Just copied this from a health and fitness site. Diet Foods Many foods labeled as a "diet" product, like 100-calorie snacks and desserts, are anything but because of their fake sugar content, says Hyman. "We're surrounded by low-calorie, 'health-conscious foods' and diet soft drinks that contain sweeteners," he says. "As a result, the number of Americans who eat products that contain sugar-free sweeteners grew from 70 million in 1987 to 160 million in 2000. At the same time, obesity in the United States has doubled from 15 to 30 percent." That's because the sugar substitutes, such as aspartame, acesulfame, saccharin, and sucralose, confuse your body. Research shows that these non-calorie, sugar-like imitations increase appetite and interrupt the body's ability to regulate blood sugar, which causes a metabolic change that could lead to diabetes. "If you have a desire for something sweet, it's better to have real, naturally-occurring sugar than the imitation stuff in 'fake foods." In other words, grab that big bowl of fresh, delicious fruit and enjoy.
That's true, Sheldon. Also, the 100 calorie snacks that aren't sugar free are just a gimmick. They cost more and are just really smaller amounts portioned to equal 100 calories in the bag. The cookies probably equal 2 whole normal cookies, or even one bigger cookie.
I don't believe in sugar-free food particularly soda. If we want to lose calories, burn it and eat less but not the really the quality. Diet soda or even the so called light soda doesn't taste that good good. And we are after the taste so why suffer? My policy in life is to enjoy the food and eating/drinking moderately is the key to staying fit. I know of so many people who eat anything but stay fit (in weight and appearance) because they eat moderately and exercise moderately. Honestly, that's my problem - I don't exercise moderately albeit I rarely exercise at all so the calories are stored and not burned.