Many of us are concerned about our weight and our health. We know that exercise can help us lose weight and get stronger. We know to watch our diets and eat only what we need to stay healthy. We know that we should never give up our favorite foods. And yet… something is just off.
When you are in a great mood and you just feel great, you may feel like having another glass of your favorite beverage. And if you are in a bad mood and you cannot feel your best, you find yourself reaching for the sugar free candy bar at the store aisle. However, did you know that most zero-calorie beverages are not as good for you as they might seem? Some zero-calorie beverages are actually quite healthy.
Lemonade is a perfect example. Some people claim that it tastes great, but it is filled with sugar and even has a questionable number of calories. The makers of the lemonade diet drink label it as an “energy drink”. But what they don’t tell you is that it can lead to weight gain, dehydration, bloating, and even liver damage!
Sugar Free Water is a similar situation. Many people believe that they are getting a healthier choice when they pop a sugar-free soft drink. However, studies have shown that they are not any healthier over the long term. And diet sodas are loaded with sodium, which can cause high blood pressure and contribute to diabetes. So it’s best to avoid diet sodas altogether and replace them with regular water.
The phosphoric acid found in some diet coke can also negatively affect your health. Phosphoric acid is found in many popular energy drinks. Unfortunately, it also has the same effects on your body as it does in high levels of carbonated beverages. The absorption of phosphoric acid during your workout may affect your ability to focus or lower your heart rate. High levels of phosphoric acid have been linked to an increased risk of stroke and heart disease.
So as you can see, it’s important to balance the amount of things you put into your body with better nutrition and exercise. You will find that drinking more water, especially from a source that is not sweetened, such as a filtered water bottle, may help you lose weight and feel better. And cutting out certain beverages such as diet colas and sugary energy drinks may affect your long-term health.