3. Diet soda
Some of us think that diet soda is harmless, because it actually contains zero calories. However, if you rely on it to perk you up from a midday slump, this strategy may backfire. “The research on artificial sweeteners and hunger isn’t straightforward,” says registered dietitian nutritionist Marisa Moore.
Still, “it does appear that getting artificial sweeteners from food and drinks, like chewing gum and zero calorie beverages, may impact appetite,” she says. So, if you’re going to have that can of diet drink, at least pair it with a real snack, such as nuts, or dried fruit in order to help keep hunger at bay.
