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Before you pop open the Diet Pepsi, think again. ABCNEWS.com reported research found the artificial sweeteners used in many diet sodas may actually cause you to gain weight instead of losing it.

Saccharin, the world's oldest artificial sweetener, can be found in products such as Sweet & Low and Splenda. The sugar substitute can also be found in many seemingly healthy foods, such as flavored water and even yogurt.

It doesn't take much to get hooked--as little as one diet soda a day could increase your chances of gaining weight. If you're on the more than 50 percent of Americans who make low-cal sodas a part of their daily diet, then you may want to choose some healthier alternatives, such as good ol' water.

But if you need a quick pick-me-up in the a.m. or during that afternoon post-lunch slump, then you should choose green tea instead of diet soda. And if your sweet tooth really has you craving some sugar, then pack your bag with all-natural sweets, like apples, grapes and pineapples. So next time you're in the mood for a li’l something sweet, put the diet soda down and opt for a healthier choice instead.

By: L'Oreal Thompson

by GL | 2/1/2016