2 Hidden Dangers of Artificial Sweeteners
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Do Artificial Sweeteners Cause Weight Gain?
On today’s episode I’m talking about 2 hidden dangers associated with artificial sweeteners.
To consume zero calorie sweeteners alternatives or to just consume the regular sugar filled option…that is the question.
Before we move on, in the comment section below, tell me if you choose artificially sweetened products over the regular sugar filled product? Do it now.
As a Live Leaner, we strive to limit the consumption of sugar so that we can reduce cravings, decrease risk of numerous health problems, and create a lean body that burns stored fat for energy, not sugar.
This combo creates the building blocks for losing fat and building lean muscle.
With this goal in mind, many of us, myself included, at times choose low sugar foods and drinks, that may be sweetened with zero calorie, natural or in some cases artificial sweeteners. These artificial sweeteners typically include: aspartame, sucralose, etc.
I’m referring to foods like protein bars, yogurts, syrups, drinks diet sodas, energy drinks, teas, and coffees.
Just because these artificially sweetened products are sugar free, it doesn’t mean they’re healthy.
Here are 2 Hidden Dangers of Artificial Sweeteners
#1. Artificial Sweeteners May Trick Your Brain and Increase Sugar Cravings:
If you have a big sweet tooth, the sweetness from over consuming artificial sweeteners may actually trick your brain into craving more sugary carbohydrates like cookies, crackers, potato chips, etc. The sweetness from these sweeteners is often a thousand times sweeter than natural sugar.
Think about it, when the artificial sweetness from splenda, aspartame, or whatever the artificial sweetener is, hits your tongue, your brain and gut thinks sugar is on the way. This may lead to an increase in production of insulin, which then turns your body into fat storing mode, and can also interfere with your body’s natural hunger signals.
These increased cravings often cause you to give in by eating more sugar, and potentially gaining more fat from the increased calorie consumption.
Not only that, but this overload of sweetness can affect your tastebuds to be less sensitive to the natural flavors of food.
#2. Artificial Sweeteners May Be Linked to Serious Health Problems:
Most artificial sweeteners are derived from chemicals and made in a lab. These chemicals can increase your toxic load and the overconsumption of them may be linked to increasing the risk of health problems such as cancer and diabetes.
I Recommend You Use Stevia:
Whenever possible, strive to purchase products naturally sweetened with stevia, a zero calorie natural plant from South America. It has been shown that Stevia does not induce an insulin release so it’s won’t be stored as fat or burned as energy. And in moderation, it may even have additional health benefits, such as helping to improve insulin sensitivity, in other words reducing your body’s risk of storing sugar as fat.
So with all this said, it’s your choice. I’m just giving you the information.
I’m guilty at times of drinking an artificially sweetened pre-workout energy drinks. I choose the zero calorie option because I actually like the taste better.
In a perfect world, we wouldn’t drink it, but as a Live Leaner, we’re not striving for perfection, we’re working towards consistent progress.
What you do the majority of the time will have the biggest impact on your journey to Live Lean.
Bottom line.
Limit consumption of artificial sweeteners when possible, and choose stevia sweetened products when available.
By the way, if you haven’t yet downloaded my new FREE Ultimate Live Lean Starter Guide yet, go download it now at LiveLeanTV.com/youtube. This guide takes away all the confusion with your diet and workouts as it gives you the exact plan you need to Live Lean without being a slave in the kitchen or at the gym. It includes a FREE 4-week Hot Body Workout program, a weekly meal plan including cooking lesson recipe videos for every meal and a grocery list containing all the foods you’ll need.
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Brad Gouthro is the founder of Live Lean TV, a media company focused on helping men and women “Live Lean” 365 days a year. Brad’s programs and content have helped millions of people all over the world learn how to get in shape, and more importantly, sustain it for life.
great episode Brad
only time I use art.sweetners is in my tea
I drink black mango tea unsweet using Equal
because I heard its better to use equal than using sweetnlow or splenda
Hey Michael, have you tried stevia? As mentioned, it’s a natural plant based sweetener. Check it out (I provided a link in the blog post).