Diet Soda for Weight Loss. Diet soda for weight loss is a good idea ... right? Wrong!!! While I was once a big fan of "Diet Coke," I know so much more now that I can't even remember what I liked about it. Maybe it was the vodka....I was 24 : )))

Diet soda is loaded with artificial sweeteners and chemicals that can be harmful to your body. Most are sweetened with sugar substitutes: acesulfame potassium, aspartame (Equal®, NutraSweet®), or sucralose (Splenda®).  Research suggests that there are negative effects of artificial sweeteners on both animals and humans. Some studies claim that there is a link between these sugar substitutes and cancers, tumors, thyroid issues, and — ironically — even weight gain. Aspartame has been linked to lymphoma and leukemia in rats. Although aspartame and other sweeteners including acesulfame potassium, sucralose, and neotame, are still considered safe for humans to consume, is it really worth the risk to your health?

Research has shown that artificial sweeteners may cause you to eat more.

When we eat regular sugar, our bodies register the sweetness and come to understand that very sweet things contain a lot of calories. Studies suggest that using artificial sweeteners actually tricks our bodies so that our internal ability to count calories is thrown way off. A study from Purdue University showed that rats given a “no calorie” sweetener ate more, and in just two weeks they put on 14 percent more body fat than rats who ate regular sugar.

“Diet” doesn’t mean calorie-free

You need to know that food and beverage companies need only display the calories if it is more than five/ label serving. Drinking soda regularly will add to your calorie intake. One of my clients frequently repeated this great saying, " Don't drink your calories" : )

Diet soda is addictive

 wrote an article about a study that claimed that rats who were offered the choice between cocaine & artificial sweeteners always picked the artificial sweetener, even if the rats were previously programmed to be cocaine addicts... say WHAT???

Diet soda could lead to serious health issues

In addition, artificial sweeteners are linked to diabetes, messing up our brain chemisty and our metabolism. My suggestion is, if you need something sweet, have it. Start with sweet fruits, try something with a little honey or maple syrup or even stevia. Stevia is a natural sweetener from a plant. I have not read anything to suggest any negative effects. Although not everyone loves the flavour, it is very similar to the taste of aspartame. Stevia is 600-700 times sweeter than sugar so you only need a very small amount. There is also a soda that is sweetened with stevia. You can find it at our local Community Farm Store. On the other hand, reach for drinks that have no sugar. There are flavoured club sodas that have a light taste of lime, orange or lemon, very refreshing 🙂

So kick the habit and kick the can right down the road to a healthier you!