The brain can’t be fooled.
A study in the US, published by The Journal of Physiology has found that “low-calorie foods with artificial sweetener do not fool the brain”. This study has shown we actually NEED sugar in order to regulate dopamine levels (the “feel good neurotransmitters” of the brain1. When we are low in dopamine body will more than likely crave actual sugar, even though sweeteners are sweeter. Therefore, we are more likely to relapse and have a sugary overload!
The article suggests finding a “happy medium” when it comes to sweeteners – including a small amount of real sugar in your diet and substituting the rest with artificial sweetener. That way you keep your calorie intake at a low level, yet still have your body functioning properly.
For those of you that stay away from artificial sweeteners, there are other ways to reach this “happy medium”. Ditch the lollies, cakes and fizzy drinks for naturally occurring sugars, such as fresh fruit. We’re coming into summer and are lucky enough to have an abundance of summer fruits, such as mangoes, peaches, apricots etc.
If you are interested in cutting down your sugar intake, or are having trouble using sweeteners, contact the friendly mobile dietitian/nutritionist at My Rehab Team, by calling 1300 4 MY REHAB (1300 469 734) or emailing info@myrehabteam.com.au. We also have a range of other mobile therapy services: Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, Speech Pathology and Podiatry.
Sources:
1 http://uk.univadis.com/2081/Pages/Detailed.aspx?contentid=1178590#?w=722,N=0
http://www.hbcprotocols.com/chart.html
Image courtesy of Toa55, at Free Digital Photo. [Online] Available at: http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/images/Desserts_g181-Alua__Dessert_p115999.html (Accessed on 14th December, 2014)
