Diet soda and zero-calorie foods? Not so sweet for weight loss.
Zero-calorie food and drink can have a major NEGATIVE IMPACT when it comes to weight gain. A new 30-year study says that over-consumption of diet or zero-sugar drinks can double your risk of developing diabetes. Yikes!
A 70% Increase in Waist Circumference? Previous studies show that people who regularly drank diet soda over a number of years had a 70% increase in waist circumference compared to those who didn't consume sugar-free “diet” beverages.
Diet Soda Affects Weight on Both a Physical and Psychological Level. Artificial flavors and sweeteners trigger the digestive process via your taste buds. Your intestine starts to secrete digestive juices, anticipating the sweetness. That’s a problem because there is nothing to digest. This, in turn, leaves your cells hungry for the sugars they thought were coming, and cravings ensue. Many people ultimately eat more later in the day.
On a psychological level, when we drink diet soda, knowing it has fewer calories, we feel we have an “extra” calorie allowance and can eat more quantity. Often, this leads to over-eating of fatty or sweet foods.
Takeaway? Keep It Natural. Reach for sparkling or flat water, flavored with citrus, cucumber, or mint for some healthy summer refreshment vibes. Or, opt for unsweetened iced tea.
