Diet Coke Addiction: HELP!!
willrunformedals
Posts: 20 Member
Hey guys,
So in spite of knowing diet coke is bad for me I can't seem to quit.
1) I switched from regular coke YEARS ago on my first MFP attempt as a way to get the taste without the calories.
2) It's habit first thing in the morning, like ones morning coffee.
3) If I don't have one upon waking I get a MASSIVE headache late morning
Which I know is a sign of addiction.
Does ANYONE have any suggestions to help cope with this? I know it's bad for my body, but as soon as the headaches hit I go right back. Please help
So in spite of knowing diet coke is bad for me I can't seem to quit.
1) I switched from regular coke YEARS ago on my first MFP attempt as a way to get the taste without the calories.
2) It's habit first thing in the morning, like ones morning coffee.
3) If I don't have one upon waking I get a MASSIVE headache late morning
Which I know is a sign of addiction.Does ANYONE have any suggestions to help cope with this? I know it's bad for my body, but as soon as the headaches hit I go right back. Please help
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Replies
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Does diet coke have caffeine in it? I'm assuming it does. Then it's probably caffeine more than the taste of it. You can either quit cold turkey or try weaning yourself off of it by having less each day. Or try switching to tea which (depending on the tea) will have less caffeine.
But anyway, diet coke isn't TERRIBLE for you. However, having a chemical or caffeine dependency isn't that great for you. Good luck!0 -
If you're having massive headaches, you might want to look into that with a doctor.
Typically people will get some symptoms (including headaches) when cutting out something like caffeine (regardless of source), but not simply from a few hours abstinence.0 -
You might try looking for a drug treatment center in your area and seeing whether they can help you with your issue.0
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I have the same issue - I am currently transitioning my diet coke to unsweet tea and then water. I have a diet coke in the morning - then water until lunch - lunch I have unsweet tea - water until dinner - and 1/2 a diet coke and wter with lemon for dinner - hope this helps.0
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Sounds like you are experiencing caffeine withdrawal, not diet coke addiction. Might want to decide your goal...is it to reduce caffiene intake or coke intake or both? Neither are that bad for you, so I don't see that you need to quit either for health reasons. However if you are wanting to reduce costs, increase water consumption, or just not be dependent on a drug (caffiene) to function, or the Splenda makes you crave sweets as some people report, those are valid reasons. If your goal is about replacing coke and not so much reducing caffiene, then start slowly switching out a coke with another caffeinated drink you like such as coffee, tea, or water with a squirt of caffeinated water flavoring like Mio.
If you want to drop caffiene consumption, then wean off slowly (replacing with decaf coke or water) and just suck it up until the withdrawal symptoms pass, which they should. If they don't, see a doctor. You might want to reflect on whether there is an underlying cause for your heavy consumption of caffiene that you also need to address. Some people I know drink tons of the stuff as a substitute for getting a proper night sleep, which is not healthy in the long term. They need to address their sleep deprivation along with the caffiene levels. Others over schedule their life to the point that they have to wired all the time to survive it...also not a recipe for long term health. If none of this applies to you and you just happen to like a lot of diet coke, then disregard. But if you are using the caffiene as a way to function, then cutting it out without addressing the reason you needed it in the first place will likely set you up for reverting quickly back to old habits.0 -
How many more are you drinking a day? If it's just the one in the morning, and you enjoy it, I don't see any reason why you'd HAVE to cut it out. If you just want to, then go for it, but just know that it's not causing you any harm.
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I grew up on Diet Coke. When I say I grew up on it, I would drink a whole case (24pack) in 2 days. Then I would crack into another one, and I did it for years. I now drink it so sparingly it isn't even a single can's worth every month. Yeah, you will have withdrawal, but once you commit yourself to NOT having it (replace it with water and coffee -- I drink mine black now) the habit isn't hard to break and keep away from. Even when I do have another pop I don't see myself wanting dozens of others. You'll notice how crap it makes your stomach feel pretty quick.
It's mind over matter... In my case I get caffeine from coffee and that's limited to a mug a day. No withdrawal, but no obsessive need for highly acidic and expensive drinks, either. Was it cold turkey from pop? Yes. It's doable. You got this.0 -
willrunformedals wrote: »Hey guys,
So in spite of knowing diet coke is bad for me I can't seem to quit.
1) I switched from regular coke YEARS ago on my first MFP attempt as a way to get the taste without the calories.
2) It's habit first thing in the morning, like ones morning coffee.
3) If I don't have one upon waking I get a MASSIVE headache late morning Which I know is a sign of addiction.
Does ANYONE have any suggestions to help cope with this? I know it's bad for my body, but as soon as the headaches hit I go right back. Please help
It's possibly the caffeine giving you the headache. I get headaches if I don't have my coffee by 9am.
How much diet soda are you drinking a day?0 -
SoDamnHungry wrote: »Does diet coke have caffeine in it? I'm assuming it does. Then it's probably caffeine more than the taste of it. You can either quit cold turkey or try weaning yourself off of it by having less each day. Or try switching to tea which (depending on the tea) will have less caffeine.
But anyway, diet coke isn't TERRIBLE for you. However, having a chemical or caffeine dependency isn't that great for you. Good luck!
I went through a caffeine addiction, I was making my black coffee with 2 to 3 spoons of coffee to a mug, thats like drinking 4 expressos in 1 sitting, and id have this 3 times a day. I became jittery, lost my job, my marriage fell apart, i was aggressive, on edge, couldnt sleep, almost suicidal. Then I gave up coffee, went 'cold turkey' withdrawals, same as heavy drugs. Now I only have the odd normal strength coffee now and then. So you see coffee can be very addictive, more so than drugs as it is so easy to get.0 -
willrunformedals wrote: »Hey guys,
So in spite of knowing diet coke is bad for me I can't seem to quit.
1) I switched from regular coke YEARS ago on my first MFP attempt as a way to get the taste without the calories.
2) It's habit first thing in the morning, like ones morning coffee.
3) If I don't have one upon waking I get a MASSIVE headache late morning Which I know is a sign of addiction.
Does ANYONE have any suggestions to help cope with this? I know it's bad for my body, but as soon as the headaches hit I go right back. Please help
Headaches are going to come from caffeine withdrawal. If you truly want to stop diet coke in particular, you can get a different form of caffeine. You'd then still need to cut out caffeine at some point though.
What in particular do you feel diet coke is doing bad to your body? It isn't great for teeth, but otherwise, I'm not aware of anything wrong with drinking it.0 -
You can get caffeine-free Diet Coke. I'd recommend mixing that with regular Diet Coke in a cup, just reduce the amount of caffeinated Coke over time and you should be able to avoid the headaches. OR buff yourself with loads of Advil for a few days and the headaches will pass.
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I prefer coffee, personally, but you can pry my caffeine from my cold dead hands.
If you feel, however, that you need to reduce your caffeine intake, my suggestion would be to wean yourself off it slowly. For several days, note exactly how much you are drinking, then reduce the amount a little (by maybe 10% or 1 cup or something manageable). After several days, reduce the amount a little bit more. While some people find "cold turkey" to be more manageable, I don't find (lack of) caffeine headaches to be fun, so if my coffee intake gets out of hand I just reduce the amount a bit, allowed myself to adjust to that, then reduced it a bit more. While you are cutting down on the caffeinated beverages, replace them with water. Dehydration can also cause severe headaches and if you have been getting most of your fluids from Diet Coke, then you need to replace those fluids with another source (not just stop drinking the cola).0 -
For me it's all things in moderation. I drink 1 or 2 diet sodas everyday. I also drink unsweetened tea, and plenty of water.
If you are drinking diet soda all day long....then yes, that's too much. But diet soda is not something I am giving up forever. I am trying to make healthier decisions, I'm not striving for perfection. No one has to be perfect to lose weight.0 -
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This doesn't make since??SoDamnHungry wrote: »Does diet coke have caffeine in it? I'm assuming it does. Then it's probably caffeine more than the taste of it. You can either quit cold turkey or try weaning yourself off of it by having less each day. Or try switching to tea which (depending on the tea) will have less caffeine.
But anyway, diet coke isn't TERRIBLE for you. However, having a chemical or caffeine dependency isn't that great for you. Good luck!
I went through a caffeine addiction, I was making my black coffee with 2 to 3 spoons of coffee to a mug , thats like drinking 4 expressos in 1 sitting, and id have this 3 times a day. I became jittery, lost my job, my marriage fell apart, i was aggressive, on edge, couldnt sleep, almost suicidal. Then I gave up coffee, went 'cold turkey' withdrawals, same as heavy drugs. Now I only have the odd normal strength coffee now and then. So you see coffee can be very addictive, more so than drugs as it is so easy to get.0 -
SoDamnHungry wrote: »Does diet coke have caffeine in it? I'm assuming it does. Then it's probably caffeine more than the taste of it. You can either quit cold turkey or try weaning yourself off of it by having less each day. Or try switching to tea which (depending on the tea) will have less caffeine.
But anyway, diet coke isn't TERRIBLE for you. However, having a chemical or caffeine dependency isn't that great for you. Good luck!
I went through a caffeine addiction, I was making my black coffee with 2 to 3 spoons of coffee to a mug, thats like drinking 4 expressos in 1 sitting, and id have this 3 times a day. I became jittery, lost my job, my marriage fell apart, i was aggressive, on edge, couldnt sleep, almost suicidal. Then I gave up coffee, went 'cold turkey' withdrawals, same as heavy drugs. Now I only have the odd normal strength coffee now and then. So you see coffee can be very addictive, more so than drugs as it is so easy to get.
So coffee ruined your marriage and made you lose your job?
If you really have coffee addiction I suggest getting counseling or a clinic.0 -
Bad for your body how? Isn't it zero calories?0
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willrunformedals wrote: »Hey guys,
So in spite of knowing diet coke is bad for me I can't seem to quit.
1) I switched from regular coke YEARS ago on my first MFP attempt as a way to get the taste without the calories.
2) It's habit first thing in the morning, like ones morning coffee.
3) If I don't have one upon waking I get a MASSIVE headache late morning Which I know is a sign of addiction.
Does ANYONE have any suggestions to help cope with this? I know it's bad for my body, but as soon as the headaches hit I go right back. Please help
A massive headache? Or just a headache? If you have a diet coke does it go away? If so, that's just a headache. And means you're addicted to caffeine, not diet Coke.
Careful with your terminology, MASSIVE means much worse than you'd think it means.0 -
Instant/powdered coffee, I assume.
This doesn't make since??SoDamnHungry wrote: »Does diet coke have caffeine in it? I'm assuming it does. Then it's probably caffeine more than the taste of it. You can either quit cold turkey or try weaning yourself off of it by having less each day. Or try switching to tea which (depending on the tea) will have less caffeine.
But anyway, diet coke isn't TERRIBLE for you. However, having a chemical or caffeine dependency isn't that great for you. Good luck!
I went through a caffeine addiction, I was making my black coffee with 2 to 3 spoons of coffee to a mug , thats like drinking 4 expressos in 1 sitting, and id have this 3 times a day. I became jittery, lost my job, my marriage fell apart, i was aggressive, on edge, couldnt sleep, almost suicidal. Then I gave up coffee, went 'cold turkey' withdrawals, same as heavy drugs. Now I only have the odd normal strength coffee now and then. So you see coffee can be very addictive, more so than drugs as it is so easy to get.
OP, try cutting back a bit each day. Allow yourself a certain amount each day and budget when to drink them - that will help you feel more in control. Gradually cut back each day or week until you're not getting withdrawal headaches. And stop listening to the people that say Diet Coke is like heroin - that's ridiculous.
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When you are thirsty, have a glass of water. Sorry, this seems bizarre....-1
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The headaches are most likely caffeine withdrawal. You can try drinking tea instead. Doesn't have as much caffeine (i think?), but is better than soda for you.
If you're only drinking 1-2 a day, I wouldn't worry about. Everyone has foods they work into their daily calories that aren't necessarily 'healthy' for them. It's all about moderation. I still drink sodas, but I cut down quite a bit and now it's normally only for game nights. But then, I also switched to unsweet tea with Equal, so I was getting my caffeine that way. Well, until my doctor told me to cut back a bit, so I had to go with decaffeinated tea at home. But a moderate amount is fine, so having a couple of diet sodas a day isn't a big deal at all.0 -
willrunformedals wrote: »Hey guys,
So in spite of knowing diet coke is bad for me I can't seem to quit.
1) I switched from regular coke YEARS ago on my first MFP attempt as a way to get the taste without the calories.
2) It's habit first thing in the morning, like ones morning coffee.
3) If I don't have one upon waking I get a MASSIVE headache late morning Which I know is a sign of addiction.
Does ANYONE have any suggestions to help cope with this? I know it's bad for my body, but as soon as the headaches hit I go right back. Please help
A massive headache? Or just a headache? If you have a diet coke does it go away? If so, that's just a headache. And means you're addicted to caffeine, not diet Coke.
Careful with your terminology, MASSIVE means much worse than you'd think it means.
I think the icepick to the temple feeling constitutes as massive. And 9/10 after I drink it goes away.
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To all those asking, aside from one in the morning I MAY have one more in the evening but that's it.
Thank you for all the advice I will speak to my Doc the next time I see her. 0 -
From the numerous "I'm addicted to diet soda" threads on here. I conclude that the stuff is evil!
I've never even tasted diet soda
My advice, bite the bullet and get it out of your system asap.0 -
christinev297 wrote: »From the numerous "I'm addicted to diet soda" threads on here. I conclude that the stuff is evil!
I've never even tasted diet soda
My advice, bite the bullet and get it out of your system asap.
But it's always Diet Coke, never Diet Pepsi or Diet Dr. Pepper.0 -
TheVirgoddess wrote: »christinev297 wrote: »From the numerous "I'm addicted to diet soda" threads on here. I conclude that the stuff is evil!
I've never even tasted diet soda
My advice, bite the bullet and get it out of your system asap.
But it's always Diet Coke, never Diet Pepsi or Diet Dr. Pepper.
I haven't noticed. Will pay more attention.
I'm surprised coca cola haven't opened a rehab centre yet..
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willrunformedals wrote: »willrunformedals wrote: »Hey guys,
So in spite of knowing diet coke is bad for me I can't seem to quit.
1) I switched from regular coke YEARS ago on my first MFP attempt as a way to get the taste without the calories.
2) It's habit first thing in the morning, like ones morning coffee.
3) If I don't have one upon waking I get a MASSIVE headache late morning Which I know is a sign of addiction.
Does ANYONE have any suggestions to help cope with this? I know it's bad for my body, but as soon as the headaches hit I go right back. Please help
A massive headache? Or just a headache? If you have a diet coke does it go away? If so, that's just a headache. And means you're addicted to caffeine, not diet Coke.
Careful with your terminology, MASSIVE means much worse than you'd think it means.
I think the icepick to the temple feeling constitutes as massive. And 9/10 after I drink it goes away.
I think if a helping of soda makes the pain go away, it's not a lot of pain. A caffeine headache is not a bad headache. It's annoying, I'll give you that. I've had them, back when I used to drink a lot of diet soda. They aren't nearly as painful as say, a craniotomy.0 -
Honestly they aren't that bad for you in the grand scheme of things. Take good care of your teeth, eat a balanced diet, and enjoy your diet cokes. Life is short. Or if you really want to, please them out gradually. No big deal.0
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willrunformedals wrote: »To all those asking, aside from one in the morning I MAY have one more in the evening but that's it.
Thank you for all the advice I will speak to my Doc the next time I see her.
That doesn't sound like an unrealistic amount! What is prompting your belief that you think you should quit? I've been drinking Diet Coke for 20+ years and have no intent to give it up, though I have cut back in the lsst couple years?..
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Actually "Diet Coke" tends to make people drink more as it is the goal of the product and actually causes people to gain weight (also a goal of the product). I'd suggest switching back to regular coke, since it is easier for your body to metabolize BUT buy those teeny tiny 6oz cans they sell now, dilute each bottle with carbonated water to a taste you can cope with and start weening yourself that way. Also, start purchasing caffeine free Coke as a treat you can have at the end of the day if you can stick to your daily goal of consumption. Evenings are the hardest so make it a reward. By pushing back your drinking time day by day thusly making your window smaller and smaller to drink coke you will in fact drink less.... eventually. But go at it slow and steady. Cold turkey wont work. Sugar and caffeine are drugs. Unless you intend to do a cleanse of not just Coke, but all things your body and mind will fight back.0
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