Crystal light or diet soda?
Replies
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Jhenryesq88310 wrote: »Neither. Both trick your body's insulin response and you end up storing weight. Yes diet drinks make you gain weight. Drink water. Add lemon or cucumber if you don't like the taste.
Tricks it into doing what? I never got the whole "artificial sweetener makes your body release insulin" thing. I mean the major sweeteners that people talk about are 0 on the GI scale, and there would probably be a lot of dead diabetics if it did what people claim it does.
There is evidence that sweeteners do affect insulin. This is caused by certain parts of the structure mimicking intermediate metabolites (I'm not a biochemist and it's along time since I've done any). But - there are also some papers that refute this.
So - you reads your information, you makes your informed choice.0 -
chrismellor01 wrote: »Jhenryesq88310 wrote: »Neither. Both trick your body's insulin response and you end up storing weight. Yes diet drinks make you gain weight. Drink water. Add lemon or cucumber if you don't like the taste.
Tricks it into doing what? I never got the whole "artificial sweetener makes your body release insulin" thing. I mean the major sweeteners that people talk about are 0 on the GI scale, and there would probably be a lot of dead diabetics if it did what people claim it does.
There is evidence that sweeteners do affect insulin. This is caused by certain parts of the structure mimicking intermediate metabolites (I'm not a biochemist and it's along time since I've done any). But - there are also some papers that refute this.
So - you reads your information, you makes your informed choice.
Even if certain sweeteners do affect insulin as you've stated, why do individuals with no issues with insulin sensitivity or insulin resistance, need to be concerned about this?5 -
diannethegeek wrote: »I'm just going to leave this here: http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/1308408/why-aspartame-isnt-scary/p1
Aspartame is just one sweetener. And to be fair, there is so much information and interpretation going on - there is no one definitive answer. Unfortunately.
There are many other issue going on, besides the biochemical. Psychology plays a big part, sweet things make you want more sweet things etc. There is also what effect foodstuffs have on your digestive system (flora/fauna) - this is now being show to be very important.
At end of day there are as many right and wrongs as there are individuals.
Moderation in all things and make your choices on informed reading.
Be aware of sources that also try to sell you things and also sources that offer to have "the answer". Also when sources are funded by the very people that the article is about.0 -
chrismellor01 wrote: »diannethegeek wrote: »I'm just going to leave this here: http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/1308408/why-aspartame-isnt-scary/p1
Aspartame is just one sweetener. And to be fair, there is so much information and interpretation going on - there is no one definitive answer. Unfortunately.
There are many other issue going on, besides the biochemical. Psychology plays a big part, sweet things make you want more sweet things etc. There is also what effect foodstuffs have on your digestive system (flora/fauna) - this is now being show to be very important.
At end of day there are as many right and wrongs as there are individuals.
Moderation in all things and make your choices on informed reading.
Be aware of sources that also try to sell you things and also sources that offer to have "the answer". Also when sources are funded by the very people that the article is about.
Which other sweeteners are you worried about in Crystal Light or diet sodas? You mentioned sugar alcohols before. I've never come across them in diet drinks. Which are they in? Why does craving sweeter things (which has never been a problem for me with diet sodas - if anything they help curb my cravings) matter to someone counting calories and staying in a deficit? Why do you think I don't know how to vet a source or that the link I posted is trying to sell something or funded by Big Aspartame? Of the two of you, I think I'll trust the biochemist who wrote the link I posted.8 -
WinoGelato wrote: »
Even if certain sweeteners do affect insulin as you've stated, why do individuals with no issues with insulin sensitivity or insulin resistance, need to be concerned about this?
Why would be concerned about anything?
We always thought that lots of sunlight was great for you until we realized that too much gives you cancer. Now, we know enough to put sun screen on or cover up.
IF there is something that may affect my health, I think I need to be concerned to the point where I read about it and make my own choice.
One of the things about having excess weight is that often insulin resistance is not diagnosed. Tiredness and all that is seen as a symptom of being too "fat". Maybe the tiredness is really the insulin resistance? I don't know.
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diannethegeek wrote: »Which other sweeteners are you worried about in Crystal Light or diet sodas? You mentioned sugar alcohols before. I've never come across them in diet drinks. Which are they in? Why does craving sweeter things (which has never been a problem for me with diet sodas - if anything they help curb my cravings) matter to someone counting calories and staying in a deficit? Why do you think I don't know how to vet a source or that the link I posted is trying to sell something or funded by Big Aspartame? Of the two of you, I think I'll trust the biochemist who wrote the link I posted.
If you've never come across the term - then read the source that it comes from. It's quite interesting and fairly new research. It goes some ways to explain the issue.
You trust who you like. I have no problems with that in either way.
Informed discussion and the ability to agree to disagree is something I hope we can at least agree upon?
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Jhenryesq88310 wrote: »Neither. Both trick your body's insulin response and you end up storing weight. Yes diet drinks make you gain weight. Drink water. Add lemon or cucumber if you don't like the taste.
No they don't. I lost 50lbs while drinking several servings of diet soda every day. I'm now several years of successfully maintaining a bmi of around 21, while still drinking diet soda every day. All of my health markers and blood work panels are consistently good as well, including having a former prediabetic glucose number now normalized into the 80s and 90s.
Op, either is fine3 -
chrismellor01 wrote: »diannethegeek wrote: »Which other sweeteners are you worried about in Crystal Light or diet sodas? You mentioned sugar alcohols before. I've never come across them in diet drinks. Which are they in? Why does craving sweeter things (which has never been a problem for me with diet sodas - if anything they help curb my cravings) matter to someone counting calories and staying in a deficit? Why do you think I don't know how to vet a source or that the link I posted is trying to sell something or funded by Big Aspartame? Of the two of you, I think I'll trust the biochemist who wrote the link I posted.
If you've never come across the term - then read the source that it comes from. It's quite interesting and fairly new research. It goes some ways to explain the issue.
You trust who you like. I have no problems with that in either way.
Informed discussion and the ability to agree to disagree is something I hope we can at least agree upon?
Sugar alcohols? I've come across the term many times. I've never come across them as an ingredient in diet drinks - the topic of the discussion here. I'm trying to learn why you brought them up here. But you seem more interested in assuming I'm stupid than in having an informed debate.4 -
chrismellor01 wrote: »singingflutelady wrote: »I lived on diet coke when I was anorexic. I guess I'm odd since I lost a lot of weight and became dangerously underweight.
I do not know the mechanism of your anorexia and I'm very sorry that you had to suffer that horrible disease. I have seen close up what it can do. How are you now?
There are no calories in diet drinks (or very little) and so they will no on their own make you gain weight. But the sweeteners in them (according to evidence) affect insulin levels. It's the insulin level that has an affect in weight gain.
Yes - many of those papers are about diabetics (both Type 1 & 2). That is where most of the research has been done.
I'm a former prediabetic who normalized my glucose number while drinking diet soda. The ADA recommends diet soda for diabetics because it does not affect glucose numbers.7 -
diannethegeek wrote: »chrismellor01 wrote: »diannethegeek wrote: »Which other sweeteners are you worried about in Crystal Light or diet sodas? You mentioned sugar alcohols before. I've never come across them in diet drinks. Which are they in? Why does craving sweeter things (which has never been a problem for me with diet sodas - if anything they help curb my cravings) matter to someone counting calories and staying in a deficit? Why do you think I don't know how to vet a source or that the link I posted is trying to sell something or funded by Big Aspartame? Of the two of you, I think I'll trust the biochemist who wrote the link I posted.
If you've never come across the term - then read the source that it comes from. It's quite interesting and fairly new research. It goes some ways to explain the issue.
You trust who you like. I have no problems with that in either way.
Informed discussion and the ability to agree to disagree is something I hope we can at least agree upon?
Sugar alcohols? I've come across the term many times. I've never come across them as an ingredient in diet drinks - the topic of the discussion here. I'm trying to learn why you brought them up here. But you seem more interested in assuming I'm stupid than in having an informed debate.
Sugar alcohols in diet drinks would be a sister unless they are listed as laxatives3 -
diannethegeek wrote: »chrismellor01 wrote: »diannethegeek wrote: »I'm just going to leave this here: http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/1308408/why-aspartame-isnt-scary/p1
Aspartame is just one sweetener. And to be fair, there is so much information and interpretation going on - there is no one definitive answer. Unfortunately.
There are many other issue going on, besides the biochemical. Psychology plays a big part, sweet things make you want more sweet things etc. There is also what effect foodstuffs have on your digestive system (flora/fauna) - this is now being show to be very important.
At end of day there are as many right and wrongs as there are individuals.
Moderation in all things and make your choices on informed reading.
Be aware of sources that also try to sell you things and also sources that offer to have "the answer". Also when sources are funded by the very people that the article is about.
Which other sweeteners are you worried about in Crystal Light or diet sodas? You mentioned sugar alcohols before. I've never come across them in diet drinks. Which are they in? Why does craving sweeter things (which has never been a problem for me with diet sodas - if anything they help curb my cravings) matter to someone counting calories and staying in a deficit? Why do you think I don't know how to vet a source or that the link I posted is trying to sell something or funded by Big Aspartame? Of the two of you, I think I'll trust the biochemist who wrote the link I posted.
+1 to all this.
OP asked a question about two particular beverages.
Posters suggest there may be something to be concerned about however, the links posted are not applicable to the OP or her question.
Suggestions that artificial sweeteners increase cravings for sweets is an anecdotal reference and I've yet to come across someone who says that actually does impact them that way. Even if it did, as you said, if a person is controlling calories overall, then this is a non issue.
Seems like once again we are demonizing things with minimal scientific basis and with no regard for context or dosage.7 -
Which one is better or healthier? I have a hard time getting in water but I use both crystal light and diet soda to curb cravings and increase my hydration
Neither is healthy. Neither is unhealthy. main difference is flavor and if you want the bubbles in soda or not.
ETA: Re: artificial sweeteners raising glucose numbers. I am diabetic and test regularly. Most of the time I only test in the morning because I am controlled by diet and exercise but I have done my own experiments with drinking diet soda and testing. I saw no difference and I tested every 15 minutes while I drank a 20 oz bottle of soda and for an hour afterwards. My numbers were all within the same 5 point range which is within the margin of error for them.
Yes, I am one person but my Dr. (a Certified Diabetic Educator) also said that diet drinks do not affect glucose levels. When I asked her and mentioned the studies she said there are even more showing just the opposite and every patient who was concerned and did the testing like I did had the same results as I had.14 -
chrismellor01 wrote: »Jhenryesq88310 wrote: »Neither. Both trick your body's insulin response and you end up storing weight. Yes diet drinks make you gain weight. Drink water. Add lemon or cucumber if you don't like the taste.
Tricks it into doing what? I never got the whole "artificial sweetener makes your body release insulin" thing. I mean the major sweeteners that people talk about are 0 on the GI scale, and there would probably be a lot of dead diabetics if it did what people claim it does.
There is evidence that sweeteners do affect insulin. This is caused by certain parts of the structure mimicking intermediate metabolites (I'm not a biochemist and it's along time since I've done any). But - there are also some papers that refute this.
So - you reads your information, you makes your informed choice.
I'm not sure I understand what this means...
again, what does it trick your body into doing? Also I think I have read evidence, that artificial sweeteners when had with certain proteins might cause an insulin spike, but they aren't sure what actually causes it. So is there definite proof that certain artificial sweeteners that people are always talking about on here are doing this. I mean there are different artificial sweeteners, and the are all different on the GI scale, but they are all less than sugar.
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I drink Diet Coke. Almost exclusively. I have since I was a young teen. Even now, as I'm losing weight, I still drink it. The only time I drink water is when I am actively running on the treadmill. I've had no problems so far and will likely drink Diet Coke until I either die or it gets discontinued.2
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Sugar alcohols = xylitol and erithrytol from memory. They are 'tooth friendly' - my ex was a dentist and would sing about them at every opportunity. They are found in a good many boutique/healthy sodas on the market (here in Australia at least).
And I'll put my hand up as one of those who lost weight drinking diet soda, gained weight drinking diet soda, lost weight and so on and so forth. Diet soda doesn't impact the whole cals in cals out business.
The caffeine dependancy on the other hand was another story. I knew I didn't want to cut it out completely (because I enjoy it and genuinely have always preferred it to full sugar sodas), so have worked this year at cutting back to 1 can a day. Drinking sparkling water has helped.2 -
MissBecca145 wrote: »Diet soda doesn't impact the whole cals in cals out business.
I'm being a pedant here to divert attention from the pointless debate going on above; but even Diet soda has calories :P1 -
I agree that you can lose weight on diet soda. It gives you a full or bloated feeling and decreases your appetite for food. I did it on coffee and could go up to mid afternoon on one or two cups. Bottom line is it is not supporting a healthy clean diet. Many of these artificial sweetners have long term effects and some believe can even cause cancer. When looking at long term weight loss it would be best to adhere to a healthy lifestyle of exercise and balance diet with fresh fruits and vegetables. I think there is much better alternatives. Stay away from man made junk that has no nutritional value. Its a chemical that your body does not need. It can run on its own with the proper fuel.0
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chrismellor01 wrote: »singingflutelady wrote: »I lived on diet coke when I was anorexic. I guess I'm odd since I lost a lot of weight and became dangerously underweight.
I do not know the mechanism of your anorexia and I'm very sorry that you had to suffer that horrible disease. I have seen close up what it can do. How are you now?
There are no calories in diet drinks (or very little) and so they will no on their own make you gain weight. But the sweeteners in them (according to evidence) affect insulin levels. It's the insulin level that has an affect in weight gain.
Yes - many of those papers are about diabetics (both Type 1 & 2). That is where most of the research has been done.
How does insulin affect weight gain in a caloric deficit? Also, you posted a rat study. Rats react differently than humans to some things. The study done on humans was pitifully small.2 -
astrology681 wrote: »I agree that you can lose weight on diet soda. It gives you a full or bloated feeling and decreases your appetite for food. I did it on coffee and could go up to mid afternoon on one or two cups. Bottom line is it is not supporting a healthy clean diet. Many of these artificial sweetners have long term effects and some believe can even cause cancer. When looking at long term weight loss it would be best to adhere to a healthy lifestyle of exercise and balance diet with fresh fruits and vegetables. I think there is much better alternatives. Stay away from man made junk that has no nutritional value.
Diet soda does not give me a full or bloated feeling and does not decrease (or increase) my appetite for food. It is a tasty beverage that I enjoy 1 or 2 cans of each day.
As for your other claims, try reading this, posted on the first page.diannethegeek wrote: »I'm just going to leave this here: http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/1308408/why-aspartame-isnt-scary/p1
And also... why do you assume that people who drink diet soda don't have a healthy lifestyle of exercise and a balanced diet with fresh fruits and vegetables?
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Neither are good for you. Try infused water. Add some cucumbers/Peppermint to your water-Actually your favorite fruit will do2
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astrology681 wrote: »I agree that you can lose weight on diet soda. It gives you a full or bloated feeling and decreases your appetite for food. I did it on coffee and could go up to mid afternoon on one or two cups. Bottom line is it is not supporting a healthy clean diet. Many of these artificial sweetners have long term effects and some believe can even cause cancer. When looking at long term weight loss it would be best to adhere to a healthy lifestyle of exercise and balance diet with fresh fruits and vegetables. I think there is much better alternatives. Stay away from man made junk that has no nutritional value. Its a chemical that your body does not need. It can run on its own with the proper fuel.
What's wrong with feeling full on zero calories between meals when dieting?
Why doesn't this support a healthy clean diet? How does drinking diet soda eliminate the possibility that someone is also eating an array of vegetables, lean protein, fruits, and whole grains? Your argument makes no sense.
My diet is pretty packed with all of the above. And I drink diet soda. I also am a very, very active person.6 -
trigden1991 wrote: »MissBecca145 wrote: »Diet soda doesn't impact the whole cals in cals out business.
I'm being a pedant here to divert attention from the pointless debate going on above; but even Diet soda has calories :P
YES! Forgive me. The 2 cals in my Pepsi Max can go f*** themselves.3 -
I'm sure someone already said this but I'm not reading all the responses. Both are crap lol. Try flavoring your water with lemons or oranges. Something natural. I struggled with this myself for years. Diet soda was the reason I packed on so much weight bc it actually makes you crave more sweet things .. if you have to flavor your water with something by some organic juice made with real sugar and try to just add a little for flavor. I personally hated water but you'll get use to it. Best of luck love but stay away from those artificial sweeteners.. they are crap0
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cheermomblessed wrote: »I'm sure someone already said this but I'm not reading all the responses. Both are crap lol. Try flavoring your water with lemons or oranges. Something natural. I struggled with this myself for years. Diet soda was the reason I packed on so much weight bc it actually makes you crave more sweet things .. if you have to flavor your water with something by some organic juice made with real sugar and try to just add a little for flavor. I personally hated water but you'll get use to it. Best of luck love but stay away from those artificial sweeteners.. they are crap
Diet soda causing you to crave sweets was your experience and it is not the same for everyone, I actually crave sweets less when I'm drinking diet soda and have lost 20lbs drinking diet soda.6 -
To address the OP, please ignore the fear mongering.
Read this post by a man with an advanced degree in biochemistry who knows what he's talking about. Aspartame is two amino acids. That's all. It has been extensively studied and is quite safe. it is not crap. Drink what you like, either diet soda or Crystal Lite.
http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/1308408/why-aspartame-isnt-scary/p1
There is a small subset of people for whom artificial sweeteners trigger a craving for more sweets. If you're not one of them, don't worry about it.7 -
We were told by an orthopedist that soda is bad for bones, so I'd go with Crystal Light.0
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GottaBurnEmAll wrote: »To address the OP, please ignore the fear mongering.
Read this post by a man with an advanced degree in biochemistry who knows what he's talking about. Aspartame is two amino acids. That's all. It has been extensively studied and is quite safe. it is not crap. Drink what you like, either diet soda or Crystal Lite.
http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/1308408/why-aspartame-isnt-scary/p1
There is a small subset of people for whom artificial sweeteners trigger a craving for more sweets. If you're not one of them, don't worry about it.
This.
*End thread3 -
chrismellor01 wrote: »Where there is confusion is that artificial sweeteners affect insulin levels.There is a mechanism that insulin resistance (type 2) is negatively affected by sweeteners and that puts weight on.There is also evidence that the flora and fauna of your mice gut has a large may have a roll to play in metabolism. There is evidence that sweeteners affect the flora/fauna in your the gut of mice.This could have a direct reflection on weight gain etc.
http://www.nature.com/ijo/journal/v40/n3/full/ijo2015177a.html
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I like Powerade zero. It uses Sucralose which doesn't spike insulin. I usually dilute it with water and it helps the water go down much easier while also providing electrolytes.0
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chrismellor01 wrote: »Jhenryesq88310 wrote: »Neither. Both trick your body's insulin response and you end up storing weight. Yes diet drinks make you gain weight. Drink water. Add lemon or cucumber if you don't like the taste.
Yup - agreed - lots of evidence (i.e. real scientific papers) on this. Sweeteners (depending on which ones) do affect insulin levels. The others just keep you used to wanting sweet things (psychological) and make it that much harder...
As suggested above - water is best and if you need something in it - a few slices of fruit
And now let the flame wars begin.
Yet I'm over here steadily losing weight while drinking diet sodas and Splenda in my coffee. I'm probably just special.6
This discussion has been closed.
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