Are you using artificial sweeteners and opting for low-calorie “diet” foods in an effort to control your weight?
If so, you may be surprised to learn that research has repeatedly shown that artificial no- or low-calorie sweeteners are anything but good news for weight loss… Contrary to popular belief, studies have found that artificial sweeteners such as aspartame can::
- Stimulate your appetite
- Increase carbohydrate cravings
- Stimulate fat storage and weight gain
The artificial sweetener revolution has ended up doing the exact opposite of what they were trying to achieve when the low fat craze hit in the mid to late ‘80’s.
Dr. Mercola shares insight on why artificial sweeteners disrupt our body’s normal reaction to sweet tastes.
“Another reason for aspartame’s potential to cause weight gain is because phenylalanine and aspartic acid – the two amino acids that make up 90 percent of aspartame — are known to rapidly stimulate the release of insulin and leptin; two hormones that are intricately involved with satiety and fat storage. Insulin and leptin are also the primary hormones that regulate your metabolism.
So although you’re not consuming calories in the form of sugar, aspartame can still raise your insulin and leptin levels. Elevated insulin and leptin levels, in turn, are two of the driving forces behind obesity, diabetes, and a number of our current chronic disease epidemics. Over time, if your body is exposed to too much leptin, it will become resistant to it, just as your body can become resistant to insulin, and once that happens, your body can no longer “hear” the hormonal messages instructing your body to stop eating, burn fat, and maintain good sensitivity to sweet tastes in your taste buds.
What happens then?
You remain hungry; you crave sweets, and your body stores more fat. Leptin-resistance also causes an increase in visceral fat, sending you on a vicious cycle of hunger, fat storage and an increased risk of heart disease, diabetes, metabolic syndrome and more.”
In conclusion, start swapping those unhealthy, low-calorie snacks for healthy fats. Some examples of healthy fats are almonds, avocados, olive oil, coconut oil and of course raw fruits. Everything in moderation, it didn’t take you a week to gain weight so take it slow, change your habits and the weight will begin to come off. A healthy diet and regular exercise is the key! If you have questions let me know, I’d love to chat with you!
