Diet soda... friend or foe?!?

Its definitely MY friend because it keeps me awake all day and its probably YOUR friend, because if you cross me when I haven't had a diet Coke in a while.....watch out!! :laugh:

Your friend is backstabbing you.

I drink it. I only have two heads. You'll be fine.

P.S. You're gonna get a whole bunch of different answers, all backed up with good or lousy science, anecdotal evidence, or simple make-believe, and you're gonna have an even harder time knowing what to believe. And googling it will give you even more answers and scary not-scientific baloney.. I suggest you go to reputable websites like the Mayo Clinic or WebMD, read what they have to say, think about it, list the pros and cons of partaking, and choose to drink or not drink.

One of the best replies I've read here on MFP :glasses:

Long thread so admittedly did not read; but just in case:
Diet Soda good if it keeps you from drinking worse ... but know that the more sodium you have, the more water weight you will hold when you weigh in. good luck!

A Registered Dietitian told me to avoid Diet Coke. I would try to keep the consumption of diet sodas to a minimum.

I've been drinking nothing but water for the past two weeks and this morning I couldn't take it anymore! I got a diet soda out of the vending machine. Zero calories, zero carbs and 85mg of sodium. Can someone tell me if its okay to drink diet sodas???

When I lost my weight through WW, I cut back on the soda, period! I had one everyone so often, like when we went out to dinner. But, then I didnt want it. I think it that was ALL you drank, then there would be a problem. But, one every so often shouldnt bother you. Just up you water intake later if there is a worry. Actually, you may find that it either affects you or it doesnt by not having it so often. To each body it can react different, like everything else!!

GOOD LUCK!!!

It has zero calories, but the artificial sweeteners block growth hormones. Stasticicly your chances of becoming or staying obese jump up 50% when drinking diet soda.

People will have opinions, but statistics are statistics. Nothing's free in life. If it tastes good, and there's no calories, then there's something else that's gotta pay for it. It's also the 4th in a line of sweeteners! The previous three banned from other generations.

My bet's that they still don't have it right. Instead of diet sodas try a healthy meal replacement drink with some fruit, ice, whey protein powder etc. Or a post workout recovery drink. Other than that drink water! Your body will thank you!

I never heard it blocks growth hormones before... can you please link a source I would love to read about it.

I drink diet every now and then but artificial sweeteners tend to give me headaches and mess my stomach up. From what I know, they aren't very good for you, but there's a lot of stuff that's not "good" for you that I think is okay in moderation. As long as you're not drinking gallons of the stuff, I think a diet soda every now and then is fine if you like it and it doesn't give you issues. Use your own judgement!

It has zero calories, but the artificial sweeteners block growth hormones. Stasticicly your chances of becoming or staying obese jump up 50% when drinking diet soda.

Please post a peer reviewed clinical study backing this claim. Not a blog, article or opinion, but an actual study that verifies it. I for one would love to read it.
Statistics show that if you drive, your chances of getting into a driving accident are 100% compared to someone that doesn't drive at all. So since statistics don't lie, to avoid all driving accidents, people should stop driving. See how that works?


A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness for 28+ years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition

I would look into a nutritionist. I work in healthcare and do not advocate for WebMD, there are too many variables from person to person and people don't know what to look for.
Talk with someone who is an expert on nutrition, I'd ask friends and family if there is anyone they recommend. Just make sure that person has the training and credentials to back themselves up.
On a personal note I drink diet coke, usually about 1 a day and I am fine and I also agree with everything in moderation.

A dietician would be a better choice since a nutritionist can just claim to be one. A dietician needs a license.


A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness for 28+ years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition

I read an article written by a biologist/chemist who stated that the second your tongue tastes something sweet, it send a signal to your brain to make more insulin. Once the artificial sugar hits your system and your body realizes it's not actual sugar, you'll begin to crave sugar because you have to put all that insulin to good use! I'm no biologist, so I cannot tell you the acuracy of that statement, but what I can tell you is that artificial sugar is just that- artificial. You'd be surprised how much remains in your body because your body doesn't know what to do with it. To each their own, but I would highly suggest that you pay close attention to your body while eating/drinking any artificial sweeteners~ everyone reacts differently and some people are highly sensitive!

The ways they make it 0 calorie is disgusting...If it's not from the earth you shouldn't be putting it into your body. Why not try some Green Tea or flavored Green Tea. No Calories, and has properties that help boost Metabolism and weight loss.

+ it tastes good.

I didn't realize they get stuff from outter space to make diet sodas.

Dude, sweet!! Now I wanna drink more, see if I can maybe mutate into some kind of human-alien hybrid! How sick would that be!? :drinker:

I read , on the internet , that diet soda makes your head explode

I read , on the internet , that diet soda makes your head explode

And I proved that a page back.

I should say - I don't personally partake in food that was invented within the past 50 years. If diet soda is worth a lot to you, then drink it. I have a lot of vices (beer, wine, desserts, etc) but it's NOT worth it to me to value taste over health.

You also should recognize the fact that companies like Coke pay a lot of money to organizations such as the American Heart Organization in order to feature their products in healthy ways.

http://m.dietcoke.com/hearttruth/

Diet Coke may not actually be poison, but does it actually promote heart health? Of course not. The Coca Cola corporation wants to appeal to health-conscious people without actually having a healthy product. They do so by selling you the idea that their corporation is behind health initiatives.

It's not a conspiracy theory. As a consumer, it's important to recognize the strategies involved in get you to purchase the food you eat and drink.

The ways they make it 0 calorie is disgusting...If it's not from the earth you shouldn't be putting it into your body. Why not try some Green Tea or flavored Green Tea. No Calories, and has properties that help boost Metabolism and weight loss.

+ it tastes good.

I didn't realize they get stuff from outter space to make diet sodas.

Dude, sweet!! Now I wanna drink more, see if I can maybe mutate into some kind of human-alien hybrid! How sick would that be!? :drinker:

What if you would mutate in a skippy ball shaped alien with tiny legs and arm and you wouldn't be able to move around because your knees are too weak to carry your weight and your hart is about to explode