When it comes to weight loss, everyone seems to have different opinions on what works and does not work. Some swear that certain foods or beverages aided their efforts, while others will swear to you that they will undermine your entire plan. So who is right? And how much weight do we give to personal anecdotes?
Talking to your physician is, of course, the best course of action regarding guidance for your weight loss plan. But if you do allow the court of public opinion to chime in, listen carefully to the reasons people give for their positions. If those reasons make sense to you and suit your lifestyle, then their ideas might work for you. But if those reasons don’t make sense for your preferences or the way you live, you can probably discard that particular advice.
So with regard to sparkling water, here is a brief rundown on that debate.
Pros of sparkling water:
- Sparkling water replaces sugary sodas, without the calories, so it’s great for people who crave flavorful drinks.
- Sparkling water is carbonated, which can help you feel full before you even start eating.
- Flavored sparkling water can make meals feel more fun and even festive, helping you to feel more satisfied with your weight loss plan.
Cons of sparkling water:
- Some studies have shown that carbonated beverages can actually contribute to weight gain, but the data isn’t extremely clear or reliable on this point.
- Artificial sweeteners used in most sparkling beverages have a poor reputation with some people, and are suspected of links to various health conditions.
- Artificual sweeteners still taste sweet, leading to more cravings for sugary flavors later. Drinking sparkling water might not help you break your dependence on sugar, only mask it.
As you can see, there is probably no clear answer on whether sparkling beverages aid or impede your weight loss plan. Let’s discuss the issue at your next appointment, if it concerns you. Otherwise, you should probably go with the reasoning that best fits into viewpoints on nutrition and mealtimes.
