How Sugar Free Syrups May Change your Life

Shakes. Shakes. Shakes. Bleh. If you are new to the pre or post WLS community, you may be overwhelmed with the non-stop discussion of shakes, i.e. the infamous protein shakes. I have a love/hate relationship with them, meaning I will go a few months with a salacious fervor for shakes, then - I will literally start gagging at the thought of them. The cycle continues. Much of it is trial and error regarding what type of shakes you can handle. Prior to surgery, I was able to drink regular milk without issue. Post surgery, two sips and I was ready to be sick. 

With my pregnancy, I have wanting nothing to do with shakes until about two weeks ago. Hence, I am back on the shake-wagon. Something that has helped me develop my own collection of favorite and go-to shakes has been the experimentation with different flavored sugar-free syrups. At first, I was a complete naysayer, but after finding a few flavors that agreed with me, I am quite a believer. Although, a quick warning, be caution about how your body reacts to the sugar-free syrups. Some people will tell you that no-sugar free syrup will cause you to dump. But, I will say, dumping or not, some syrups have not agreed with me. This can also be true with different types of syrups coffee shops use - be sure to figure out what works best for you. For example, I cannot get the Sugar Free Vanilla Lattes at McDonalds, because whatever type of SF syrup they use, makes me dump - and I had a sleeve!!! Personally, I have found that Torani and DaVinci syrups agree with me - and most importantly, they are delicious. 

Buying Tips:

1. World Market - They stock an incredible series of Torani flavors that you seemingly cannot find anywhere else. Also, you can become a World Market member for free, giving you further discounts. 

2. HomeGoods - ONE OF MY FAVORITE places to buy. Owned by TJ Maxx, they stock a large variety of Sugar Free Syrups. I have found brands like Torani and DaVinci at one of my local (Minneapolis suburbs). They are great, because given their inconsistent inventory, you can always find a fun flavor. The other night I purchased SF Chocolate Macadamia Nut Syrup. They also had Watermelon. Typically, the cost varies between $5.00 - $8.00 for a LARGE bottle. 

3. Your local grocery store - check the coffee aisle, you will often find a small assortment of syrups. But proceed with caution, sometimes they are small bottles with a very steep price. In addition, I prefer to purchase the syrups in glass bottles. The ones I have found at the grocery store are often in plastic, and personally, I think the flavor is slightly different. 

4. The Web - Amazon, Torani, DaVinci - check them out!

How to use them: 

1. The sky is the limit! I like to look at different shake recipes from other bariatric patients and develop my own based on those recipes. Sometimes they can be a lifesaver when you are craving something like a peanut butter cup - solution: SF Chocolate Syrup, 1 tablespoon of Peanut Butter, your favorite protein powder, milk/water, ice and blend. Your delicious, protein packed peanut butter cup shake. 

2. Be creative, but understand there also may be some epic failures. For example, ended up tossing out a nearly full bottle of SF Amaretto syrup - after one to many attempts to make it agree with my taste buds.  

3. SF Syrups - they are not only for shakes. Try mixing it up with cheesecake recipes, Greek yogurt, baking, and coffee. 

Cheers!