Zero deprivation! NO-WORK WEIGHT LOSS

Meet the natural sweeteners helping women over 40 shed pounds while still enjoying seasonal favorites. Tabitha easily dropped 25 lbs in 30 days!

- by LISA MAXBAUER

For decades we've heard mixed messages about using sugar substitutes to slim. But new research shows some of them really can help. Just look to the countless success stories from the Sugar-Free Mom movement, with over 2 million fans. David Perlmutter, M.D., says, “This simple change can reignite metabolism.” Here's how.

Years ago, Brenda Bennett used sugary snacks to cope with stress. But it only caused more problems: weight gain, pain and fatigue. When she cut out traditional sugar, her symptoms lifted. But then she got hooked on artificial sweeteners that spiked her blood sugar and fueled cravings. Once again, she fought to get control. What helped? Learning to bake with healthy plant-based sugar alternatives like allulose (found in figs) and monk fruit (from a Chinese melon).

“The ‘food noise’ disappeared,” says Brenda, who lost 25 pounds and launched SugarFreeMom.com, with recipes and support. She has since inspired countless women (including Tabitha, right) to beat sugar addiction and shed weight.

Brenda's advice helped Theresa Bayshore, 59, lose 10 pounds in 5 days and go on to drop 70 pounds. She cheers, “I actually lost weight around the holidays!” And Jennie Walker, 53, ditched 51 pounds. “My body literally healed from the inside out,” she says. “If I could bottle up the energy I felt and sell it, I’d be a millionaire.”

Why it works