Pop (or soda): should I cut it out of my diet?
katieiwoosley
Posts: 15 Member
I'm working on changing my eating habits, trying to eat less saturated fats, more proteins, etc. That being said, a lot of calories and sugars come from pop (soda) I've always loved the bubbly side of the carbonated beverages, but as I've gotten older, I've found that the caffeine in it helps a lot with preventing my barometric migraines. I've tried coffee and tea for the caffeine but it just doesn't work as well. At this point I've managed to cut down to only one pop a day. At the moment my pop of choice is Mt. Dew Voltage and it has 170 calories per can. Is there another caffinated pop that would be better for me to drink, or should I bear through the migraines and try to find a caffeine supplement.
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Replies
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I drink about 2 litres a day of zero
Sugur pop, also monster zero energy drinks, if it's a hot day and I don't fancy a coffee1 -
Good choice for something to save a few calories but why not simply drink diet Mountain Dew?
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I've cut out all fizzy drinks, replaced with flavoured water (flavouring myself) and natural fruit juices (making sure they have nothing but fruit juice in the ingredients) and I feel much better, less bloated. X1
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I kind of like Monster's Rehab tea/lemonade. It's got only like 25calories a can, and fills that soda void for me.
You don't have to give up anything. Just moderate and fit your favs to your goals. If that is hard than finding low/no cal alternatives is an option. Saying that I almost gave up beer completely and it's now a bottle is a reward. At most 2 bottles a week. The also need to fit my calorie goal.0 -
Perhaps drink the Mt Dew for a week or two. You might find that you can fit it into your calories for the day.
Or drink Diet Mt Dew.0 -
Have you tried caffeine pills instead of the tea or coffee?
I like the fizz, so I drink soda water (club soda) with a squirt of lime or lemon juice. I also drink Coke Zero or Pepsi Max a couple times a week.1 -
Coke zero for life.9
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Diet version of whatever you like if you're just looking to reduce the calorie intake from it. I drink sparkling water most of the day but have a diet coke with lunch and sometimes a second in the morning or afternoon if I am feeling particularly bleurgh as I don't like normal tea or coffee.1
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I kind of like Monster's Rehab tea/lemonade. It's got only like 25calories a can, and fills that soda void for me.
You don't have to give up anything. Just moderate and fit your favs to your goals. If that is hard than finding low/no cal alternatives is an option. Saying that I almost gave up beer completely and it's now a bottle is a reward. At most 2 bottles a week. The also need to fit my calorie goal.
Diet Dew, Monster rehab, or Monster Free-Red, white, blue or orange.
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I drink lots of diet Dew or the caffeinated Mio. It took a little time to get used to, but I prefer it now.0
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Coke Zero !!3
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That's up to you. Some people work it into their calories. Others (myself included) switch to diet.3
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I love Coke, but had some blood sugar alarms and switched to diet and then Coke Zero, but I didn't like them, then I switched to flavored seltzer water. Now if I go back to drink Coke it's far too sweet.2
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I would make the switch to diet (trust me after about a week, the weird taste is no more and it tastes normal), but I would HONESTLY still cut back. I am a diet Mt. Dew junkie, but I only have like usually one a day and that's usually with dinner. Diet Dr. Pepper is pretty good as well. I hate diet Coke but that's just me. Coke Zero isn't half bad though. I find that most stores' versions of diet soda are pretty good. I like Harris Teeter's and Publix's diet versions. But I mostly drink water now to avoid as much sweeteners (real or artificial) as possible.1
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katieiwoosley wrote: »I'm working on changing my eating habits, trying to eat less saturated fats, more proteins, etc. That being said, a lot of calories and sugars come from pop (soda) I've always loved the bubbly side of the carbonated beverages, but as I've gotten older, I've found that the caffeine in it helps a lot with preventing my barometric migraines. I've tried coffee and tea for the caffeine but it just doesn't work as well. At this point I've managed to cut down to only one pop a day. At the moment my pop of choice is Mt. Dew Voltage and it has 170 calories per can. Is there another caffinated pop that would be better for me to drink, or should I bear through the migraines and try to find a caffeine supplement.
I cut sodas out of my life a few years ago and couldn't be happier. Now I can't even stand the taste of it. For caffeine it's coffee or tea. Other than that I get by on water.2 -
I cut sodas out as well a little over 2 months ago. Havent had 1 sip since. The reason I personally did not just drink diet soda is because i dont like the tastes and knew it would lead me back to regular pop because of it. So for me the option was to drop them entirely. It sucked the first 2 weeks or so but after that its been a breeze.3
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Normally I wouldnt suggest anything either. However if someone in this thread REALLY needs caffeine, doesnt like coffee/tea and wants it to be low calorie.
Go look up GFuel.
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Regarding your migraines: you say that you've tried coffee and tea and the caffeine in them just doesn't work as well. Well, caffeine is caffeine. Granted, tea has much less than coffee or Mountain Dew, but if it was the caffeine that helped (and it does), then coffee would work. I'm going to venture out and said that it is a combination of caffeine and high sugar that works on your migraines. I think that is a known fact. I had one once and tried stuff all day long (water, Motrin, eating) and the only thing that worked was a large Coke. Anyway, based on that, I don't think a Diet Mountain Dew would work for you. But it's certainly worth experimenting on.
Or you could just say, hey, the Mountain Dew is just something I cannot give up and I'm going to work around it. I've essentially done that with my sugary hot tea. You'll just get less to eat. If you're not doing a strict low-calorie diet, it should be manageable.1 -
Poisonedpawn78 wrote: »I cut sodas out as well a little over 2 months ago. Havent had 1 sip since. The reason I personally did not just drink diet soda is because i dont like the tastes and knew it would lead me back to regular pop because of it. So for me the option was to drop them entirely. It sucked the first 2 weeks or so but after that its been a breeze.
I agree that is the best way. Quitting cold turkey. I see people trying to quit so many things by weaning off of them or switching to their "Lite" versions, but it seldom works. If you're going to quit something, quit. I quit smoking in '89 by going cold turkey. Tried to quit drinking many times over many years but was only able to do so finally by going cold turkey. Lost my taste for fast food restaurants by quitting them cold turkey.
May not work for everyone, but for me was better than fooling myself into thinking I can gradually lay off an unhealthy practice.1 -
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!5 -
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.3
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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.
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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.7 -
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 Luck0
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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.
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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.
Do you know what else is okay for you... aspartame and sucralose.
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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.0
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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.
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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 them1
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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.
40 years of studies aren't sufficient??5
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