Google Reader.
Stevia is absolutely my favorite sweetener, but for baked goods, I lean towards honey.
I just recently decided to switch and use ONLY stevia instead of other artificial sweeteners, So this would be very helpful!! (i already have you subscribed on my rss feed)
Carrot cupcakes look amaaaaazing. Just subscribed to your RSS feed!
Oh and my favourite sweetener is probably stevia, followed by maple syrup
Just posted my tweet as well….@healthydivablog
I’ve actually never tried any alternative sweeteners, but I do love to bake (especially using recipes from your website) and I’d love to try stevia.
I use maple syrup or agave nectar.
I’m subscribed to the feed
My favorite “flavor-free” calorie-free sweetener is Stevia in the Raw cup-for-cup since it measures like sugar. Otherwise it’s maple syrup all the way!
I’ve been using Stevia for a few months and have just recently gone to gluten-free because of digestive issues. Its been a lot harder than I thought, but this site has helped me so much!
NuNaturals stevia is the best!!!
Liked and shared on Facebook!
I use stevia all the time but definitely have not perfected it yet.
I haven’t tried NuNaturals yet though I’ve heard it is one of the best. Thanks for hosting this giveaway!
I go with maple syrup or honey whenever possible
I’ve never used stevia before but i love using honey or dates to sweeten my baked goods!
I haven’t worked with stevia much yet. I definitely need to give it a try. I usually use good old fashioned honey or agave.
I subscribe via google reader
I use KAL stevia
Current favorite sweetener is Stevia (from Trader Joe’s) but haven’t tried the liquid stuff yet. Would love to experiment!
I generally use maple syrup or cane sugar as a sweetener but when I want to cut the calories and sugar intake, I use stevia. It is soo sweet!
I subscribe to your RSS feed!
I follow you on facebook!
Stevia is definitely my favorite alternative sweetener!
I subscribed to RSS feed!
I tweeted!
NuNaturals Stevia for the win!!
I use stevia everyday! From yogurt to savory dinner dishes, stevia is a staple in my little apartment. Other than stevia, I like to switch it up by sweetening my foods naturally- bananas, dates, and even just a handful of raisins will do for me =)
I absolutely LOVE stevia! After lots of reading and getting some others’ opinions I tried it and I love it! Oatmeal is better and so is my coffee! YUM I still havent tried the granulated stevia or baked with it so I am hoping to try soon!
i subscribe to your RRS via email
katherinedibello (at) gmail (dot) com
my favorite alternative sweetener is actually stevia! I use it in all my baking.
katherinedibello (at) gmail (dot) com
My favorite alternative sweetener is palm sugar. I love it in my coffee and in my baked goods. However, just last week I made Jamie Eason’s Pumpkin Protein Bars with stevia instead of the brown sugar xylitol blend she recommends and I absolutely loved the light sweetness it gave them. It was just sweet enough without the funky stevia taste I’ve experienced before. So I think I’ll be experimenting with stevia more often now that I’ve had a success.
Her recipe is gluten-free, sugar-free and dairy-free if you use a protein powder other than whey; I used my egg white protein powder and they turned out splendidly. My recipe turned into 20 bars that I was able to prepackage and grab from the fridge on the way to work. Here’s the recipe if anyone reads this comment and is interested:
http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/jamie-easons-livefit-recipes-pumpkin-protein-bars.html
I love stevia! The new drops that are flavored are so good. So far I have tried the vanilla. YUM!
I like to bake with Splenda. I have not really tried other sweeteners in my baking yet
I like you on FB!
I tweet’d!
Sadly, I love agave, but I know it’s not great for you. I reallly want to get better at using stevia, so I’d be stoked to get this goodie bag to start experimenting. (because i too am turned off by that metallic aftertaste).
I liked you on facebook.
I have liked you on facebook. Stevia is a great sweetener – I use it daily.
I’ve just started the paleo way of eating and know that stevia is a great natural sweetner to use. I don’t have much experience with it but would love to try it in all sorts of recipes…especially the mug cake ones you posted and I found on Pinterest.
I liked you on FB.
I also posted the link to this page on my FB.
i grew stevia in my backyard this summer but never used it much – i feel like this form would be much easier to utilize
i typically use maple syrup and honey as my sweeteners – although certainly not calorie free!
My favorite sweener IS nu naturals!! Sometimes maple syrup or agave…
I’ve never tried Stevia drops, but would love to! Up till now, honey is generally my go-to alternate.
I subscribe!
I like you on Facebook!
The only sweeteners I ever have in my house are agave, honey and stevia. Agave is probably my favorite because it doesn’t have the funny aftertaste that stevia does. Stevia goes into my baking almost exclusively.
I love stevia!!! It definitely takes some time getting used to, but it’s the best!
Liquid stevia is my favorite sweetener, with coconut sugar being my second favorite!
Liked you on facebook!
Tweeted!
I added you to my Google Reader and am VERY EXCITED to have just discovered your blog!
I liked you on FB. Yay!
My mom introduced me to Stevia a few years ago but I am a new fan of the liquid vanilla Stevia for all sorts of things; oatmeal, yogurt, smoothies, etc! Awesome giveaway. THANKS!
Hi! I’ve only tried xylitol, but it’s tricky to work into recipes too…I would love to give NuNaturals a go
I use Stevia in the Raw…I like it in my tea or coffee!!!
subscribed
liked you on facebook!
like your page on facebook!
added you to my rss google reader feed
tweeeted
my fav alternative sweetener would have to be agave or maple syrup. but stevia is coming into for a third favorite
After going on a Candida diet for three months, I was desperate to find an alternative sweetener for my tea. I have heard great things about NuNaturals but it was always a bit out of my price range. Instead I stashed up on packets of stevia at the Whole Foods coffee counter…I have so many at the bottom of my purse, it’s actually embarrassing. Can’t seem to go back to the real thing anymore, stevia is just too good (and good fro me)!
I am a subscriber already! Thanks for the giveaway!
My favorite alternative sweetener is stevia for all the reasons you’ve mentioned!
I like using stevia for my coffee and tea and occasionally in baked goods
I subscribed to your feed.
Stevia is the only sweetner I use. I love it in my tea, as well as green smoothies, and oatmeal.
I have been Subscribed to the Healthful Pursuit RSS feed for a few months now… LOVE IT!
Now I “LIKED” Healthful Pursuit on Facebook.
My favorite alternative sweetener is my liquid Vanilla Creme Stevia.
I haven’t really used any sweeteners, but stevia has always interested me.
I subscribe by RSS.
I liked you on FB.
I love vanilla stevia powder…. Love!!!
I tweeted about the contest.
I use stevia. It gives enough sweetness without an aftertaste. And, it’s natural.
I subscribed
I like you on fb
Hii,
I’m obsessed with your blog and read it on the daily when I need a little pick me up
My fave sweetener is definitely Stevia.. with Coconut sugar as a distant second. I am experimenting with brands of stevia and have been wanting to try nunaturals! My fave liquid form is def sweetleaf vanilla though
thank you for sharing you deliciousness with us on the daily! Happy Monday!
Thanks for your lovely comment, Sara! Good luck in the giveaway
ps- i subscribed and liked and tweeted… overkill much?
I have never really substituted cane sugar for anything else, that is why I would like to try the product.
Subscribed (for a while, now!)
*like* on Facebook!
TWEETED!! <3
The idea of alternative sweeteners has always been a confusing one, so I don’t usually use anything but sugar or honey (that my boyfriends step father harvests from his own bees). I would be really interesting to try stevia out!
I’ve been playing with stevia and coconut sugar as a replacement of sugar – stevia would be preferable because it avoids spiking blood sugar, but it is tricky to figure out!
oh and I am an RSS subscriber!
I subscribed!
I am currently using truvia and purevia but just read somewhere that they aren’t so great because they contain other filler sweeteners. DO you know anything about this?
Hi Elizabeth – truvia contains a mixture of erythritol (a sugar alcohol), stevia, and natural flavors. Why they feel they need to add natural flavor to a natural product is beyond me. The issue with these flavors is that they don’t always have to be natural… and purevia has a blend of a bunch of sugar alcohols, flavors, and a bulking agent. Hope that helps!
I love agave nectar as a sweetener. Id love to try this though.
I use palm sugar and dates but have been on the fence about Stevia…not sure why.
sweetener in my herbal coffee!
Sucanat and stevia.
I am subscribed!!
I like you on facebook
I tweeted this!
My favorite alternative sweetener is stevia from Trader Joes. So far, it has the best flavor! We don’t have Nu Naturals at my local co-op
I love Stevia!
Also, I “like” you on facebook!
I like raw honey and the Whole Foods brand liquid stevia, and would like to try the NuNaturals (never have due to $$). Looks like a great product!
Oh, and I “like” you on Facebook!
Raw local honey! LOVE it in my teas and just a pinch in my green smoothies.
I also “like” you on FB!
I could use a gift
I have been trying so hard to find all your different ingredients! SUperstore usually cuts it. Darn it would make life easy if I was given the Stevia gift
I enjoy eating your recipes! I feel great and my bebe in my belly enjoys it too!
I like using Stevia drops. Am also learning about using coconut sugar in my baking in place of brown sugar.
I liked, subscribed (although with a different email) and here I am! Stevia is great because I am on the anti-candida diet. I have Lyme disease, and believe me I know all about digestive problems and trying to heal your digestive system! Unfortunately, it is hard to do when I am still on antibiotics.
I am a follower!
This would be a yummy prize!!!
Thanks
I always use stevia drops! I really like the vanilla kind and just ran out.