Are “Diet” Foods Really a Healthy Option?

When you’re on a diet, it can seem like temptations are hiding around every corner. Staying strong and sticking to a plan is hard when faced with cravings for the foods you love—especially if you have a sweet tooth. For many people, artificial sweeteners seem like a lifesaver in terms of satisfying cravings while sticking to a set number of calories per day. However, while these “diet” substitutes may seem to be great on the surface, they’re probably not doing your health—or your weight—any favors, especially if they’ve become a regular habit. In fact, a recent study has shown that over time, people who regularly consume artificial sweeteners may actually gain more weight—and may even have an increased risk of type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and stroke. While artificially sweetened foods and beverages may satisfy sugar cravings in the short term, ultimately, since they are often much sweeter than actual sugar, they can make sugar cravings worse and should be seen as the same kind of indulgent food or drink that should only be consumed once in awhile, and always with a cutoff point. Read more…