Life Blog
Cutting-edge information and tips for creating health in all areas of life – wellness, nutrition, fitness, attitude, and relationships
April 16, 2026
Are Artificial Sweeteners Healthier Than Sugar?
When people “quit sugar” they often switch to an artificial, calorie-free sweetener. Today, these sweeteners are widely used in soft drinks, chewing gum, candy, jellies, dairy products and many other foods and drinks. There are six FDA approved calorie-free sweeteners: acesulfame, aspartame, neotame, saccharin, Stevia and sucralose. Any product that is labelled “sugar free” or “diet” contains one or more of these sweeteners. Just what is in these sweeteners and are they any healthier than sugar? Artificial Sweeteners and Weight Gain Sweeteners give you all the sweetness of sugar with none of the calories. They are a good alternative for diabetics because they have no effect on blood sugar levels. What more could you ask for, right? Unfortunately, it’s not that simple. Research shows that artificial sweeteners may be beneficial in the short-term but can lead to weight gain in the long term. Even though they are calorie-free, they are still capable of stimulating the development of new fat cells. Artificial Sweeteners and Cravings Sugar substitutes keep your sugar cravings alive. They may be able to fool your taste buds but they can’t fool your brain. When you consume a sugary treat, dopamine, the pleasure and reward chemical, is released in the brain. Unfortunately, artificial sweeteners do not trigger the release of dopamine, so the cravings do not go away. As a result, you’re more likely to binge on sugar and other unhealthy foods later on. In addition, artificial sweeteners are several times sweeter than sugar and regular use can…
Are Artificial Sweeteners Healthier Than Sugar?
When people “quit sugar” they often switch to an artificial, calorie-free sweetener. Today, these sweeteners are widely used in soft drinks, chewing gum, candy, jellies, dairy products and many other foods and drinks. There are six FDA approved calorie-free sweeteners: acesulfame, aspartame, neotame, saccharin, Stevia and sucralose. Any product that is labelled “sugar free” or…
Learn MoreKeep Track to Stay on Track
Everyone dreams of living their healthiest life and looking their best. In fact, the two most common New Year’s resolutions are to eat healthier and exercise more. Sadly, only 8% actually achieve those resolutions. One thing that separates achievers from the rest is tracking. Simply put, winners are trackers because they’re committed to measuring progress….
Learn MoreHow Gratitude Affects Your Health
The results are in! Grateful people eat healthier, sleep better and take better care of themselves. They are mentally and physically healthier. You’re probably wondering what gratitude has to do with your physical health. Well, it turns out that being grateful about the little things helps you make better decisions for your health. You are…
Learn MoreFinding Your Purpose: Whole-Person Health Starts Here
Let’s be honest: life can feel like a never-ending treadmill of work, errands, and responsibilities. And somewhere between laundry and lunch, it’s easy to ask yourself: “Is this it? Is this all there is?” You’re not alone. Every human wonders about meaning, impact, and purpose—what some call “Existence.” Here’s the deal: having a sense of purpose isn’t…
Learn MoreWays to Survive Allergy Season
Many people are looking forward to spring when they can finally put away their bulky coats and enjoy warmer temperatures. Sadly, the beginning of spring is also the beginning of allergy season when plants release pollen and people start to sneeze, itch and experience sinus pain. When is Allergy Season? Although the term allergy season…
Learn MoreSpring Reset: Shake Off Winter Sludge and Feel Like Yourself Again
If you’re reading this in mid‑March, there’s a good chance you’ve been through one of two things:(1) You’re still wrapped up in fuzzy socks and blankets wondering if winter ever plans to leave…or(2) You stepped outside, got blasted with sunshine, and suddenly remembered why people like warm weather so much. Either way, welcome to Spring Reset…
Learn MoreThe Right Way to Search for Medical Information on the Internet
When you awaken in the middle of the night with a throbbing headache, what’s the first thing you do if your preferred pain reliever doesn’t work? Do you reach for your phone or computer and start researching symptoms online to figure out what might be wrong? That’s what most people do. Eight in ten Americans…
Learn MoreThe Hidden Cost of Chronic Stress (and What Science Says Actually Helps)
Stress doesn’t usually announce itself with sirens and flashing lights. More often, it sneaks in quietly—tight shoulders, poor sleep, short tempers, skipped meals—and before you know it, you’re running on fumes wondering how things got so hard. Here’s the thing: stress isn’t just an emotional experience. It has measurable, physiological effects on your brain and…
Learn MoreWinter Workouts
Winter has a funny way of messing with our motivation. The alarm goes off, it’s still dark outside, and the last thing you want to do is peel yourself out of a warm bed to move your body. Suddenly, “I’ll start again in spring” feels like a very reasonable life plan. Spoiler alert: it’s not….
Learn MoreHow Personal Growth and Healthy Habits Strengthen Your Marriage and Your Health
It’s easy to feel like a failure when you’re stuck in an unhappy marriage. When the relationship that’s supposed to feel safe and supportive feels heavy instead, discouragement can creep in quickly. Over time, that weight can leave you feeling helpless, hopeless, and questioning whether it’s even worth trying anymore. And when that happens, it’s…
Learn MoreHow To Clean Your Ears Safely
As far as body parts go, ears don’t require too much cleaning. As long as you wash them when you are taking a shower and gently clean the canal with a washcloth to get rid of the excess wax, you should be fine. Remember the old saying that you shouldn’t put anything smaller than your…
Learn MoreAnyone Can Be a Morning Person
What would you give to wake up feeling energetic, well rested and ready to conquer the world every single day? It goes without saying that your morning sets the tone for the rest of the day. The more productive your morning, the likelier you will have a more productive rest of the day. Studies by…
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