{"id":4934,"date":"2021-06-22T01:00:49","date_gmt":"2021-06-22T01:00:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.fitmotherproject.com\/?p=4934"},"modified":"2021-06-22T18:15:16","modified_gmt":"2021-06-22T18:15:16","slug":"zero-calorie-drinks","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.fitmotherproject.com\/zero-calorie-drinks\/","title":{"rendered":"Zero Calorie Drinks: Are They Really Healthy?"},"content":{"rendered":"
You might be wondering if zero-calorie drinks are the best choice, as they appear to be a good option for healthy weight management.<\/p>\n
However, many of these drinks aren't as beneficial as you might think, as artificial ingredients in calorie-free drinks may cause more harm than good.<\/p>\n
Knowing which zero-calorie drinks to choose and which to avoid is the key to staying healthy, maintaining an ideal weight, and keeping your chronic disease risks low.<\/p>\n
Keep reading to learn which zero-calorie drinks you should choose … and which ones to avoid!<\/p>\n
\t\t In just 6-weeks on our FOUNDATIONS<\/u> Program, you'll transform your health and body, for the rest of your life!<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t The problem with many zero-calorie drinks is the additives they contain.<\/p>\n Some additives are worse than others, which is why knowing the facts about calorie-free drinks is a must.<\/p>\n The ingredients below may lurk in many of your favorite zero-calorie drinks.<\/p>\n Artificial sweeteners taste sweet like sugar, but they are calorie-free.<\/p>\n Examples of common artificial sweeteners include:<\/p>\n Many diet drinks contain artificial sweeteners as ingredients, as a way to make drinks taste sweet without the extra calories.<\/p>\n In theory, this reduces your risk of unplanned weight gain or even helps you lose weight.<\/p>\n However, many studies<\/a> show that artificial sweeteners are actually linked with decreased satiety (fullness), higher food intakes, and weight gain.<\/p>\n One reason is that artificial sweeteners affect your body's insulin levels and the good vs. bad bacteria in your gut.<\/p>\n Having the right balance of good gut bacteria offers numerous health benefits, including:<\/p>\n Another reason that artificial sweeteners promote obesity has to do with the way your body reacts to tasting something sweet.<\/p>\n It associates sweet tastes with energy, and artificial sweeteners trick the body into getting ready for digestion.<\/p>\n Sweet tastes stimulate the release of insulin and cravings for real sugar, junk foods, and other high-calorie foods.<\/p>\n Therefore, it's best to skip artificial sweeteners altogether.<\/p>\n That means nixing zero-calorie drinks that contain them when possible.<\/p>\n Don't worry if you splurge on artificially sweetened drinks every now and then, but avoid consuming them on a regular basis if possible.<\/p>\n \t\t Fit Mother Project is the first sustainable health & weight loss program designed exclusively for busy mothers just like you...<\/p>\r\rLEARN MORE ABOUT FM30X \u00bb <\/a>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t FM30X is the first sustainable weight loss program designed exclusively for *busy* mothers like you... <\/p>\n Learn More ><\/span><\/a>\n <\/div>\n Artificial colors are additives present in many types of flavored drinks, including diet colas and many low-calorie sports drinks, but these ingredients aren't great for you either.<\/p>\n Studies<\/a> show that artificial food dyes have been linked with attention-deficit\/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), hives, asthma, depression, irritability, and tumor growth in children.<\/p>\n Examples of artificial colors to look for on ingredient labels include:<\/p>\n While these additives are approved by the food and drug administration (FDA<\/a>), less is better when it comes to artificial colors and other artificial ingredients.<\/p>\n Artificial flavors are man-made, so as you can imagine they aren't necessarily something you want to put (in large amounts) in your body.<\/p>\n In fact, studies<\/a> show that consuming artificial flavorings in excess may cause harm in lab animals.<\/p>\n Natural flavors are the better option, generally speaking.<\/p>\n However, some natural flavors are similar in composition<\/a> to artificial flavorings and can cause allergic reactions in some people.<\/p>\n The fewer additives the better when choosing zero-calorie drinks and diet foods.<\/p>\n Chances are if you've never heard of an ingredient listed on the food label of your favorite zero-calorie drink, it's likely an additive that isn't so great for your body (especially in large amounts).<\/p>\n In addition to artificial sweeteners and colors, preservatives and other additives sometimes present in zero-calorie drinks include:<\/p>\n Studies<\/a> show that some acids added to diet drinks are linked with tooth enamel erosion, which can cause problems for your teeth and oral health.<\/p>\n Acidic drinks may also contribute to heartburn and acid reflux, and allergic reactions are a concern for some people who consume additives.<\/p>\n Potassium sorbate and other additives can sometimes get contaminated<\/a> with mercury, arsenic, lead, or other contaminants so it's best to limit your intake as much as possible.<\/p>\n \t\t In just 6-weeks on our FOUNDATIONS<\/u> Program, you'll transform your health and body, for the rest of your life!<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t Because they contain artificial sweeteners, artificial colors, artificial flavors, or other additives, limit the following types of zero-calorie drinks when possible:<\/p>\n Zero calorie diet sodas, such as diet colas, are often loaded with artificial sweeteners, artificial colors, or other additives.<\/p>\n Studies<\/a> show that an increased intake of diet soda is linked with abdominal obesity and a higher risk of heart disease.<\/p>\n So, while calorie-free sodas might seem like a convenient way to cut calories, they aren't beneficial for your health or managing your ideal body weight.<\/p>\n Nix both diet and regular sodas when possible, as regular sodas are loaded with added sugar and empty calories.<\/p>\n However, don't be hard on yourself if you have a soda every now and then.<\/p>\n If you drink diet sweet tea, check the nutrition facts label to find out if the brand you choose contains artificial sweeteners, artificial colors, artificial flavors, or other additives because many of them do.<\/p>\n Look for calorie-free or low-calorie teas that aren't sweetened, or choose those that contain a small amount of Stevia or monk fruit in place of artificial sweeteners.<\/p>\n Also, beware of preservatives found in some diet sweet teas.<\/p>\n Always check the ingredient list on your favorite tea label to ensure you're making the best choice for your body.<\/p>\n In addition to diet sodas, many other flavored carbonated drinks contain artificial sweeteners, preservatives, or other additives.<\/p>\n Carbonated drinks can also cause bloating and gas and are sometimes associated with increased food intake.<\/p>\n If you find carbonated drinks that are flavored with a small amount of fruit juice, fruit extract, Stevia, monk fruit, herbs, or aren't flavored at all, they may be an OK zero-calorie drink option.<\/p>\n However, regular water is usually the better choice. <\/strong><\/p>\n Some studies<\/a> show that both regular and diet carbonated drinks alter hunger hormones and cause rats to eat more and gain weight faster than rats who drink non-carbonated drinks.<\/p>\n Studies<\/a> in humans found similar results, showing that carbonation in drinks can induce weight gain because of hormone fluctuations and increases in hunger.<\/p>\n If you do choose zero-calorie carbonated drinks, pick those without sweeteners, artificial sweeteners, or other artificial ingredients.<\/p>\n Choose bubbly waters flavored with natural ingredients derived from fruits, fruit juices, or herbs.<\/p>\n While zero-calorie sports drinks (Gatorade Zero, Propel, etc.), are free from calories and added sugar, they often contain artificial sweeteners, artificial colors, preservatives, artificial flavors, or other additives.<\/p>\n If you consume sports drinks for energy during prolonged or intense sports training, zero-calorie drinks might replace lost electrolytes (potassium, magnesium, sodium, etc.), but they don't provide the carbohydrates and energy needed to maximize athletic performance.<\/p>\n If you drink sports or juice drinks for energy before, during, or after intense exercise, choose those containing calories and carbs in addition to electrolytes.<\/p>\n \t\t
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What Are the Drawbacks of Zero Calorie Drinks?<\/h2>\n
Artificial Sweeteners<\/h3>\n
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Artificial Flavors<\/h3>\n
Other Additives<\/h3>\n
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Examples of Zero Calorie Drinks to Avoid<\/h2>\n
Diet Sodas<\/h3>\n
Diet Sweet Teas<\/h3>\n
Artificially Flavored Carbonated Drinks<\/h3>\n
Zero Calorie Sports Drinks<\/h3>\n
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