Diet Soda and Weight Gain

ABC News reported yesterday that diet soda sales have dropped seven percent in the last year, according to new Wells Fargo research.  That's a very good thing, says Elizabeth Somer, R.D., author of Eat Your Way to Sexy.

"The problem with diet sodas is that they have a 'health halo,'" she says. "What often happens is that people drink them and then think, 'Well, since I was healthy with my diet soda, I can have extra fries.' But drinking diet soda doesn't justify having more fries. Fact is, you still end up taking in more calories."

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Now, you may be reading this and thinking, "Wait a minute...I thought I read somewhere that the artificial sweeteners in diet soda can make you hungrier." Well, there have been studies on that—but not enough to prove the theory. "Those studies have been small and there haven't been that many of them, so at this point, it's best to stick with the psychological reasoning," says Somer. Still, it is true that we don't know what effect artificial sweeteners have exactly. So if you're worried that they might negatively impact your body (or your weight-loss efforts), it's smart to cut back on them.

In other words, it's a good idea to hop on the bandwagon and curb your soda intake—both with diet and regular sodas. Stick with water or seltzer water, and add some lemon or lime if you're craving more flavor.

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