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7 Reasons To Kick Your Diet Soda Habit

Are you still drinking diet soda to lose weight?
 
If so, please be sure to read this entire email because I think you’ll be shocked by what I’m about to share.
 
Many people got hooked on diet soda (like I did!) because they think zero calorie = weight loss. Recent research has shown that it’s just not that simple. In fact, a study conducted over 9 years found diet soda drinkers actually gained weight and had bigger waistlines.
 
The more soda participants consumed, the more weight they put on.
 
A University of Texas Health Science study also revealed that those who drank one diet soda each day had a 41% increased risk of becoming obese (2 a day = 500% greater chance). Other studies have revealed that diet sodas cause sugar and carbohydrate cravings which lead to greater food intake.
 
Experts claim that JUST ditching diet soda can result in a weight loss of 16 pounds a year!
 
So if you're tossing back the diet soda hoping to drop those stubborn pounds, just STOP.
 
If anything, it's making weight loss more difficult.
 
But that’s just the tip of the iceberg because research has also shown diet sodas and aspartame may have some other seriously scary side effects.
 
Here are 7 evidenced-based reasons to ditch the diet soda yesterday and how to do it gracefully...
 
1. They Promote Fat Storage.

One of the reasons artificial sweeteners cause weight gain is that they trigger an elevated blood sugar and insulin response. When insulin is elevated, FAT burning cannot occur. Over time, it also increases your risk of metabolic diseases like insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, heart disease and possibly Alzheimer’s.
 
2. They Increase Heart Disease and Stroke Risk.
 
A study by the University of Columbia and University of Miami that followed 2500 participants for 10 years found that even just one measly diet soda each day could increase your risk of heart disease and stroke by a whopping 43%. Those who drank diet soda were also more likely to have high blood sugar, high blood pressure and larger waistlines.
 
3. They Negatively Impact Mental Health.
 
A NIH and AARRP study revealed that diet soda drinkers are 30% more likely to be depressed. Those with a history of depression are the most vulnerable.
 
4. It May Be Harming Your BRAIN.
 
Aspartame has been linked to brain lesions, poor memory, insomnia, seizures and migraines. It also contains an amino acid called phenylalanine, which can interfere with brain function in large amounts and methanol, which doubles as fuel and an antifreeze solvent. Ewwwww.
 
5. They Alter the MICROBIOME and Increase Diabetes Risk.
 
A study in the journal Nature showed that aspartame can negatively impact gut bacteria which increases the risk of diabetes.
 
6. They May Harm the Unborn.
 
Research has linked diet soda consumption to an increased risk of mental retardation and birth defects in animal models and pre-term delivery in humans.
 
7. When aspartame applied for FDA approval, it was denied 8 times!
 
So for all the reasons mentioned above and the fact that every bite truly matters, I highly recommend you drop out of the “diet soda experiment.” But let's be honest, even armed with all of this information, kicking the diet soda habit can be tricky. Believe me, I know.

The struggle is real.

Even though science has yet to document it, many diet soda drinkers report actual withdrawal symptoms like headaches.
 
So here are 5 little tips that should help ease your transition to a diet-soda free and VIBRANT life.
 
Drink more water.

Soda water with a splash of lemon or lime is my go-to soda replacement. You might also try a daily green shake (celery, cucumber, ginger, spinach, and romaine) that’ll give you all the energy of your diet soda, but none of the damaging health consequences or regret.
 
Upgrade the Ritual.
 
If you're used to a 2 pm diet soda, it is imperative that you replace the ritual. If there's a certain time you always look forward to your diet soda, have an alternative, healthier beverage ready. I used to recommend kombucha but have found that the caffeine can still cause issues. Now I recommend soda water with a splash of lemon, lime, mint or cucumber or try our Organic Supergreens Powder.
 
It's minty, refreshing and packed with 19 organic superfoods (spirulina, turmeric, acerola cherry, ginger, and more) that will make you feel so good you won't even miss it!
 
Ease your withdrawals with Vitamin C.

As I mentioned above, due to the caffeine and aspartame, some people will experience withdrawals when they try to eliminate it. Taking 1000 mg of organic vitamin C 3 times a day, or 250 mg of organic food-based vitamin C can reduce their severity!
 
Here’s hoping these tips help you kick the habit in a snap! And if they don't and you're still struggling big time, try Zevia. It's a soda sweetened with stevia. It's not my ideal scenario because it's not organic, but it is wayyy better than regular diet soda.