Do Diet Drinks Help the Diet?

Some surprising studies show that people who drink diet sodas don’t lose weight. They actually gain weight. There is a higher risk of being overweight with every diet soda a person drinks than with regular soda.

Is it an ingredient in the soda? Or is it psychological?

We’ve all heard people order a super-sized fast food meal with a diet drink. They could be reasoning that the calories “saved” by drinking a diet soda affords them extra calories to consume elsewhere. Gee, makes a lot of sense considering a 12-ounce diet soda saves 150 calories, but a fast food meal is over 1000 calories.

Other studies suggest that diet drinks stimulate appetite. The body ends up craving more food and more calories, instead of feeling satisfied. This could lead to overeating, especially of high-calorie foods.

When it comes to diet drinks, limit how many you drink. Try to stay with two servings a day. If for no other reason than good health, make water your main staple. (Did you ever read the ingredient list on those diet drinks?)

Pure water should make up most of your fluid intake. You can add some fresh lemon juice or peppermint oil for flavor. Herbal teas and decaf coffee can also be enjoyed throughout the day in addition to the water.

Don’t be fooled by diet drinks. They may not be as helpful to your diet as what you’ve believed.