Artificial sweeteners like sucralose, aspartame, and saccharin are bad for your weight. Studies have shown that they can cause sugar cravings and can make it difficult for your body to recognise true sugar calories, which can cause obesity. The two main ingredients of aspartame, phenylalanine and aspartic acid, stimulate the release of insulin, a hormone that instructs your body to store fat. A large dose of phenylalanine can decrease serotonin levels. Serotonin is the neurotransmitter that tells you when you’re full. Low levels of serotonin can increase cravings, which can lead to weight gain. The artificial sweeteners are found in most diet or sugar-free foods, including soda, desserts, sugar-free gum, beverage mixes, baking products, cereals, breath mints, even chewable food supplements. Choose natural sweeteners like maple syrup, pure organic honey, stevia, monk fruit etc. Who says weight loss can’t be sweet?