CAN’T LOSE WEIGHT DESPITE DRINKING DIET DRINKS AND CARBONATED WATER? HERE'S THE SKINNY!!!

Let’s start off by saying that it’s not about being skinny! It is about being healthy! And, if getting leaner is one of your goals, be sure to focus on your health as well! It’s not about that magic number on the scale you are searching for that brings a smile to your face! Skinny was just a catchy term that hopefully peak your interest! Skinny is not synonymous with being healthy! I know there is so much information out there- some true and some garbage. What is important to know is to understand the science behind health issues.

One misconception out there is that if you want to lose weight, you can replace your regular sodas or soft drinks with zero calorie options, switch to a carbonated water option with a little flavoring or use a carbonated water machine. Perfect options! No calories in the soda and no calories in carbonated water or bottled water. While the idea of cutting calories is great, science tells us there is a catch to that! Yes, you need to set up a calorie deficit, to a point, to lose weight. You need calories to survive, and you should never omit food groups. Yes, it is great to give up sugary and artificially sweetened, chemical-laden drinks to be healthier.

Here is the skinny! A recent Harvard study shows these not to be effective options if you are looking to lose weight. In fact, they can contribute to weight gain. Here’s why!

When you look at the whole soft drink picture, regular sugary sodas, diet and zero calorie sodas or even carbonated water, there are many culprits that keep you from losing weight- sugar, artificial sweeteners, and to the scientist's surprise, carbonation!

The sugar speaks for itself. Empty calories we don’t need. There is no nutritional value. And, it’s contribution to inflammation is an entirely different newsletter.

The artificial sweeteners do nothing to help curb your sugar cravings. It does the opposite, and you end up eating other foods high in sugar to satisfy those cravings. You won’t lose weight and you may even gain weight!

So, what is the deal with carbonation? In the Harvard study, scientists found that the hunger hormone, Ghrelin, levels were higher in rat and human study groups that were given regular water, flat carbonated sodas and waters, and diet and regular carbonated beverages. They found that the cells of the stomach are sensitive to the carbonation and released higher levels of Ghrelin. With increased hormone levels comes more hunger, more eating, and gain weight!

What are alternatives?

Try water, unsweet tea, or fruit-infused water. Now, this is not to say?that you can never have a carbonated beverage again in your life.?But, look at the struggling situation you put yourself in if you are trying to lose weight!

If you are drinking regular sodas- If you can’t total ditch regular sodas, switch to diet or zero calorie options for a short time. Then begin to integrate more water into your diet. I see you scratching your heads! ?You are thinking- but you just said regular and diet sodas are bad! They aren’t the best option. Cutting out empty calories is important, especially in items that have no nutritional value. Cut the sugar and then cut the carbonation.?If you are a heavy carbonated water drinker, let the carbonated water go flat and gradually switch to plain water.?The ultimate goal is to consume plenty of water, not sodas and other carbonated drinks.

Creating a healthy lifestyle is about making healthy choices in life and implementing them over time to create a healthier version of you! Healthy lifestyles lead to more enjoyment in life and longevity!

I thank you for reading and I hope this has brought value to your week! Please, share this with family and friends. If you’d like to work on a success plan for yourself so that you never have to DIET again (a dirty four-letter word for me), please reach out. We have helped thousands of people live the life they love with the health they have always wanted! It is never too late to take control! A healthy lifestyle is awaiting you!

Until next time, be well!