Or can they lead to weight gain, type II diabetes, and inflammation?

Today I want to share a word of caution for Sugar Substitutes: We are consuming record amounts of sugar substitutes, yet rates of obesity continue to mount. 

There is little to no evidence that sugar substitutes help us with weight control over time. In fact, a growing body of literature points to the contrary! 

A slew of studies have linked regular use of sugar substitutes over the long haul with weight gain, especially in the belly.

Science Say Skip the Sugar Substitutes

In one study there was a 500% increase in belly fat over a decade in those who consumed non-caloric beverages like diet soda that contain them. And as I look around, I am amazed at how often I see people guzzling these beverages. I consider them to be a science experiment in a can! (In fact, I say ditch sugary beverages altogether!)

Scientists have conducted many studies looking to elucidate how these fake, non-caloric sweeteners may lead to weight gain, and they have uncovered as many potential mechanisms, from increasing our desire for sweets to revving up the activity of fat-storage genes.

Point is: DO NOT rely on sugar substitutes to help you with weight control or weight loss.

At a minimum, they exploit your taste buds firmly entrenched love for sweet tastes, setting the bar for what is perceived as sweet way up in the stratosphere!

Even more alarming, there have been several recent studies showing that use of sugar substitutes quickly interferes with a healthy gut microbiome, fostering the growth of bad gut bacteria linked to:

• weight gain
• type 2 diabetes, and
• inflammation

Bottom line: stay away from sugar substitutes!

It’s Here! My Year-Long Program Starts Sept. 27th!

Zoom to Health is a year-long, virtual wellness program that includes regular Zoom sessions, lifetime access to my most foundational e-courses, and so much more!

PRE-ENROLL by Aug 1st TO GET $500 OFF

WHAT YOU GET

• 12 months of live, small group Zoom sessions (22 total)

• Lifetime access to the Zoom to Health curriculum designed to provide comprehensive training and motivation for the 4 pillars of health:
  • healthy eating (to include cooking/meal prep)
  • optimal physical activity
  • optimal breathing, and
  • restful/restorative sleep

• Full access to Dr. Ann’s entire library of e-courses (15 courses with a total value of $1,735). Students will also have free access to any live trainings or new courses Dr. Ann releases over the year-long period.

• Access for your spouse! Spouses have complete access (free of charge) to the e-course library as well as special permission to join you during group Zoom sessions. We highly encourage the proven practice of getting healthy with your loved ones!

• An In-Person Finale At the end of this year long program, all students are invited to join Dr. Ann for a picnic at her family’s farm located in the ecological wonderland of the ACE basin–just south of her hometown of Charleston, South Carolina (where much of the filming of the famed movie Forrest Gump took place!).

Dr. Ann is known for getting deeply personal with her groups and cherishes engaging with her students. During the Zoom sessions, she will answer your questions, inspire you, celebrate your successes, and share her best personal advice. She also welcomes any inspiration or personal stories her students wish to share. Students are encouraged to get to know one another and cheer each other on as well.