If you are using the Atkins system to diet, you may need to steer clear of Jell-O. Despite having varieties low in carbs, the artificial sweetener used in this gelatin dessert may make it problematic for individuals on the Atkins Diet. If you need to avoid Jell-O, other desserts are available in all phases of the diet that can satisfy your sweet tooth without slowing your weight loss.
Atkins Diet
The low-carb Atkins Diet is designed to help dieters lose weight through an eating plan that emphasizes small amounts of lean protein, unsaturated fats and a small amount of healthy, nutrient-dense carbohydrates. The program involves four phases, beginning with a strict phase to jump start weight loss through extreme carbohydrate restriction. The idea behind the diet is to reduce carbohydrate cravings that cause overeating while shifting the body from burning carbohydrates to burning fat. Part of the basis for the diet involves being aware of how food choices impact your blood sugar and insulin levels, which can contribute to fat storage and weight gain or loss.
Jell-O
Jell-O is a brand of gelatin-based dessert and snack products. While the original formulation is high in carbohydrates, particularly refined sugars, the company does offer sugar-free variants that are low in carbohydrates. These sugar-free Jell-Os contain only 10 calories. Flavors include black cherry, cherry, cranberry, lemon, lime, orange, mixed fruit, peach, strawberry, strawberry-kiwi and strawberry-banana. These desserts are available in boxes for the consumer to prepare at home with water or in pre-made cups.
Artificial Sweeteners
The Atkins Diet allows sugar-free desserts that are low in carbohydrates, but only if they use one of the acceptable types of artificial sweetener to replace the sugar. Acceptable sweeteners for the Atkins Diet include sucralose, which goes under the brand name Splenda; saccharine, also known as Sweet'N Low; stevia, branded as SweetLeaf or Truvia; and the sugar alcohol xylitol. Unfortunately, sugar-free Jello-o uses aspartame, which is not on the acceptable list of sweeteners. This is because aspartame can impact blood sugar levels and slow weight loss despite containing no sugar or carbohydrates.
Alternatives
Sugar-free gelatin desserts made with sucralose, saccharine or stevia may be an option instead of Jell-O on the Atkins Diet. Instead of gelatin desserts, people on the Atkins Diet may also choose homemade desserts that fit the requirements of their particular phase. Recipes on the official Atkins site that are acceptable as desserts on any phase of the diet include chocolate hazelnut smoothie, mascarpone parfait and panna cotta.
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