Pop (or soda): should I cut it out of my diet?

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  • rsclause
    rsclause Posts: 3,103 Member
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    Diet or regular soda pop is just junk you don't need. If you start drinking water it will grow on you. The best part is its free and there is plenty around. My daughter bought me a Hydroflask last year for fathers day and it is one of the best gifts I ever received. I put ice and water in it and it stays cold all day, even in a hot car.
  • Sunna_W
    Sunna_W Posts: 744 Member
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    Low blood sugar can also precipitate a migraine.

    Ref: https://www.migrainetrust.org/about-migraine/trigger-factors/hypoglycaemia/

    What I found was that by eating differently (paleo / keto)-ish my blood sugar was way more even though out the day and while I still have weather related symptoms (feeling like I am going to pass out, balance issues, popping in the ears, pains under / behind my eyes) I have not had a full blown / whole body migraine with the lights, sounds and nausea since about November of last year.

    I cannot imagine not eating this way pretty much forever. I am not hungry. I seem to be able to stay within my nutrition / calorie goals and I FEEL better. No aches, pains and I have lost almost 40 lbs almost without trying. (And, I am not always strict about eating no carbs -- I still occasionally allow myself some of the things that I like, {{{FRENCH FRIES}}} - just not more than once a week)

    I started by making incremental changes last November (one meal at a time), with the end goal being that I would hover around 1400 calories because as an older woman my skin doesn't bounce back as it did when I was younger. By losing the weight slowly, I have minimized the sagging skin.

    It took several months of tweaking before I finally found my "sweet spot" in terms of balance between carbs and protein and (since November I have lost about 40 pounds and 4 inches). And... I am only complaint calorie wise about 75% - 80% of the time. I have some health issues and can't really exercise. Despite this and being tied to a desk all day, I have lost and continue to lose weight.

    I encourage you to look at food differently by thinking about high protein/fat/fiber and low carbs/sugar meal planning (Paleo or Ketogenic).

    See this website for a list: http://paleoiq.com/best-paleo-diet-blogs/

    Another excellent website: https://www.westonaprice.org/book-reviews/thumbs-up-reviews/brain-maker-by-perlmutter-loberg/

    Discusses the gut (stomach, intestinal, colon) / brain connection and how many of our body ills actually originate in the gut when it is not populated with the correct beneficial bacteria. This cannot be accomplished by just eating yogurt or taking a probiotic, especially if you have yeast overgrowth -- a real possibility if you are drinking "pop". BTW, a number of studies indicate that artificial sweeteners are antagonists to the brain and contraindicated in people with migraines.

    Getting your gut healthy is a long process that includes decreasing sugars and simple starches (white flour) and creating the proper environment to repopulate the gut with beneficial bacteria.

    To create the "best" bowel milieu you have to think of it like a compost pile. Without beneficial microbes your compost rots...

    I use psyllium seed powder, rice bran powder, fermented veggies (kimchi and miso paste) blended with onions garlic, raw unpasteurized vinegar, good quality olive oil, parsley, cucumbers. It's a soupy kind of thing that tastes like a liquid salad.

    In my high fat greek yogurt I also add American Health Probiotic Acidophilus Liquid to boost the probiotics and let it sit overnight in the fridge.

    Sodium Butyrate (smells like stinky feet - but is awesome also).

    Ref: https://selfhacked.com/2016/05/07/health-benefits-butyrate-derivatives-sodium-butyrate-phenylbutyrate-trybutyrine-butyric-acid-butyrate-prodrugs-butyrate-producing-bacteria/

    Check out: https://www.westonaprice.org for more interesting gut nutrition info.
  • happysherri
    happysherri Posts: 1,360 Member
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    I have conditioned my taste buds to drink coke zero or diet dr pepper. I mainly drink coffee and water but I do allow myself a fizzy drink about 2 or 3 times a week. If a place only has diet coke (blech) - I will mix half diet coke and half regular. If you really want the full calorie drink, just work it into your day and have it. Good Luck
  • BPCycler
    BPCycler Posts: 92 Member
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    3bambi3 wrote: »
    HRL1130 wrote: »
    ABSOLUTELY cut the pop out of your diet- regular or diet. if you like fizzy, try switching to flavored seltzer water (with no artificial sweetener) or regular seltzer with lemon/lime or a shot of any 100% fruit juice for a little flavor/ sweetness. Avoid drinks with artificial sweeteners. They are linked to migraines and you already have them. Besides the fact that artificial sweeteners are like poison, cause inflammation, and dramatically increase insulin response- making you more hungry and can cause weight GAIN! If you are concerned about caffeine withdrawal, a cup of coffee/tea or green tea with honey or stevia can help.
    Good luck and good health!

    No, artificial sweeteners are not poison. And you do realize that Stevia is an artificial sweetener, yes?

    No, a zero calorie drink will not cause you to gain weight.


    Technically Stevia is considered a 'Novel Sweetener.' BUt it's okay for you.

    True Natural sweeteners would be things such as Agave nectar, Date sugar, Fruit juice concentrate, Honey, Maple syrup and Molasses.

  • Rayvis1014
    Rayvis1014 Posts: 36 Member
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    Lifestyle change is hard enough without having to give up EVERYTHING. Have you tried diet Mt. Dew? If not, maybe just account for those calories. I still drink almost 170 calories worth of coffee creamer every day and it hasn't affected my losses (I log it). But if you can learn to like diet soda it will help. I've read all the studies and I agree with everyone who says it's NOT harmful.
  • BPCycler
    BPCycler Posts: 92 Member
    edited June 2017
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    stanmann571 wrote: »

    Do you know what else is okay for you... aspartame and sucralose.


    I guess Aspartame is safe as long as you don't have phenylketonuria. I avoid it myself. Would like to see further studies on it. I'm on the fence with Sucralose, but DO use it in moderation.

    For me though, one thing is clear; more studies need to be performed on all types of sweeteners. This is a case where moderation is truly the key. Though it may be (or not) healthier to lean towards the more natural sweeteners, when in doubt, practice moderation or avoid sweeteners entirely.
  • whitpauly
    whitpauly Posts: 1,483 Member
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    Fit one a day in somewhere, yeah its "junk food" but as a migraine sufferer myself sometimes the diet versions of soda bring them on,think the sweetener in them
  • BPCycler
    BPCycler Posts: 92 Member
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    stanmann571 wrote: »
    BPCycler wrote: »
    stanmann571 wrote: »

    Do you know what else is okay for you... aspartame and sucralose.


    I guess Aspartame is safe as long as you don't have phenylketonuria. I avoid it myself. Would like to see further studies on it. I'm on the fence with Sucralose, but DO use it in moderation.

    For me though, one thing is clear; more studies need to be performed on all types of sweeteners. This is a case where moderation is truly the key. Though it may be (or not) healthier to lean towards the more natural sweeteners, when in doubt, practice moderation or avoid sweeteners entirely.

    40 years of studies aren't sufficient??

    There isn't complete agreement on the results of some of the studies of Aspartame. There has been some question as to the results of some of the studies. It could be fine. I just don't use it.
  • GottaBurnEmAll
    GottaBurnEmAll Posts: 7,722 Member
    edited June 2017
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    I get barometric migraines on the regular, and that often means having them quite frequently.

    Are your migraines chronic?

    Perhaps you should see a headache specialist. I did and am forever glad for doing so.

    I agree with the poster who said that caffeine is caffeine. Heck, you could take an Excedrin Migraine and get the same amount of caffeine as what's in the Mountain Dew. It's likely the sugar that's doing something for you at this point, and if that's the case, perhaps reviewing your diet to balance your macros differently (though not necessarily low carb or paleo as suggested upthread) might be helpful.
  • CMNVA
    CMNVA Posts: 733 Member
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    stanmann571 wrote: »
    BPCycler wrote: »
    stanmann571 wrote: »
    BPCycler wrote: »
    stanmann571 wrote: »

    Do you know what else is okay for you... aspartame and sucralose.


    I guess Aspartame is safe as long as you don't have phenylketonuria. I avoid it myself. Would like to see further studies on it. I'm on the fence with Sucralose, but DO use it in moderation.

    For me though, one thing is clear; more studies need to be performed on all types of sweeteners. This is a case where moderation is truly the key. Though it may be (or not) healthier to lean towards the more natural sweeteners, when in doubt, practice moderation or avoid sweeteners entirely.

    40 years of studies aren't sufficient??

    There isn't complete agreement on the results of some of the studies of Aspartame. There has been some question as to the results of some of the studies. It could be fine. I just don't use it.

    Actually that's not true.

    The studies have consistently shown that it is utterly and entirely safe... unless you have phenylketonuria.

    And like any chemical you put in your body, some people don't do well with it. I am one of those. Put it in my tea for years. I don't feel it's unsafe but it caused demonstrable bladder irritation for me.
  • BPCycler
    BPCycler Posts: 92 Member
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    stanmann571 wrote: »
    BPCycler wrote: »
    stanmann571 wrote: »
    BPCycler wrote: »
    stanmann571 wrote: »

    Do you know what else is okay for you... aspartame and sucralose.

    I guess Aspartame is safe as long as you don't have phenylketonuria. I avoid it myself. Would like to see further studies on it. I'm on the fence with Sucralose, but DO use it in moderation.

    For me though, one thing is clear; more studies need to be performed on all types of sweeteners. This is a case where moderation is truly the key. Though it may be (or not) healthier to lean towards the more natural sweeteners, when in doubt, practice moderation or avoid sweeteners entirely.

    40 years of studies aren't sufficient??

    There isn't complete agreement on the results of some of the studies of Aspartame. There has been some question as to the results of some of the studies. It could be fine. I just don't use it.

    Actually that's not true.

    The studies have consistently shown that it is utterly and entirely safe... unless you have phenylketonuria.

    And it's FDA approved. So if someone likes it, and wants it, use it. I pass on it though. Personal choice.
  • BPCycler
    BPCycler Posts: 92 Member
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    Poisonedpawn78 wrote: »
    BPCycler wrote: »
    There isn't complete agreement on the results of some of the studies of Aspartame. There has been some question as to the results of some of the studies. It could be fine. I just don't use it.

    Careful with that kind of thinking. Global warming is accepted by 95% of scientists as fact. The other 5%? they are being PAID to oppose that fact. You will NEVER have 100% acceptance on anything when the other side is trying to profit from it.

    Or vice versa. ;-)

    Anyway, I DID say "I guess Aspartame is safe as long as you don't have phenylketonuria." I opt not to use it as a sweetener though. I also stressed that as with anything, moderation is key.
  • stanmann571
    stanmann571 Posts: 5,728 Member
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    CMNVA wrote: »
    stanmann571 wrote: »
    BPCycler wrote: »
    stanmann571 wrote: »
    BPCycler wrote: »
    stanmann571 wrote: »

    Do you know what else is okay for you... aspartame and sucralose.


    I guess Aspartame is safe as long as you don't have phenylketonuria. I avoid it myself. Would like to see further studies on it. I'm on the fence with Sucralose, but DO use it in moderation.

    For me though, one thing is clear; more studies need to be performed on all types of sweeteners. This is a case where moderation is truly the key. Though it may be (or not) healthier to lean towards the more natural sweeteners, when in doubt, practice moderation or avoid sweeteners entirely.

    40 years of studies aren't sufficient??

    There isn't complete agreement on the results of some of the studies of Aspartame. There has been some question as to the results of some of the studies. It could be fine. I just don't use it.

    Actually that's not true.

    The studies have consistently shown that it is utterly and entirely safe... unless you have phenylketonuria.

    And like any chemical you put in your body, some people don't do well with it. I am one of those. Put it in my tea for years. I don't feel it's unsafe but it caused demonstrable bladder irritation for me.

    I quit using it in my hot coffee because it ended up decomposing before drinking...
  • Derf_Smeggle
    Derf_Smeggle Posts: 611 Member
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    OP,

    You have to test out what works for you in the long term. If a can of soda a day fits into your calorie allowance and you can stick with 1 can, then no need to change. If diet soda works for you, then okay. If you cannot control your soda intake and it sends you over your calorie allowance, then maybe you need to eliminate it.

    I personally cannot manage the first, cannot stand the second, so am on the last method. I find my consumption creeps up after about 4 to 6 weeks. I rationalize that I'll get back on track with 1 can a day, but don't. It's one thing where I'm at one end of the extreme or the other. Coming up on 6 weeks soda and caffeine free.
  • MistressMandoli
    MistressMandoli Posts: 3 Member
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    I cut soda out of my diet entirely a little over a year ago. One day, I just wanted water for a drink at dinner. Never looked back since. There are still times when I wish I could have a 20oz, but I'm resisting temptation.

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