Diet Soda's and Artificial Sweeteners

natalienovella88

Hey you guys. I just need your advice/opinions on diet sodas and artificial sweeteners. What have you noticed with these? Were those of you who occasionally use them still able to lose weight? Some ppl are so against using them and some ppl dont care but at the end of the day I still see both fat and skinny ppl drinking/using diet soda's and artificial sweeteners. I drink a cup of coffee every morning and I like to add sugar free vanilla creamer, which contains aspartame... I'd rather use that then to have the calories regualr vanilla creamer contains and when I go out to dinner occasionally, I like to have a Diet Coke, but now after reading all this gossip on the matter I don't know which choice is right... Sugar free or regular? I can tell you right now there ain't no way I could possibly drink a cup of coffee black... not for me. I guess my biggest concern is if I continue to occasionally use these sugar free products, is it going to inhibit my weight loss journey? Any advice/opion would be greatly appreciated!! Thanks all!

now_or_never13

Sugar free products will not harm your weight loss. Diet coke and sweeteners will not harm your weight loss as they are zero calories.

Some people experience migraines or bloating due to artificial sweeteners. That would be the only real reason not to consume those items. If you have no issues with them than drink them/use them. Nothing wrong with it.

People will tell you they are terrible... they cause cancer... they aren't processed by your body.. they make you gain weight. I have yet to see one peer reviewed study on humans proving they are bad. There is a lot of crap posted about them out there.

Zero calorie products will not harm your goals.

RobinV_Seattle

Weeellllll... I don't think I will ever be able to give up diet soda completely, I have cut back drastically. I just don't see the sense in putting all of the chemicals, artificial colorings and flavors, etc. into my body when I am making such an effort to eat so much better and exercise. And, since I cut down to one or two a week instead of two or three a day, I have seen much less bloating and less cravings for sweets in general.

That being said, I am a self-admitted caffeine addict. I've switched to brewing my own iced teas - either the flavored ones or I'll infuse it with fruit or ccinnamon or vanilla beans, etc. I do still drink flavored creamer in my coffee - fat-free but not sugar-free - and I just budget that into my calories for the day.

CyberEd312

I drink 2 to 3 Diet Pepsi a day and have managed to lose a few pounds... I for one do not by into the fear mongering... At 560 lbs. 43 months ago there is a good chance I wouldn't even be here today so a couple diet soda's is quite aright in the grand scheme of things... Best of Luck..

NoahandPresleysMom

Sugar free products will not harm your weight loss. Diet coke and sweeteners will not harm your weight loss as they are zero calories.

Some people experience migraines or bloating due to artificial sweeteners. That would be the only real reason not to consume those items. If you have no issues with them than drink them/use them. Nothing wrong with it.

People will tell you they are terrible... they cause cancer... they aren't processed by your body.. they make you gain weight. I have yet to see one peer reviewed study on humans proving they are bad. There is a lot of crap posted about them out there.

Zero calorie products will not harm your goals.

!!!!!!!!!! agree !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Dollymaker

I drink 2 to 3 Diet Pepsi a day and have managed to lose a few pounds... I for one do not by into the fear mongering... At 560 lbs. 43 months ago there is a good chance I wouldn't even be here today so a couple diet soda's is quite aright in the grand scheme of things... Best of Luck..

I agree! And good for you, Ed....what an accomplishment!

kusterer

The main "bad thing" about diet sodas and fake sweeteners that I believe is this: eventually, I am going to have to lessen my taste and craving for sweet stuff, and diet sodas don't help me do that. So I try to avoid them, but I am not completely successful.

Railr0aderTony

I cut back on diet soda, but still use splenda for about a pot of coffee a day, has not slowed me down one bit. still have about 1 can of diet soda a day but also drink loads of water. Good luck

brandyanne0204

Hey you guys. I just need your advice/opinions on diet sodas and artificial sweeteners. What have you noticed with these? Were those of you who occasionally use them still able to lose weight? Some ppl are so against using them and some ppl dont care but at the end of the day I still see both fat and skinny ppl drinking/using diet soda's and artificial sweeteners. I drink a cup of coffee every morning and I like to add sugar free vanilla creamer, which contains aspartame... I'd rather use that then to have the calories regualr vanilla creamer contains and when I go out to dinner occasionally, I like to have a Diet Coke, but now after reading all this gossip on the matter I don't know which choice is right... Sugar free or regular? I can tell you right now there ain't no way I could possibly drink a cup of coffee black... not for me. I guess my biggest concern is if I continue to occasionally use these sugar free products, is it going to inhibit my weight loss journey? Any advice/opion would be greatly appreciated!! Thanks all!

I just read this article on Yahoo about diet sodas that I think is really interesting:

http://shine.yahoo.com/healthy-living/study-diet-soda-increases-risk-diabetes-why-still-192600358.html

CristinaL1983

I have managed to lose about 36 lbs drinking diet soda (and eating sensibly and working out). If I have a craving for something sweet, diet soda helps calm that craving. It also helps me feel a little bit fuller.

The things I keep seeing on these posts are pretty absurd and don't really worry me.

Yes, if you don't take care of your teeth diet soda, regular soda, orange juice etc... will wear down down the enamel.

Sodas are acidic, just like fruits, fruit juices, stomach acid, vinegar, etc...

Yes aspartame is broken down into things that can sound scary if you want them to but milk and fruits are broken down into the same components in much larger quantities.

I have not seen one peer reviewed research journal saying that insulin spikes as a result of drinking diet soda and people who have diabetes and have to worry about that kind of thing say that they don't.

Point is that I have yet to see one piece of information that says that diet soda is actually bad and it is helpful to me so I continue drinking them.

BaileyBoo13524

I used to drink up to 3-4 Diet Cokes per day and went cold turkey on the first of the year. I don't miss it and neither does my body which has just been my personal experience. I had migraines for about a week after quitting. I have seen studies that show aspartame is very bad for the human body, however, I believe there are so many other bad things out there that can kill us that if you enjoy diet cola then drink it.

brandyanne0204

I have managed to lose about 36 lbs drinking diet soda (and eating sensibly and working out). If I have a craving for something sweet, diet soda helps calm that craving. It also helps me feel a little bit fuller.

The things I keep seeing on these posts are pretty absurd and don't really worry me.

Yes, if you don't take care of your teeth diet soda, regular soda, orange juice etc... will wear down down the enamel.

Sodas are acidic, just like fruits, fruit juices, stomach acid, vinegar, etc...

Yes aspartame is broken down into things that can sound scary if you want them to but milk and fruits are broken down into the same components in much larger quantities.

I have not seen one peer reviewed research journal saying that insulin spikes as a result of drinking diet soda and people who have diabetes and have to worry about that kind of thing say that they don't.

Point is that I have yet to see one piece of information that says that diet soda is actually bad and it is helpful to me so I continue drinking them.

I just read this article on Yahoo about diet sodas:

http://shine.yahoo.com/healthy-living/study-diet-soda-increases-risk-diabetes-why-still-192600358.html

rluedtke

As mentioned, the artificial sweetener doesn't impact some people. For me, it makes me crave more sweets. There are many studies about this.

I used to drink 1 or more diet coke a day. In 2006 I stopped, and switched to club soda. I may have the odd diet ginger ale but I find I want something sweet hours after I have it. So no more for me. It's club soda, Perrier or San Pellegrino.

I also used to use Splenda in my coffee and slowly cut back last year, since May 2012 I no longer have it in my coffee. Just cream or milk. Now, I find the taste repulsive.

Splenda or Stevia are better no calorie sweeteners.

CristinaL1983

I have managed to lose about 36 lbs drinking diet soda (and eating sensibly and working out). If I have a craving for something sweet, diet soda helps calm that craving. It also helps me feel a little bit fuller.

The things I keep seeing on these posts are pretty absurd and don't really worry me.

Yes, if you don't take care of your teeth diet soda, regular soda, orange juice etc... will wear down down the enamel.

Sodas are acidic, just like fruits, fruit juices, stomach acid, vinegar, etc...

Yes aspartame is broken down into things that can sound scary if you want them to but milk and fruits are broken down into the same components in much larger quantities.

I have not seen one peer reviewed research journal saying that insulin spikes as a result of drinking diet soda and people who have diabetes and have to worry about that kind of thing say that they don't.

Point is that I have yet to see one piece of information that says that diet soda is actually bad and it is helpful to me so I continue drinking them.

I just read this article on Yahoo about diet sodas:

http://shine.yahoo.com/healthy-living/study-diet-soda-increases-risk-diabetes-why-still-192600358.html

I just finished reading it. I'm a skeptic at heart and the fact that it does say that it makes insulin spike is very interesting. Of course I think the diabetes thing is more a case of correlation rather than causation. And like the article says the relationship remains to be seen.

BaileyBoo13524

As mentioned, the artificial sweetener doesn't impact some people. For me, it makes me crave more sweets. There are many studies about this.

I used to drink 1 or more diet coke a day. In 2006 I stopped, and switched to club soda. I may have the odd diet ginger ale but I find I want something sweet hours after I have it. So no more for me. It's club soda, Perrier or San Pellegrino.

I also used to use Splenda in my coffee and slowly cut back last year, since May 2012 I no longer have it in my coffee. Just cream or milk. Now, I find the taste repulsive.

Splenda or Stevia are better no calorie sweeteners.

This is wrong Splenda has aspartame in it and is terrible. Stevia and Truvia are all natural.

now_or_never13

As mentioned, the artificial sweetener doesn't impact some people. For me, it makes me crave more sweets. There are many studies about this.

I used to drink 1 or more diet coke a day. In 2006 I stopped, and switched to club soda. I may have the odd diet ginger ale but I find I want something sweet hours after I have it. So no more for me. It's club soda, Perrier or San Pellegrino.

I also used to use Splenda in my coffee and slowly cut back last year, since May 2012 I no longer have it in my coffee. Just cream or milk. Now, I find the taste repulsive.

Splenda or Stevia are better no calorie sweeteners.

This is wrong Splenda has aspartame in it and is terrible. Stevia and Truvia are all natural.

Truvia is processed... and regardless, all natural doesn't mean safe or healthy. There is still no real proof that aspartame is terrible as you say.

I just read this article on Yahoo about diet sodas:

http://shine.yahoo.com/healthy-living/study-diet-soda-increases-risk-diabetes-why-still-192600358.html

Sorry but Yahoo doesn't have a reputation of actually providing real information or newsworthy stuff.

volume77

I LOVE DIET SODAS AND ARTIFICIAL SWEETENERS

Deanna_garnermommy

Are you kidding me????? Its horrible for you. I can't believe these messages from people.
Do your research. Gosh I am mortified by these responses.

http://www.fitday.com/fitness-articles/nutrition/healthy-eating/5-reasons-aspartame-is-bad-for-you.html

CristinaL1983

As mentioned, the artificial sweetener doesn't impact some people. For me, it makes me crave more sweets. There are many studies about this.

I used to drink 1 or more diet coke a day. In 2006 I stopped, and switched to club soda. I may have the odd diet ginger ale but I find I want something sweet hours after I have it. So no more for me. It's club soda, Perrier or San Pellegrino.

I also used to use Splenda in my coffee and slowly cut back last year, since May 2012 I no longer have it in my coffee. Just cream or milk. Now, I find the taste repulsive.

Splenda or Stevia are better no calorie sweeteners.

This is wrong Splenda has aspartame in it and is terrible. Stevia and Truvia are all natural.

It has aspartame in it? The only ingredients I could find were sucralose, dextrose, and maltodextrin.

ETA: NO, Splenda does not have aspartame in it. I looked it up.

corneredbycorn

I dri two Coke Zeros a day. I would like to cut back, not because of weight issues, but for the sake of my teeth. I also don't want my daughter to pick up the soda habit and it will be a lot easier to nip that in the bud if at least one of her parents doesn't drink it.

corneredbycorn

I do use Truvia, daily, and I will not be stopping that any time soon.

Brianna72994

Drinking diet Pepsi as I'm reading this.

I'm sick of people complaining about diet soda. Don't like it, then don't drink it.

CristinaL1983

Are you kidding me????? Its horrible for you. I can't believe these messages from people.
Do your research. Gosh I am mortified by these responses.

http://www.fitday.com/fitness-articles/nutrition/healthy-eating/5-reasons-aspartame-is-bad-for-you.html

FitDay is not exactly a reliable source nor is it scientific.

Here is one of hundreds of scientific research papers finding that aspartame is not only one of the single most thoroughly tested products but that it is safe in almost every way. http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0273230002915424

kimosabe1

I have been type one diabetic 28 years and have had NutraSweet and diet soda since that time. 3 diet soda's per day and 5 tablespoons of Splenda for 28 years and my body is clear of any problem!! now what??

d3va

Interesting article - i keep the idea of anything in moderation or less is okay. I will have the occasionaly diet soda - but over the last 7 years - my house has stopped keeping soda in it. We drink water and sometimes if we get sick of water - we do sugar free, lo or no calorie drink mixes like fruit punch.

Just an idea - if you have a sweet craving for a drink, I usually have a glass of sweet red wine - cause its good for you!

jennlynlyn

Hi there,

I used to drink a LOT of diet coke. I decided to stop drinking it mainly because of the food choices that I always made with it. I used to plan my meal around the pop! So it's easier for me to forgo the triple cheese pizza for a salad if I already know I'm drinking ice water.

paperpudding

All things in moderation.

I dont drink it a lot and I have coffee unsweetened and I drink water at home and at work - but I do drink couple of diet cokes a week when I am out, which Im sure is better for my weight loss goal than regular coke/soft drink.

vllasher

Here you go, a review of some of the studies and the results: http://www.sciencebasedmedicine.org/index.php/aspartame-truth-vs-fiction/

If aspartame sweetened products taste good to you, not bitter as they do to some people (including me), then you would probably find Stevia an acceptable substitute in your coffee, or other beverages you make yourself. I drink filtered water and unsweetened teas - both herbal and black. On the rare occasion when I drink coffee at home I use agave syrup, check the sugar content, they vary by brand. It is slightly lower on the glycemic index than sugar and is sweeter; but it also has a distinctive flavor that is an acquired taste. If I have coffee out I use Splenda, which is Sucralose, and has it's own controversies; but I don't use it very often.

blu_meanie_ca

Phenylalanine isn't a health concern for most people. However, for people who have the genetic disorder phenylketonuria (PKU) or certain other health conditions, phenylalanine can be a serious health concern (mayoclinic.com)

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/phenylalanine/AN01552


There, if you don't trust world leaders in health and cancer research, there is nothing I can do for you.

paperpudding

Yes, people with PKU are a unique group for whom aspartame is very bad - Im sure anyone posting knows if they have this condition though.

NerdyTXChick

Here is one of hundreds of scientific research papers finding that aspartame is not only one of the single most thoroughly tested products but that it is safe in almost every way. http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0273230002915424

^^^This. I've been researching this subject for a while now – not that I'm an expert, take my opinion with a grain of salt just like any other.

We live in a weird time where there's a ton of information available, but no real way of knowing what's actually true. If I believed everything I read, I wouldn't be able to eat anything! So here's what I believe; the FDA says that aspartame is safe, and is one of the most tested products out there. I believe that. But I also believe it's possible there are problems they're not aware of. So my solution is to use it in moderation. If I find it causes cravings, I'll stop using it.