HELP! I'm Addicted to Cherry Coke!

LaMujerMasBonitaDelMundo

I drink cherry coke zero, and I have never had any problems. I don't let it replace my water intake, but its a nice treat with zero calories and extra energy. I have never found any legitimate study that says aspartame has any ill effects. The whole "it makes you crave real sugar" is a myth.

No it won't make you crave real sugar but it has ill effects on your health.

astorminside

okay here's what i do to get rid of any craving (especially for peanut butter)
as soon as i get up to go get the food item i make myself go get water
then i drink as much water as i think i can handle at the moment, usually 2 cups.
after that i go get whatever i want and have just a little bit to cure the craving before going back for more water.

i'm addicted to water!
but that's a good thing

also if you don't have a soda for about two weeks it will hurt your stomach the next time and then you don't even want them!

rjmwx81

Not from the aspartame or artificial sweeteners : caused by the phosphoric acid in the soda regular Coke, Dr. Pepper and others are included....

I'm curious, do you have any scientific studies that back this up? For the last several years all I heard was "Aspertame, aspertame, aspertame" until it became clear that the science didn't back up the paranoia. And now, suddenly, in every thread that mentions diet soda, it's "Phosphoric acid, phosphoric acid, phosphoric acid."

I'm not saying you're wrong, I would just like to see some actual scientific evidence from SOMEONE.

gertudejekyl

I like it too:flowerforyou:

jasonthekidd

Soda = BAD. There is absolutely no benefit to drinking soda or any sugary drinks and I'm pretty sure we can blame soda for 3/4 of America's obesity problem. They are trying to ban sodas over a certain size here in NY. Switch to water and just imagine that it's a refreshing cherry coke. LOL

LadyBeryl

If you don't mind experimenting, you might want to make your own. Reading this thread has me curious about how it could be done.

I drink fizzy water daily but try to reduce or eliminate refined sugar in my diet. The SodaStream syrups use Splenda. They make a "Cola" flavor and maybe adding Sugar-Free Davinci Cherry Syrup at the right level will result in a tasty alternative. DaVinci also uses Splenda.

RichOC

I was a big time pop addict. It would be nothing for me to hit 3 - 5 cans a day. I wish I had some sweet trick or awesome advice to give you to help you give it up. I was watching the super bowl this past Feb (2/8/12) and I think I was closing in on finishing a 2 liter. I looked down at my soda and just thought about how crappy this soda was actually making me feel. I decided at that moment that I would just give it up and quit cold turkey. Withdrawls sucked and I used sweet tea to help me get through that and after about a month I was good.

I'm not sure that I'll give it up forever, that seems like a bold statement, but I feel like it's up to me now and not the soda...

biglewswife2

FYI: The sugar consumption involved in drinking soda is cited for causing tooth decay. However, the acid in soda has been shown to erode tooth enamel, leading to dental cavities as well. In fact, the acid in soda can begin damaging enamel just 20 minutes after drinking soda.

Caffeine dependence may also form as a result of drinking soda that contains caffeine. Research suggests that individuals can develop caffeine dependence as a result of drinking soda and may experience withdrawal when caffeine consumption decreases.

Another unfortunate health effect of drinking soda is the weakening of bones. Some animal studies have shown that phosphorus in soda leaches calcium from bones. Similar studies on humans have suggested that drinking soda may lead to a tendency toward broken bones.

Many individuals choose to drink diet soda in order to avoid the sugar and calories in regular soda. Drinking diet soda, however, is not a perfect solution. Diet soda drinkers are still vulnerable to the acidic effects of soda. Furthermore, some artificial sweeteners, commonly used in diet soda, may contribute to serious health issues as well.

Some effects of diet soda are felt throughout the body, and this type of drink can lead to kidney damage, bone loss and stroke. Many people who drink diet soda assume this beverage, because it does not contain calories, will help their weight loss efforts.

If you want a fizzy drink go to one that has "natural" ingredients....if you can't read the name you shouldn't put it into your body!!!

EnchantedEvening

I drink cherry coke zero, and I have never had any problems. I don't let it replace my water intake, but its a nice treat with zero calories and extra energy. I have never found any legitimate study that says aspartame has any ill effects. The whole "it makes you crave real sugar" is a myth.

No it won't make you crave real sugar but it has ill effects on your health.

Prove it. Show me a link to an actual study by actual doctors.

BandedTriaRN

I was massively addicted to coca cola (the regular type with sugar). I would try to give it up and get horrible headaches and finally about 20 years ago, I said "enough is enough" and went through withdrawal cold turkey. I would not allow myself to have one. I did occasionally have a diet soda but those hurt my stomach and it was a very very rare thing if I even have a soda (well, I had lap band surgery in Sept 2011 so no more at all). It was tough but you can do it. If you still want to try drinking diet sodas, you can add some davinci's sugar free cherry syrup to it to wean yourself to the point where you can quit (or do they make diet cherry coke?). I know it can be hard to get accustomed to but they really aren't that good for you. Good luck. It took me several attempts to break the habit!

astorminside

Prove it. Show me a link to an actual study by actual doctors.

just wondering, why do you need an actual study?
you're already on the internet, just look it up yourself lol

biglewswife2

Phosphoric acid has been linked to lower bone density in some epidemiological studies, including a discussion in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.

biglewswife2

Not from the aspartame or artificial sweeteners : caused by the phosphoric acid in the soda regular Coke, Dr. Pepper and others are included....

I'm curious, do you have any scientific studies that back this up? For the last several years all I heard was "Aspertame, aspertame, aspertame" until it became clear that the science didn't back up the paranoia. And now, suddenly, in every thread that mentions diet soda, it's "Phosphoric acid, phosphoric acid, phosphoric acid."

I'm not saying you're wrong, I would just like to see some actual scientific evidence from SOMEONE.

teacupowl

I kicked the soda habit a loooong time ago due to problems with my bladder, but every now and then I just *have* to have something fizzy. So I keep several yummy flavors of sparkling water around, because it isn't the caffeine or the sugar I'm craving, just that bubble-bursting fizz! It's really hard to quit, but you can do it!

(But I will agree that cherry coke is probably my biggest soda weakness ever. I will have a zero cherry coke maybe once every couple of months, just as a really special treat. )

WillPowerYes

Prove it. Show me a link to an actual study by actual doctors.

just wondering, why do you need an actual study?
you're already on the internet, just look it up yourself lol

It's a hot button for some: the tossing out of facts or stats without any science based evidence. [Not to say that was what the OP did, I'm just commenting on why sometimes people will ask for a link.] Personally, I disregard most of what I read that throws out a "this is bad" comment, unless it is just a generic comment like "playing on the freeway is bad", which is common knowledge. People who can include a link to an article or website have a better chance of helping others to understand the point they are trying to make.

ncahigh

Not from the aspartame or artificial sweeteners : caused by the phosphoric acid in the soda regular Coke, Dr. Pepper and others are included....

I'm curious, do you have any scientific studies that back this up? For the last several years all I heard was "Aspertame, aspertame, aspertame" until it became clear that the science didn't back up the paranoia. And now, suddenly, in every thread that mentions diet soda, it's "Phosphoric acid, phosphoric acid, phosphoric acid."

I'm not saying you're wrong, I would just like to see some actual scientific evidence from SOMEONE.

I used to drink at least 1 coke a day. I stopped cold turkey last year for about 8 months. Some of the symptoms I was having went away. I was found to be VIT D deficient before stopping. I started drinking it again and some of my symptoms returned. I stopped drinking it again in April of this year. I had read some articles about phosphoric acid and calcium affecting your bones.

Here is one:
http://www.livestrong.com/article/468217-why-is-phosphoric-acid-bad-for-you/


and the author lists her references. There are probably more. And as with lots of studies you have opposing results. There is a beverage and soda lobby which tries to curtail information released / hires its own labs etc. This is the way most of the world works so you just have to decide for yourself.

The phosphoric acid put into colas is 75% to 85% phosphoric.

My husband used to drink lots of diet pepsi when he was 19 or 20 and developed kidney stones which the doctors told him were from the sodas. He never drinked diet after that.

oldmanstauf

I haven't kicked the soda habit and don't plan too, but I did find it useful to purchase cans rather than bottles. I tend to drink more just because it's available. If I only have 12oz in front of me, it's all I end up drinking. It's helped to drastically reduce my intake.

ravihira1892

Cherry coke zero ?

vim_n_vigor

You have it once a week, or you have it daily every week? I don't really see a problem in giving yourself that treat once a week. It is obviously something you really enjoy.

kimcoop

I drink Zevia sodas..Organic and sweetened with Stevia zero calories. They are at the health food stores. They might have Cherry flavor not sure.

JenniLisette

OMFG Me too!! so i stay away from it comletely... cuz the sec i get a taste of ANYTHING i want a cherry coke, and once i start to sip a cherry coke i cant stop.. one day i drank a 12 pack on my own over the entire weekend :sad: but when i was out i didnt get anymore and never lookd back..but miss it everyday.. seriously all i drink is water and occasionally tea..:flowerforyou:

microwoman999

First I agree with ravihira try cherry coke zero second you have to really force yourself to get 8 glasses of water in a day and if you don't like that try the mio drops, crystal light or some other form of water intake. It will really help your body. Next give yourself the Cherry coke as a treat so you know you need to work hard for it. Make yourself burn the calories before you get to drink it hope this helps before long you will crave other things good luck

bfitnbfab

That's funny, I'm addicted to Cherry Coke too! I used to drink like a six-pack a day. I drink my 8 glasses of water a day, but I try to make a 20 oz. Cherry Coke last me a week. That way I still get a little taste everyday.

inkandsheep

I have a can of Pepsi Max or Fanta Zero a day, max. I've cut out a lot of unhealthy snacks and treats from my diet so it's a good substitute for now. The artificial sweeteners probably aren't great but I figure my lifestyle is pretty healthy for the most part so it's ok...

I dink some flavoured waters if I fancy a sweet treat without sugar, too. But beware of some of the vitamin waters and such that actually contain sugar and have over 100 calories per bottle!

amymt10

I love my Pepsi!!! Regular not diet. So I switched to the mini ones, 7.5ozs. It gives me what I crave just smaller Sometimes I get the Pepsi Max 7.5oz, no calories in that one and it taste almost like a reg Pepsi. I do really like the new Pepsi Next, only 60 cals in a 12oz can.

yesca192324

I've basically kicked the soda habit. I have one maybe once every other week and I always always drink all of my water intake for the day or I don't treat myself. I've been loosing steadily and gaining muscle on top of it. For the most part I have a strict diet (I'd say strictish but friends say strict) but, i'll allow a diet soda every now and then as well with ice cream too ^.^ Just all that matters is my energy out for the week.

coolcatcan

I was a cherry coke/cherry pepsi addict as well. I just went cold turkey, that was what worked best for me. Haven't had a soda 1 1/2 years. It's really hard at first, but stay strong and those cravings will subside. I now just drink mainly water, and sometimes skim milk and unsweetened tea.

Good luck

amymt10

The rest of the day I do drink water, even w/lunch & dinner. So why not have that one Pepsi first thing in the morning

Veglady12

I had to due to my health. I was addicted to Diet Coke Lime. I know I was addicted because I went thru withdrawls. I gave up coffee too with no setbacks like the pop. My withdrawls only lasted three days. I craved pop when I had pizza, but did without. Now, it is a really big treat. I cannot due diet or aspertame. It gave me disease like states that increased my heartrate to 300beats a min during exercise, made me feel sick 100% of the time. Aspertame lives in your tissues for 3 months after you give it up. I felt 100% just two months after giving it up. Now, I drink Water with lemon. I have had two small pops, root beer and orange for a treat at a party, just sips really because it is too sweet now. It is an addiction. You just have to replace it and juices are no better for weight loss because of the sugar in it. The North American diet-pop every day, sometimes several a day-not healthy. It should be a treat on occasion.

ArroganceInStep

I drink diet soda.

That being said if you're trying to kick my advice is to start making deals with yourself.

"I'll have a soda but first I have to drink a pint of water"

"I'll have a soda but first I have to wait two hours and drink a liter of water"

"I'll have a soda but that's the only one I'll have for today, so I'll wait until after work and drink a gallon of water first"

Build up to it.