Cutting out regular sodas is a great way to boost your weight loss. If you drink even 1 soda a day, that’s enough calories to add almost one pound a week! On the other hand, if you give up one soda a week, you can lose almost one pound a week! You might think that switching to diet sodas is a good way to cut those calories.

The problem is – it’s not just about the calories. New research suggests that artificially sweetened beverages can lead to a high preference for sweetness. That means more calories as you go for other sweets, like ice cream, breads, and cereals. You may be making up for the calories you cut out from the sodas.

The other issue is that there are some concerns about artificial sweeteners. Research has linked high amounts of the sweetener to brain tumors and lymphoma in rodents. Although the FDA reports that the sweetener is safe, they do acknowledge side effects like dizziness, headaches, diarrhea, memory loss, and mood changes.

Finally, keep in mind that diet sodas have absolutely no nutritional value. If you’re trying to lose weight, you’re probably striving for better health overall. Consider healthier beverages like water, lots and lots of water! Also, try water or tea with a splash of fruit juice, fruit juices and vegetable juices.