If you were planning on eating a steak tonight and washing it down with a soda, think again. I am not a fan of soda—even diet—and this new study only fuels my lifelong dislike. Researchers have found that having a sugar-sweetened drink with a high-protein meal causes the body to store more fat. The combination decreases metabolic efficiency and can lead to weight gain.
Worse, the sugar-and-protein combination sparks cravings for other unhealthy food. Lead researcher Dr. Shanon Casperson noted:
“This combination also increased study subjects’ desire to eat savory and salty foods for four hours after eating.”
This may explain why you inhaled four S’mores and two bags of potato chips after dinner at the bonfire last week. For those who love grilled steak and barbecued chicken, skip the soda.
I wish you all the best,
Dr. Samantha Boardman
