Definitive Proof That Sugar-Free And Low-Calorie Drinks Are Ruining Your Diet

Let's face it, the only natural drink with zero calories, fat, and sugar is water. Unless you flavor your drink by adding a squeeze of lemon, lime, or other fresh fruit, most likely your sugar-free, low-calorie drink is sweetened with a plethora of chemicals and artificial ingredients.

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The worst part about these artificial ingredients is they are hidden and in drinks that are labeled "sugar-free" or "diet," deceiving you that they are actually healthy and better for you.  For example, diet soda uses artificial sweeteners instead of sugar to sweeten the beverage. Calorie-free sodas are intended to help people lose weight but there is no evidence to support that claim.

However, there is evidence to support that diet soda and other artificially sweetened beverages are associated with metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, obesity, and weight gain. Studies show that there is a correlation between diet soda and metabolic syndrome. One study even showed that the risk of diabetes doubled for women who drank more diet soda, than those women who drank less diet soda.

All sweeteners are not created equal and it's important not to mislead your mind into thinking you can have the entire pizza because you are drinking a zero calorie drink. An article published on the Harvard Health Blog said that although artificial sweeteners may reduce your caloric intake, they could reverse the effects that losing weight could have on your body. 

The accompanying slideshow is provided by special contributor Kim Cooper.