Is Diet Soda Bad For You?

A new study may have uncovered a link between diet soda consumption and obesity. Using eight years of data on 1,550 Mexican-American and non-Hispanic white Americans aged 25 to 64, researchers concluded that there is a 41 percent increase in the risk of being overweight for every can or bottle of diet soda a person consumes each day. Those who drank regular soft drinks were also at risk of becoming overweight or obese, but the risk was smaller. Although researchers are quick to point out that diet soda doesn’t cause obesity, they suggest that diet drinks may stimulate appetite rather than aid in weight loss. As evidence, lead researcher Sharon P. Fowler, M.P.H., points to a recent study in which baby rats that were fed artificial sweeteners craved more calories than those that were fed real sugar.

Article From: Ace Fitness Matters, July/August 2005,
source: 65th Annual Scientific Sessions, American Diabetes Association, San Diego,
California, Jun 10-14, 2005.

Here are some other suggestions to try:
Instead of drinking so much soda try cutting back by drinking green tea or try this delicious strawberry smoothie that only takes 5 minutes to prepare. It is a reminiscent of an old-fashioned strawberry milkshake; this smoothie blends that cold, creamy luxury with the healthful benefits of fresh fruit. Give it a try!

1 cup fresh strawberries or frozen strawberries partially thawed
3 cup buttermilk
1 cup frozen cranberry juice concentrate
2 ice cubes, crushed
1 teaspoon sugar (optional)

Combine strawberries, buttermilk, cranberry juice concentrate and crushed ice in a blender; cover and blend until smooth and frothy. Sweeten with sugar, if desired. Serve immediately. Enjoy!

Makes 2 servings, about 1 cup each.