The incidence of people who are obese has increased dramatically in the past 30 years.  This suggests that this is not only an epidemic, but it has environmental factors and origins tied into it.  One major factor that is correlated to the current obesity epidemic is the wide scale introduction of non-caloric, high-intensity sweeteners.   I dedicate June’s main article to calorie conscious individuals or diet and non-calorie food seekers.  I recently read an article which in simple terms shows the important  relation between sweet taste and predication of caloric content of food.  We use sweet taste to predict the caloric contents of foods.   If you use sweet non-caloric  substances, you may degrade this predictive relationship which then leads to positive energy balance; this means increase food intake.   Through this research they found that  reducing the correlation between sweet taste and the caloric content of foods using artificial sweeteners in can prompt your body to take more calories, increase your body weight, and adiposity.  Artificial sweeteners are also linked with cancer and a list of other side effects.  To name a few Aspartame, Saccharin, Sucralose, and Acesulfame K, and Neotame are some of the ones that are unfortunately FDA approved.  If you are a fan of diet beverages, zero-calorie drinks, Splenda or other artificial sweeteners. Most baked goods that you buy in the store contain these substances.  Healthier alternatives to satisfying your sweet tooth are simply sweet fruits.  Living a healthy life and losing weight are not tied into zero calorie meals, but directly go with exercise and a healthy, organic and natural diet. Call us for a consultation at 949.922.3465 or go to our website www.nonadjavid.com to get more information.