Aspartame seems to be in nearly all soft drinks now and is a very toxic poison...far worse than sugar.
And another thing is that these diet sodas have less sugar, but you often do get heavier. This is because the sweet taste of aspartam (or other sugar replacement) gives the brain a sign that there is sugar on its way, which isn't the case, but triggers hormones like insulin. That could result that you get hungry.
I think your strategy makes sense, avoid processed foods altogether and then they will lose money and stop producing them.
Yes, but I do think a lot of people need to be helped. I think it was the documentary I mentioned in my other reply (but it could also be another documentary) where a mom changed the breakfast for her obese kid. She replaced the coke for a large glass of orange juice and was surprised that it didn't help. Oranges are healhy aren't they?
It starts with education.
In most school canteens it's easier to get snacks and junk food than a salad.
I heard that in Sweden they have meals supported by the government and also lessons about food, nutricians and cooking.