The United States addiction to soda is alarming. Did you know that Americans are estimated to consume more than 13.5 billion gallons of soda annually? This statistic becomes more alarming considering that there are approximately nine teaspoons of sugar in every 12-ounce can of soda. Therefore, in order to cut calories, many individuals have decided to switch to diet soda. But, have you ever wondered if switching to diet soda makes you live a healthier lifestyle or if it prevents you from reaching your weight loss and fitness goals?
While diet soda may cut out unwanted calories or sugar, it contains tons of chemicals hazardous to your health, including but not limited to artificial sweeteners, sodium, caffeine and phosphoric acid. Artificial sweeteners, in particular, may interact with the way your body interprets sugar cravings and satisfaction. In fact, those drinking diet soda are even more at risk of obesity. So, its not necessary that diet sodas themselves are causing you to gain weight.
These artificial sweeteners send sugar signals to your brain but this sugar never actually arrives. Therefore, your body starts to crave other sweet items. This is why diet sodas actually cause individuals to overeat, take in too many calories and make them unable to reach their weight loss goals.
However, the largest barrier to reaching your fitness goals is actually caffeine. Caffeine is extremely addictive and can come along with insomnia, fatigue and chronic anxiety. Caffeine can cause you to be unmotivated and make it difficult to work out and stick to a diet.
Diet soda is not the only good option if you are trying to stop drinking regular soda. Natural juices, water and teas are great for those wishing to maintain a healthy eating lifestyle. Tea is perhaps the best option for those who still crave caffeine because it delivers a small amount but not nearly as much as diet soda. Try eating other healthy foods in addition. Eliminating sodas from your diet will not be enough to be healthy.
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