Step away from that diet soda…yes, you can do it! I know, because I can speak from experience. I used to be a diet soda/sugar-free gum/low-calorie energy bar addict consuming copious amounts on a daily basis. Then, I got smart. I started reading about how these fake sugars affect our bodies. I always knew artificial sweeteners were linked with a variety of ailments but once I learned that these products actually make us fat, I got scared and quit cold turkey. Since that time I have lost 10lbs, doubled my energy and my mood swings are a thing of the past. But, you don’t have to go my route; you can ease out of the artificial sweetener addition making changes that will slowly break the hold artificial sweeteners have on you and your metabolism.[/b]

The beautiful thing about breaking the artificial sweetener addiction is our body’s ability to change and adapt. When you kick the artificial sweeteners habit (and reduce your sugar intake) your taste buds begin to change. Vegetables such as celery, jicama and sweet potatoes taste much better and more interesting. You’ll find yourself craving not sweets, but foods like tomatoes or peanuts. I know, crazy, but that’s what happened to me (and I was a self-proclaimed chocoholic). And, I’ve talked to a variety of former artificial sweetener addicts and they report the same things. What’s even more (pleasantly) surprising is that when you are presented with sugary sweets such as cookies or brownies you’ll find them repulsive, not tempting.


So now that you know it can be done, let’s get it done! Here are a few ways to get started:

First of all, remove all artificial sweeteners from your home. If it’s not right in front of you, it’ll be a lot easier to ignore and eventually eliminate.

Eat protein at every meal and snack. It’ll fill you up for longer and reduce food cravings.

Substitute sugary snacks with nuts and seeds. This will prevent the normal blood sugar high and subsequent low that comes from eating sweets which ultimately lead to sweet cravings/binges.

Don’t allow yourself to drink any diet beverage between meals, only consuming them with food. This will make you stop using them as “a way to keep going” making diet drinks less integral to your day and therefore easier to remove from your diet all together.

Drink lots and lots and lots of water. When you get bored of plain water (because you will) slice up some lemons and/or limes to “spice” it up. Also, buy yourself a snazzy stainless steel water bottle and carry it with you everywhere.

Delay, distance and decode your craving. If you want diet soda, first get a glass of water. Then distance yourself from the tempting soda machine. If you want something sweet and chewy get some dates or figs and then go for a walk. The craving will pass and you’ll be strong and healthier for fighting it.

You may find this endeavor – breaking the artificial sweetener addiction – easy. You may find this is the hardest thing you’ve ever done (artificial sweeteners are in a lot of food products!). But one thing is sure; this will be the best thing you’ve ever done for yourself. By breaking the artificial sweetener hold you will find you aren’t ruled by cravings, you won’t get that diet food bloat, you’ll lose weight, you’ll feel better and mostly importantly you’ll know you’re doing a good thing for your body. Your confidence will shine through and you’ll look fabulous!

Up next…Yoga moves that will strengthen, stretch and de-stress you.