Like you and me, diet soda has a dirty secret. While ours tend to fall more into the categories like My shoes are really from Target, diet soda’s is something it would likely never want its friends to find out.

Well, aren’t we the little tattletale?

The secret life of diet soda. Sure, it can up your energy levels and its calorie count is pretty to look at, but did you know it is one of the most controversial topics in the medical and food industries?

Know the facts. Diet soda contains an artificial sweetener known as aspartame, which is broken down into phenylalanine, aspartic acid and methanol (P.S. When ingested, methanol converts to formaldehyde in the body – an embalming fluid and dangerous neurotoxin. Yuck.).

Since its highly argued approval by the FDA in 1974, aspartame has triggered reports of more than 92 negative side effects including: memory loss, joint pain, headaches, nervous system disorders, food cravings, mental confusion, nerve cell damage, migraines and Alzheimer’s. Sounds like a Cialis commercial, huh? Highly acid forming, it can even make you more prone to illness (Hello, Swine Flu!). Aspartame victim support groups have popped up, physicians have written books about its dangers and studies in other countries have even linked Mr. Badass to a higher risk of cancer. Pointing to a slew of lawsuits, states like New Mexico and Hawaii have even tried to get it banned from the state.

Emerging research has even shown artificial sweeteners to actually confuse our taste buds, and develop a preference in the human body for cravings and a whole range of other sweet foods. A study at the University of Texas Health Science Center conducted on 1,500 people between the ages of 25 and 64, found that for each diet soda consumed per day, the risk of obesity rose by 41-percent. So, those Twinkies and M&Ms you just had to have may not be such a coincidence, after all.

Diet Soda also has no nutritional value, and even a few cans helps force out all the healthy liquids your body needs to operate.

The Alternatives. Sip on these:

Zevia All-Natural Zero Calorie Soda. Zevia contains only pure ingredients, with no artificial sweeteners, flavors or colors. It satisfies your thirst with zero calories, zero net carbs and little to no sodium. Plus, it’s sweetened with Stevia (doesn’t contain aspartame). Comes in flavors like orange, cola, twist, root beer and black cherry.

Available at Whole Foods, health food stores and some regular grocery stores. www.zevia.com

Dry Soda. This soda option doesn’t only titillate our love for design in an über modern bottle, but it’s all-natural, flavored with fruit, flower and herb extracts. Each bottle contains only 45 to 70 calories and is sweetened with a small dose of pure cane sugar. Available at Whole Foods and other health food stores. Check the Web site for specific locations in your area. www.drysoda.com.

Izze Sparkling Juice. If it’s the taste you’re looking for, Izze contains pure fruit juice, no refined sugars, caffeine or preservatives, and no artificial colors or flavors. It is low in calories and comes in delicious flavors like pomegranate, peach, apple, Clementine, grapefruit and blueberry. Available at major retailers like Whole Foods, Target and Starbuck’s Coffee. www.izze.com

Mama always told me I was never good at keeping secrets. Whoops.

- Kim