Giving up Diet Coke/Diet pop in general - what do you drink?

[pinkfloyd1973]

Dr. Pepper addict here....but i've gotten better that I rarely drink pop at home and instead drink Crystal Light, and I usually drink maybe two or three cans when i'm at work

[Rick]

Anyone else ever notice how the anti-soda snobs are similar to the anti-television snobs? It's always kinda funny how soon the folks who don't drink it like to brag about it just like the TV snobs feel the need to trumpet their lack of television viewing.

I wish I could be one of those snobs. I've been really, really trying to cut pop out altogether but it's just not working for me. I am as addicted to Coca Cola as some people are to meth. I hear drug addicts talk about how they just can't get enough, when their next hit will be, etc...and I realize that's me. I literally take medication for no other reason than to help me stop drinking Coke. It's a huge problem for me.

You and my wife. She drinks a 2 liter bottle every day.

[Angel]

Anyone else ever notice how the anti-soda snobs are similar to the anti-television snobs? It's always kinda funny how soon the folks who don't drink it like to brag about it just like the TV snobs feel the need to trumpet their lack of television viewing.

I wish I could be one of those snobs. I've been really, really trying to cut pop out altogether but it's just not working for me. I am as addicted to Coca Cola as some people are to meth. I hear drug addicts talk about how they just can't get enough, when their next hit will be, etc...and I realize that's me. I literally take medication for no other reason than to help me stop drinking Coke. It's a huge problem for me.

You and my wife. She drinks a 2 liter bottle every day.

I could put her to shame....not that I'm proud of it, but I could do it.

[Rick]

Anyone else ever notice how the anti-soda snobs are similar to the anti-television snobs? It's always kinda funny how soon the folks who don't drink it like to brag about it just like the TV snobs feel the need to trumpet their lack of television viewing.

I wish I could be one of those snobs. I've been really, really trying to cut pop out altogether but it's just not working for me. I am as addicted to Coca Cola as some people are to meth. I hear drug addicts talk about how they just can't get enough, when their next hit will be, etc...and I realize that's me. I literally take medication for no other reason than to help me stop drinking Coke. It's a huge problem for me.

You and my wife. She drinks a 2 liter bottle every day.

I could put her to shame....not that I'm proud of it, but I could do it.

I'm helping her tonight. We're out of tea.

[Angel]

I'm helping her tonight. We're out of tea.

I've only had one 20 oz Coke today....I'm out of my meds.

I do need to quit though, that stuff is bad on your kidneys...or in my case, my kidney.

[Rick]

I'm helping her tonight. We're out of tea.

I've only had one 20 oz Coke today....I'm out of my meds.

I do need to quit though, that stuff is bad on your kidneys...or in my case, my kidney.

Wow, that's trouble you don't need.

[Angel]

I'm helping her tonight. We're out of tea.

I've only had one 20 oz Coke today....I'm out of my meds.

I do need to quit though, that stuff is bad on your kidneys...or in my case, my kidney.

Wow, that's trouble you don't need.

I know!!! I think I need to go to the pharmacy tomorrow.

[Rick]

I'm helping her tonight. We're out of tea.

I've only had one 20 oz Coke today....I'm out of my meds.

I do need to quit though, that stuff is bad on your kidneys...or in my case, my kidney.

Wow, that's trouble you don't need.

I know!!! I think I need to go to the pharmacy tomorrow.

What do you take to help you with that?

[Angel]

What do you take to help you with that?

Topamax. It's actually a seizure medication but it also helps with migraines-which is what I originally took it for. However, one of the side effects is that it makes carbonation taste NASTY! I found that it didn't help much with my headaches-I had more success with chiropractic treatments-but I didn't drink Coke when I was on it.

[verslibre]

Anyone else ever notice how the anti-soda snobs are similar to the anti-television snobs? It's always kinda funny how soon the folks who don't drink it like to brag about it just like the TV snobs feel the need to trumpet their lack of television viewing.

I wish I could be one of those snobs. I've been really, really trying to cut pop out altogether but it's just not working for me. I am as addicted to Coca Cola as some people are to meth. I hear drug addicts talk about how they just can't get enough, when their next hit will be, etc...and I realize that's me. I literally take medication for no other reason than to help me stop drinking Coke. It's a huge problem for me.

I'm the same way. Coke and Pepsi. MMMMMMM. I get up and start the day with my first caffeine inoculation, i.e. kuppa kawfee. Then when I get some food later (I rarely eat breakfast), it's time to indulge the "elixir," as I refer to a nice, foamy, cold carbonated refreshin' cola.

[Angel]

Anyone else ever notice how the anti-soda snobs are similar to the anti-television snobs? It's always kinda funny how soon the folks who don't drink it like to brag about it just like the TV snobs feel the need to trumpet their lack of television viewing.

I wish I could be one of those snobs. I've been really, really trying to cut pop out altogether but it's just not working for me. I am as addicted to Coca Cola as some people are to meth. I hear drug addicts talk about how they just can't get enough, when their next hit will be, etc...and I realize that's me. I literally take medication for no other reason than to help me stop drinking Coke. It's a huge problem for me.

I'm the same way. Coke and Pepsi. MMMMMMM. I get up and start the day with my first caffeine inoculation, i.e. kuppa kawfee. Then when I get some food later (I rarely eat breakfast), it's time to indulge the "elixir," as I refer to a nice, foamy, cold carbonated refreshin' cola.

I understand....except the "kuppa kawfee" thing...I don't drink coffee. But, that first sip of the cold, bubbly Coke just soothes the soul!!!!!

[verslibre]

Anyone else ever notice how the anti-soda snobs are similar to the anti-television snobs? It's always kinda funny how soon the folks who don't drink it like to brag about it just like the TV snobs feel the need to trumpet their lack of television viewing.

I wish I could be one of those snobs. I've been really, really trying to cut pop out altogether but it's just not working for me. I am as addicted to Coca Cola as some people are to meth. I hear drug addicts talk about how they just can't get enough, when their next hit will be, etc...and I realize that's me. I literally take medication for no other reason than to help me stop drinking Coke. It's a huge problem for me.

I'm the same way. Coke and Pepsi. MMMMMMM. I get up and start the day with my first caffeine inoculation, i.e. kuppa kawfee. Then when I get some food later (I rarely eat breakfast), it's time to indulge the "elixir," as I refer to a nice, foamy, cold carbonated refreshin' cola.

I understand....except the "kuppa kawfee" thing...I don't drink coffee. But, that first sip of the cold, bubbly Coke just soothes the soul!!!!!

You don't like hawt kawfee when it's kold? You must be a koko, I mean cocoa drinker. Or tea. I like hot tea, but I need to add lemon juice to green tea or black tea. It's better if it's lemony.

[SherriBerry]

Anyone else ever notice how the anti-soda snobs are similar to the anti-television snobs? It's always kinda funny how soon the folks who don't drink it like to brag about it just like the TV snobs feel the need to trumpet their lack of television viewing.

I wish I could be one of those snobs. I've been really, really trying to cut pop out altogether but it's just not working for me. I am as addicted to Coca Cola as some people are to meth. I hear drug addicts talk about how they just can't get enough, when their next hit will be, etc...and I realize that's me. I literally take medication for no other reason than to help me stop drinking Coke. It's a huge problem for me.

I'm the same way. Coke and Pepsi. MMMMMMM. I get up and start the day with my first caffeine inoculation, i.e. kuppa kawfee. Then when I get some food later (I rarely eat breakfast), it's time to indulge the "elixir," as I refer to a nice, foamy, cold carbonated refreshin' cola.

I understand....except the "kuppa kawfee" thing...I don't drink coffee. But, that first sip of the cold, bubbly Coke just soothes the soul!!!!!

For me it's Pepsi - I could drink it all day easily, but I know it's not good for me (high fructose corn syrup is bad for kidneys and phosphoric acid depletes calcium in bones and teeth - not to mention the calories), so I have to ration to two cans per day, but it would be better if I stopped drinking it all together! I won't touch anything with Aspartame in it and all of the major brands of diet pop use it. We just got the Pepsi Throwback in Canada last week and I bought quite a few cases of it in case they don't restock it - it's still pop and while I notice it does seem "flatter", at least the sugar isn't as harmful as the corn syrup.

I've been trying to find alternatives to drinking Pepsi too, but it isn't so easy as I prefer cold, fizzy drinks and plain tap water makes me gag. I have found though that I like jasmine green tea and magnolia oolong from Murchie's and I can drink a big mug with just a half teaspoon of honey. Last summer I started making sweet tea at home, but so far I haven't found the right ratio of sugar to Splenda. At least tea is loaded with antioxidants, so I have to get back to work on that! I'm also trying to come up with a low-calorie flavouring that I can add to carbonated water - if I come up with something good, I'm buying one of those Penguin water carbonators that turn regular water into the fizzy stuff.

[parfait]

What exactly are the health risks with diet drinks? I must drink between 75 and 100 ounces of diet coke a day.

I don't know how much of it is substantiated by clear and convincing medical evidence, but I know they're supposed to be bad for your bones/joints and stain your teeth (maybe more of a vanity risk than a health risk...). I'm not sure, but I may have heard some things about cancer or other diseases. I personally think that might be a bit of a stretch, but who knows. I just know the rate I was consuming diet pop at was not healthy.

The only thing that'll happen if you drink a lot of diet soda is that it'll fuck up your teeth.

I drink water, white tea, sports drinks with electrolytes, booze and half a bottle of wine a day at least.

[Melissa]

Mostly water, plain or I like the Vitamin water "Zero", the XXX flavor. I do like Starbucks as a treat, and I like diet Coke and diet Dr. Pepper (my fav), but try not to drink too much. I like those the best as fountain drinks or in the can, can't stand 2 liters. The carbonation just doesn't beat the fountain or a can. They almost taste watered down. And people say "But they're cheaper".... yeah there's a reason they're cheaper.... they taste like crap I love sweet tea too, but I know the sugar in that is no better than a real Coke, lol.

Green tea is supposed to be good for fertility, just FYI

[Saint John]

Without going back and looking it up, I can tell you that I've read that diet pop is far worse than regular. It is much more likely that you'll be become addicted to it, much more likely that you'll gain weight, and because it has "zero calories" people think that they can just drink it all day. It spikes your appetite and by consuming it all the time and getting no calories out of it, you're constantly hungry. The stuff is garbage and shouldn't be consumed at probably more than 1 can every other day. Anything more than that and you're likely to be fat, hungry, addicted and miserable.

[Ehwmatt]

Without going back and looking it up, I can tell you that I've read that diet pop is far worse than regular. It is much more likely that you'll be become addicted to it, much more likely that you'll gain weight, and because it has "zero calories" people think that they can just drink it all day. It spikes your appetite and by consuming it all the time and getting no calories out of it, you're constantly hungry. The stuff is garbage and shouldn't be consumed at probably more than 1 can every other day. Anything more than that and you're likely to be fat, hungry, addicted and miserable.

I haven't noticed getting hungry or anything like that. I just don't want to put that crap in my body. Whatever the substantiated risks actually are, there's obviously no way it can be healthy for you in a nutritious sense. I don't need it, so why drink it? I definitely don't eat like I did in my college athletic days. I was not hungry, addicted, or miserable. I just had a habit. It's really gonna be no problem to stop judging on these first few days. I haven't even really thought about it.

[Angel]

Without going back and looking it up, I can tell you that I've read that diet pop is far worse than regular. It is much more likely that you'll be become addicted to it, much more likely that you'll gain weight, and because it has "zero calories" people think that they can just drink it all day. It spikes your appetite and by consuming it all the time and getting no calories out of it, you're constantly hungry. The stuff is garbage and shouldn't be consumed at probably more than 1 can every other day. Anything more than that and you're likely to be fat, hungry, addicted and miserable.

You just described 70% of our population.

But, you are right on!! It's bad stuff!

[Rhiannon]

Without going back and looking it up, I can tell you that I've read that diet pop is far worse than regular. It is much more likely that you'll be become addicted to it, much more likely that you'll gain weight, and because it has "zero calories" people think that they can just drink it all day. It spikes your appetite and by consuming it all the time and getting no calories out of it, you're constantly hungry. The stuff is garbage and shouldn't be consumed at probably more than 1 can every other day. Anything more than that and you're likely to be fat, hungry, addicted and miserable.

I remember having a conversation with a nutritionist once who told me in addition to what you just said, the brain can't distinguish between the artificial sweet and the real thing. Which causes your body to start producing insulin, which I think in turn (having no purpose for production) causes to you store body fat quicker when you consume calories because it more or less makes your insulin feedback go haywire.

[Melissa]

Mostly water, plain or I like the Vitamin water "Zero", the XXX flavor. I do like Starbucks as a treat, and I like diet Coke and diet Dr. Pepper (my fav), but try not to drink too much. I like those the best as fountain drinks or in the can, can't stand 2 liters. The carbonation just doesn't beat the fountain or a can. They almost taste watered down. And people say "But they're cheaper".... yeah there's a reason they're cheaper.... they taste like crap I love sweet tea too, but I know the sugar in that is no better than a real Coke, lol.

Green tea is supposed to be good for fertility, just FYI

Don't fuck with Dan..

I only know that from another girlfriend of mine who tried it for that, so yeah it's funny to me because of that to see guys mention it I tried some once just to see what the big deal about it was, and not only did I not like the taste very much (I like tea, but green tea tastes funny to me, lol), but it also gave me a ripping headache. So I don't see what's so great about it if it can do that

[Saint John]

Without going back and looking it up, I can tell you that I've read that diet pop is far worse than regular. It is much more likely that you'll be become addicted to it, much more likely that you'll gain weight, and because it has "zero calories" people think that they can just drink it all day. It spikes your appetite and by consuming it all the time and getting no calories out of it, you're constantly hungry. The stuff is garbage and shouldn't be consumed at probably more than 1 can every other day. Anything more than that and you're likely to be fat, hungry, addicted and miserable.

I haven't noticed getting hungry or anything like that. I just don't want to put that crap in my body. Whatever the substantiated risks actually are, there's obviously no way it can be healthy for you in a nutritious sense. I don't need it, so why drink it? I definitely don't eat like I did in my college athletic days. I was not hungry, addicted, or miserable. I just had a habit. It's really gonna be no problem to stop judging on these first few days. I haven't even really thought about it.

Matt, remember one thing, amigo, you're still YOUNG. The general weight loss conscious, diet pop drinking crowd is probably made up of people 35 and older, and I can tell you firsthand, it's a bitch to not be able to eat what you used to, easily maintain weight like you used to and deal with a vastly slower metabolism. For them, this shit is poisonous. You're not yet of age to realize what we old fuckers are going through!

[Melissa]

Oh, I also drink skim milk a lot when home. Also yogurt, cheese, etc. There are women in my family on both sides who either had or have low bone density later in life and I hope to try to avoid that being a huge problem, if I live long enough, lol.

[bluejeangirl76]

Without going back and looking it up, I can tell you that I've read that diet pop is far worse than regular. It is much more likely that you'll be become addicted to it, much more likely that you'll gain weight, and because it has "zero calories" people think that they can just drink it all day. It spikes your appetite and by consuming it all the time and getting no calories out of it, you're constantly hungry. The stuff is garbage and shouldn't be consumed at probably more than 1 can every other day. Anything more than that and you're likely to be fat, hungry, addicted and miserable.

I remember having a conversation with a nutritionist once who told me in addition to what you just said, the brain can't distinguish between the artificial sweet and the real thing. Which causes your body to start producing insulin, which I think in turn (having no purpose for production) causes to you store body fat quicker when you consume calories because it more or less makes your insulin feedback go haywire.

I consume diet pop in horrible amounts. And yes, I already know it's BAD for me. I don't really think about it like that (until I read threads like this, lol) because it's never made me gain weight, or anything like that. I try to avoid most things with (real) sugar because of the diabetic history in my family, so that's the reason I don't ever drink regular pop... plus, I've seen what downing ridiculous amounts of regular pop daily can do... yikes! Most of my consumption is in the summer though, not as heavy in winter (where I mostly stick to tea and coffee), so maybe I have a few months to try to work it out completely, or at least get the amounts I drink in summer down to what I do in winter.

[Ehwmatt]

Without going back and looking it up, I can tell you that I've read that diet pop is far worse than regular. It is much more likely that you'll be become addicted to it, much more likely that you'll gain weight, and because it has "zero calories" people think that they can just drink it all day. It spikes your appetite and by consuming it all the time and getting no calories out of it, you're constantly hungry. The stuff is garbage and shouldn't be consumed at probably more than 1 can every other day. Anything more than that and you're likely to be fat, hungry, addicted and miserable.

I haven't noticed getting hungry or anything like that. I just don't want to put that crap in my body. Whatever the substantiated risks actually are, there's obviously no way it can be healthy for you in a nutritious sense. I don't need it, so why drink it? I definitely don't eat like I did in my college athletic days. I was not hungry, addicted, or miserable. I just had a habit. It's really gonna be no problem to stop judging on these first few days. I haven't even really thought about it.

Matt, remember one thing, amigo, you're still YOUNG. The general weight loss conscious, diet pop drinking crowd is probably made up of people 35 and older, and I can tell you firsthand, it's a bitch to not be able to eat what you used to, easily maintain weight like you used to and deal with a vastly slower metabolism. For them, this shit is poisonous. You're not yet of age to realize what we old fuckers are going through!

Ya, true. I still work out all the time though. Plus, wouldn't it make me feel hungry if that's one of the side effects anyway?

My parents both drink a lot of diet pop too, and they're both in great shape because they work out. I don't think there's much credence to the weight gain theory of diet pop, at least not from a direct chemical standpoint. I read Rhi's post above, and it sounds logical, but I just don't buy it. I think the true "weight gain" side effect of diet pop is mental. It comes from people thinking drinking 50 diet pops a day will make up the difference for their shitty eating and exercise habits (like ordering a Big mac value meal , but with a diet). Diet pop in moderation isn't going to make you gain weight any more than having a couple slices of pizza on Friday night will, provided you work out and maintain an otherwise healthy diet. At least in my opinion.

[Gin and Tonic Sky]

These Diet drinks are a crock of shit, especially diet coke. Every day I go outside at 11:30 stand on the street corner, crack open a can and guzzle it down NO women appear at the windows to look at me, no women try to ask me out. and certainly I must be better looking than those dudes in the commercial. A complete fraud. Maybe I should try guzzling an Old Milwaulkee instead.

[Michigan Girl]

These Diet drinks are a crock of shit, especially diet coke. Every day I go outside at 11:30 stand on the street corner, crack open a can and guzzle it down NO women appear at the windows to look at me, no women try to ask me out. and certainly I must be better looking than those dudes in the commercial. A complete fraud. Maybe I should try guzzling an Old Milwaulkee instead.

lol ...you have to take your shirt off !!

[Rhiannon]

I read Rhi's post above, and it sounds logical, but I just don't buy it. I think the true "weight gain" side effect of diet pop is mental. It comes from people thinking drinking 50 diet pops a day will make up the difference for their shitty eating and exercise habits (like ordering a Big mac value meal , but with a diet). Diet pop in moderation isn't going to make you gain weight any more than having a couple slices of pizza on Friday night will, provided you work out and maintain an otherwise healthy diet. At least in my opinion.

I'm not sure how it was supposed to work either. I'm not well versed in endocrinology, I'm like you... common sense and moderation take precedence.

[Melissa]

Artificial sweeteners don't trigger an insulin spike. That happens with sugar. What can happen when you have something artificially sweet, is your brain can trigger your cells getting ready for an insulin surge, and when that doesn't happen, some people will then crave carbs because they didn't get the "boost" their brain thought it would get. And carbs will raise your blood sugar, because your body breaks carbs down into glucose. But sugar substitutes and insulin are not directly involved with each other, despite what all the diet soda haters now want people to believe, lol.

[verslibre]

What exactly are the health risks with diet drinks? I must drink between 75 and 100 ounces of diet coke a day.

I don't know how much of it is substantiated by clear and convincing medical evidence, but I know they're supposed to be bad for your bones/joints and stain your teeth (maybe more of a vanity risk than a health risk...). I'm not sure, but I may have heard some things about cancer or other diseases. I personally think that might be a bit of a stretch, but who knows. I just know the rate I was consuming diet pop at was not healthy.

The only thing that'll happen if you drink a lot of diet soda is that it'll fuck up your teeth.

It'll also make you piss like a rhino as your body tries to flush it out with a vengeance due to the presence of aspartame in those concoctions.

High fructose corn syrup is bad, but I'd sooner drink something with that than Nutrasweet (aspartame's politically correct, friendly-sounding label).

[Rhiannon]

Artificial sweeteners don't trigger an insulin spike. That happens with sugar. What can happen when you have something artificially sweet, is your brain can trigger your cells getting ready for an insulin surge, and when that doesn't happen, some people will then crave carbs because they didn't get the "boost" their brain thought it would get. And carbs will raise your blood sugar, because your body breaks carbs down into glucose. But sugar substitutes and insulin are not directly involved with each other, despite what all the diet soda haters now want people to believe, lol.

That's what it was. Thanks!