You’ve probably seen shelves stacked with “zero sugar” or “diet” drinks promising a healthier option.
On the surface they sound like a win...no sugar, no calories, what’s not to like?
But here’s the catch…
Even though there’s no sugar, your body still reacts to the sweetness.
Artificial sweeteners (like aspartame, sucralose or stevia) can trick your brain into thinking real sugar is coming.
When the calories don’t arrive, your body feels like it’s been “cheated”…
This can trigger hunger hormones (like ghrelin) and increase cravings, especially for sugars, carbs and processed foods.
In other words — “zero sugar” doesn’t always mean zero impact.
For many people it leads to:
Increased appetite later in the day
More snacking on quick-energy foods
Harder time hitting protein targets (because you’re craving sugar instead)
If your goal is fat loss, this can easily push you over your daily calories without even noticing.
So what should you do instead?
Make water/herbal teas your main drinks (add a pinch of sea salt to water for hydration or some lemon/fruit for flavour).
Have “zero sugar” drinks occasionally, but don’t rely on them daily.
Prioritise protein at every meal: this keeps you fuller for longer, stabilises blood sugar, and makes cravings much easier to handle.
It’s not about banning things completely, but knowing that “zero sugar” doesn’t mean “no effect” gives you the awareness to make better choices.
Stay consistent, fuel your body well, and the results will come 🙌