The startling truth about artificial sweeteners

This week I wanted to share news of a recent study carried out on the affects of artificial sweeteners and my thoughts around foods containing these products.

Many women I work with have switched to artificial sweeteners in the pursuit of managing their weight before coming for help. Diet Coke and many supposed ‘health’ products are often on the menu. Unbeknownst to them, these very foods and drinks are likely to have been contributing to their challenges.

It’s a common misconception that swapping to artificial sweeteners is the answer to removing sugar from your diet and though too much sugar is unhelpful, the likes of sucralose (in products such as Splenda and Canderel) and aspartame (a key ingredient found in Diet Coke) have been found to have an impact on blood glucose levels and the balance of bacteria in our gut.

Sucralose - impact on food cravings and appetite 

A recently published study - one of the largest to date, has examined how the brain responds to sucralose, and has come to some startling conclusions. Sucralose was found to increase activity in regions of the brain responsible for food cravings and appetite in both women and those who were considered clinically overweight. They also discovered an overall decrease in the body’s satiety hormones that help us to feel full.   – Not quite so helpful for those wanting to take control of bingeing, emotional eating and snacking, after all!

So, what’s the answer when it comes to sugar?

I help my clients to have a more balanced approach to sugar rather than trying to eliminate it completely from the diet. Outright restriction is likely to lead to cravings and a compulsion to eat sugary foods in larger quantities. Similarly, I support them with moving away from products such as Diet Coke (which are often used in an attempt to suppress appetite or cravings) and help them to bring in a rich diversity of foods that will support their physiology instead.

If this is something you struggle with, then my Un-diet your Mind  21 day course will help you to transition from  food anxiety, restriction and endless dieting to a more a balanced approach to food. I will be with you every step of the way, so you feel supported and motivated to begin the process of long-lasting change. The course is starting on Monday 1st November

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