Sugar Facts (1)

Switching to diet drinks might seem like a useful strategy to help with weight loss but beware as studies have found that sweeteners such as aspartamine and saccharine stimulate the appetite.

The most likely explanation is that when you taste sweet food or drink your body releases hormones that prepare it for the expected energy intake. When this doesn't happen, you are left feeling hungry and end up snacking more and so putting on weight.

So stick to water, or make it more interesting by adding a squeeze of lemon or lime, or fresh mint leaves. Alternatively, dilute fruit juice half and half with water.

Good Housekeeping, July 2013

On holiday, one can of cola a day could lead to a gain of nearly a pound in weight, so choose fizzy water instead.

Good Housekeeping, August 2013