Diet Soda

Forbes.com: 10 'Healthy' Habits That Drain Your Bank Account

It may seem like a healthier choice to choose diet soda over regular soda, but it turns out that both are bad for you. A recent study found that even diet soda is related to weight gain and larger waistlines, possibly because artificial sugars cause blood pressure spikes. Cut it out all together, and you'll likely pocket at least $300 in savings a year.

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Bottled Water Bottled water has become a $4-billion-a-year industry in the U.S., according to the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC). The organization estimates that people spend 240 to 10,000 times more per gallon of bottled water than tap. Dietician Robin Kaiden says many in the medical community question whether bottled water can be bad for us, as it's contained in plastic that may leak into the water if left in the heat. Drinking tap instead will save you about $200 a year, and if you're still concerned, a basic faucet filtration will save you $150.

(Forbes/Daylife)

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Certain Suppleme... Supplements and vitamins are costly, and dietician Elizabeth Somer says many aren't worth it. She says do not bother with chelated or colloidal minerals, as they are expensive and there's no evidence to support the notion that they are absorbed better, and lutein, lycopene and beta carotene because you can get them by eating a balanced diet.

(Forbes/Daylife)

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Unused Gym Membe... A 2006 study discovered that gym members were going to the gym less than five times a month, thus paying upwards of $15 for each visit. If getting to the gym is too hard, toss the pricey membership and go for free walks instead.

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Soy Milk Dietician Kaiden says people are choosing soy milk because they think it's better for them, when in reality it often has added sugar and is genetically modified. If you choose fat-free or reduced fat milk instead, you'll save about $1.50 a bottle.

(Forbes/Daylife)

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Organic Peanut B... Dan Kirschenbaum, psychologist and author of The Wellspring Weight Loss Plan, says people think peanut butter is a health food but it is "incredibly high in fat." He says fat-free cream cheese is a healthier alternative and it costs $1-$2 less.

(Forbes/Daylife)

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America’s Healthiest Cities
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Diet Soda It may seem like a healthier choice to choose diet soda over regular soda, but it turns out that both are bad for you. A recent study found that even diet soda is related to weight gain and larger waistlines, possibly because artificial sugars cause blood pressure spikes. Cut it out all together, and you'll likely pocket at least $300 in savings a year.

(iStock Photo)

More From Forbes:
America’s Healthiest Cities
How to Live to be 102
When to Fire Your Doctor

The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.
Orange Juice Dr. Kirschenbaum says most juices, and especially orange juice, are "nutritional nightmares," with more calories per ounce than real Coca-Cola. And all those calories are costing you money. Just one bottle of orange juice costs about as much as a bag of 12 fresh oranges, and having a whole orange will cut the calories of a glass of juice in half.

(Forbes/Daylife)

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Skin Treatments Dermatologist Tony Nakhla says he sees patients spending hundreds and even thousands of dollars a month on skin creams, skin supplements and LED treatments that usually have no effect.

(Forbes/Daylife)

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Colonics According to Kaiden, colonics are now all the rage to clear out your system. But they are only temporary fixes and at about $80 a session, the expense adds up. Plus, Kaiden says they wipe out both the good and bad bacteria, so can create more problems. Most people would be better off skipping them and eating healthier--lots of water, fruits and vegetables--and trying a probiotic-infused yogurt ($0.79 per cup) or a probiotic supplement (a three-month supply costs $40 at GNC).

(Forbes/Daylife)

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Protein Bars Dietician Kaiden says she sees many people eating one to two protein bars a day as breakfasts and snacks, and estimates they cost $2-$4 a bar depending on where you purchase them. But most protein bars, she says, have a candy casing, saturated fat and tons of sugar. Get protein without the unhealthy add-ons and for much less by eating two hard-boiled eggs ($0.42) or a cup of Greek yogurt ($1.65).

(Forbes/Daylife)

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