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Cutting-edge information and tips for creating health in all areas of life – wellness, nutrition, fitness, attitude, and relationships

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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…

We’ve all felt it: the hair-prickling, teeth-gritting feeling of our skin brushing against something unpleasant, or the overpowering aroma of last night’s dinner at the bottom of the sink, or bits of sand or dirt underneath your feet as you step out of the shower. Or maybe you get a little squeamish listening to someone…

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So, you kicked off the New Year with a great resistance workout and left the gym beaming with pride, but now your muscles are so stiff and sore that it hurts to even walk. Should you give your body a break or grind through the pain and keep going, forcing your body to adjust to…

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When you’re new to fitness, weight lifting can seem daunting because it’s physically challenging and you must learn new exercises for each major muscle group; it’s not as easy as pushing “start” on the treadmill. Not to mention the horror stories of torn muscles and injured joints (which is only a concern if you’re performing…

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The holidays are a festive time of non-stop partying and feasting. We’re constantly surrounded by sweets, snacks and yummy gifts of food from our friends and family. And in the spirit of the season, we gratefully accept and overindulge in foods that we would normally refuse. However, there’s absolutely nothing wrong with enjoying the holidays…

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Somewhere between the wrapping paper, last-minute shopping, and dessert table negotiations (“just one more piece of fudge…”), it’s easy to forget what this day is really about. Christmas has a way of reminding us…gently and beautifully…that not all gifts come in boxes. The most meaningful ones can’t be bought, wrapped, or returned. Over two thousand…

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The holidays are here! Twinkling lights, endless to-do lists, sugar everywhere, and at least one person in every household is sniffling like it’s their full-time job. While Christmas is supposed to be the “most wonderful time of the year,” it can also be one of the most draining. Cold weather, late nights, extra sugar, and all…

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When someone makes a decision to get fit, they usually join a gym. Unfortunately, gyms, fitness classes, and running are not for everyone. For starters, some people just don’t have the time, while others are nervous or self-conscious and would rather take some time to build their confidence before doing jump lunges in front of…

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Everyone who is emotionally and mentally healthy wishes for a happy and fulfilling life, and to feel good about the future despite their current circumstances. Happiness is within reach; it just boils down to how willing we are to make any necessary changes in our lives to be truly happy. Although there can be many…

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Thanksgiving is supposed to be about gratitude, connection, and slowing down. But let’s be honest, sometimes it feels more like a full-contact sport. Between the grocery store chaos, family dynamics, and that one relative who insists on bringing “experimental” stuffing, it’s easy to forget what we’re even giving thanks for. Still, Thanksgiving offers something beautiful:…

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People have a love /hate relationship with onions. Let’s consider the humble onion. Onions come in many colors, white, red, and yellow, and each is as healthy as the other. In fact, they are super healthy. Why? Well, according to Victoria Jarzabkowski, a nutritionist from the University of Texas,  onions offer people abundant sources of…

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Physical therapy is a safe and effective treatment for many health conditions, from chronic pain to sports injuries. It strengthens your muscles and makes you more flexible, bringing relief to the hurting areas. Physical therapy is so much safer than pain medications, which only provide temporary relief and come with cardiovascular and stomach bleeding risks….

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Many people feel a little blue during fall and winter. For some, it has to do with summer ending and the change in weather, signaling that vacation is over. For others, the symptoms go far beyond feeling sad that summer is over. These people suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), a form of depression that…

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