Diet Soda (for those who gave it up)

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  • newfette81
    newfette81 Posts: 185
    I was a hard core Sweets craver, cheesecake, nanimo bars, cookies... anything i could get my hands on. but when i stopped drinking soda all those cravings stop and in turn I feel a lot better because I'm not eatting so much sugar
  • DaniAhrens
    DaniAhrens Posts: 1 Member
    Within a week of stopping diet soda and artificially sweetened drinks, I lost an inch on my belly! I hadn't changed anything else!!
  • liftingheavy
    liftingheavy Posts: 551 Member
    I gave up diet soda about a year ago. I actually did have low-grade headaches for about a week and that was it. I replaced it with iced tea for a while instead of water, and now just go water 98% of the time. Or beer.
  • jlblair3
    jlblair3 Posts: 1 Member
    I gave up diet soda at the beginning of the year when someone told me about reports that it caused individuals to crave more sweets. Just a little history about me...I was a HUGE diet soda-a-holic. It was nothing to drink nearly 6 cans a day and I did not think twice. I weened myself off slowly...only a few a day and started drinking other flavored beverages like Crystal Light. I did not suffer like I expected I would. I did feel better...more hydrated. When I became comfortable with that, I quit all diet sodas and only drank Crystal Light. Well...that still had additives and my goal was to not drink anything with sugar substitue so I finally did it...I now only drink water, unsweetened iced tea and black coffee. As I mentioned...I am more hydrated and my skin is looking better and brighter than before. It's now been about 5 months without diet soda or anything with artificial additives and I feel good. More than anything...I have the knowledge now that I had the strength to give up something I was once so attached to. It's helped open other doors to me for things I never thought I could do. This may be more than you were wanting...but the short answer...I feel great!!!
  • utherb42
    utherb42 Posts: 3 Member
    I drank 2-4 cans of Diet Coke/Diet Dr Pepper every day for about 20 years.

    I had thought about getting off diet soda, and all artificial sweeteners for years. Then my doc told me aspartame was an appetite stimulant and that was the last straw. I went back and forth for a few weeks and the Diet Coke really did seem to increase my appetite.

    It took me about 3 months to completely wean myself off the Diet Coke. I have noticed the I have less upset stomach and less intense cravings/hunger.
  • WhitneyT586
    WhitneyT586 Posts: 279 Member
    I gave it up about 7 years ago for Lent. I was drinking way too much soda. I switched to water only and hae continued that with the occasional caffeine free soda or tea. Now, if I drink anything caffeinated sometimes it makes my heart rate speed up. I find it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep. I feel more rested most of the time. And it definitely has lowered my cravings for sweets.
  • Fieldsy
    Fieldsy Posts: 1,105 Member
    http://www.cancer.org/Cancer/CancerCauses/OtherCarcinogens/AtHome/aspartame
    http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/06/29/diet-soda-weight-gain_n_886409.html

    I'm not saying that I never drink soda any more, but I try not to, and I would definitely say that diet soda is NOT a good alternative to water.

    so much stuff in this world is awful for you
    I feel like I have a healthy diet to where I can fit in some diet chemical goodness into my life.

    When I said a good alternative...I meant its a good change of pace for me.
  • jayjrf
    jayjrf Posts: 25
    I grew up drinking diets. Family thought they were better for you. I got off diets when my car wouldn't start and I had to use diet Coke to clean the terminals. Worked. If soda can eat corrosion, I didn't want to drink it.

    Fiance got into car trouble one day on a family vacation. Same deal, corroded terminals. Her brother had a Sprite. Worked. Clean terminals.

    I can honestly say that my thinking and overall way I felt was much better when I started drinking water. Was hard at first, but I just kept on it till I got used to it.
  • Fieldsy
    Fieldsy Posts: 1,105 Member
    looks like I have clean pipes then :)
  • CristaA42962
    CristaA42962 Posts: 45 Member
    I feel less bloated not drinking diet soda, or any soda for that matter. It never caused me any problems one way or another but the minute I gave it up, I dropped like 2 lbs pretty quickly and my clothes started feeling better. It's so hard for me to give up that kinda stuff but I honestly feel it was more benificaial in the long run. I will still treat myself though. Or else I would go crazy!! Lol. To each their own and whatever works!!
  • ashshields12
    ashshields12 Posts: 54 Member
    I gave it up because I learnt what it was doing to my body. I was drinking about a litre a day and was addicted. I would get the shakes if I went a few days without it, never had headaches though. When I went cold turkey from drinking it, I craved it for about a week but now the idea of drinking it sickens me as I know what it would do to my body..

    This is the reason, I became a little more aware of what it was doing to my body and the effects (yes I was nieve!!)

    List of the ingredients in Diet Coke: carbonated purified water, colour (caramel 150d), food acids (338 and 331), flavour, artificial sweeteners aspartame (951) and acesulphame potassium (950), preservative (211) and caffeine.

    Aspartame(951) is a known carcinogen (causes cancer), linked to asthma, nausea, depression, hyperactivity and seizures, acesulphame (950) is a known carcinogen, artificial colour caramel 150d is linked to hypersensitivity and gastro intestinal problems, preservative 211 (sodium benzoate) is linked to hyperactivity, behavioural problems, rhinitis and should be avoided by asthmatics, food acid 338 (phosphoric acid) is linked to neurotoxicity, eye & skin irritation and leeches calcium from our bones.
  • sarah3333
    sarah3333 Posts: 222 Member
    I gave it up for almost a year and then started drinking it occasionally again. It sure does taste good! But I think I feel better without it. And I do notice on days when I have it I crave more sweet foods. Those days seem to be a little harder to control myself on, but I didn't get any headaches, maybe because I drank 2 cups of black coffee every morning and that seemed to satisfy my want of caffeine.

    Oh yeah, I actually stopped drinking it to clear up my skin (acne) and it worked! Nothing else worked, I tried everything.
  • xsqueakme85
    xsqueakme85 Posts: 91 Member
    The only time I have diet sody (which is maybe 3 times a week) is when I get the diet cherry dr pepper! I absolutely love it, but I find I am drinking less and less of it and craving it less and less two. I still drink coffee several times a day though. That is nothing that will change, or that I am willing to give up EVER!
  • Fieldsy
    Fieldsy Posts: 1,105 Member
    http://www.cancer.org/Cancer/CancerCauses/OtherCarcinogens/AtHome/aspartame
    http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/06/29/diet-soda-weight-gain_n_886409.html

    I'm not saying that I never drink soda any more, but I try not to, and I would definitely say that diet soda is NOT a good alternative to water.

    Im reading the first link and no where in it is saying it causes cancer....
  • Fieldsy
    Fieldsy Posts: 1,105 Member
    it's worth giving up just for the way that it affects your teeth! why would you drink diet soda when it has no positives effects on your health (and according to some people has negative effects)? just drink water :)

    I brush my teeth 2 maybe 3 times a day. Ive talked to dentist about it and they basically said its almost as bad for your teeth as sugar. They said its fine to drink, just try to brush asap afterwards.
  • nutmeg1060
    nutmeg1060 Posts: 2 Member
    i used to LOVE diet soda/sugar free drinks and snacks because they were guilt free as far as calories go...but then I did some research on what was actually in them and it made me stop cold turkey.

    Aspartame (NutraSweet) is a watered down version of a chemical that was originally developed as a bio-terrorist technique. It was developed in super concentrated amounts to be used in cases of biologic warfare, but then when diluted, they realized it was sweet and started adding it in very diluted amounts to soda, and sugar free options because it doesnt affect glucose pathways like sugar does.

    I decided then that I did not want to have anything to do with aspartame. I would switch to Zevia if you really crave sodas, its sweetened with Stevia which is a plant. Try to stay away from chemical sweeteners,...they might not hurt you now, but they will later!
  • mipanda
    mipanda Posts: 43
    I've found when I'm at work that if I have a can of diet coke after lunch, I'm starving by finish time - but if I don't, I'm good til dinner.

    So the theory about it making you feel hungrier is definitely true for me. I get hunger pangs in my tummy if I have nothing to snack on!

    I'm just trying to stick with water at work instead, and green tea.
  • kariberi84
    kariberi84 Posts: 186 Member
    I gave up all soda MONTHS ago. If I need caffine I will drink some black tea.
  • Pebble321
    Pebble321 Posts: 6,423 Member
    I used to drink it - I started when I went to Weight Watchers which was sponsored by Diet Coke. I tend to think of myself as someone who is no swayed by advertising, but clearly that is not the case!
    I don't remember any difference when I gave it up - but I'm really glad I did because my teeth have never been the same since. It really damaged them which I regret now.
  • piratesaregrand
    piratesaregrand Posts: 356 Member
    Before jan 1 2012 I was drinking around 3l of diet coke/Pepsi max a day. Now I have a maximum of 600ml a day if I even have any.

    I'm diabetic and it was like the one thing I could have without issue.

    I notice no difference between how I felt then to now
  • Kenzietea2
    Kenzietea2 Posts: 1,132 Member
    I still drink it every once in a while, but I never did drink it every day. Its maybe a 2x a month thing for me. I crave the carbonation mostly.
  • calvert6183
    calvert6183 Posts: 539 Member
    Its funny that this status is about diet soda because some stupid prissy chick was bashing us guys and diet soda saying we were not real men. SHe can go and rail herself. Dude you rock and congrats on your weight goals. You are a true inspiration to many. I love diet Sunkist. Its great but its not good for me so I might have to givve it up.
  • wasveganvictoria88
    wasveganvictoria88 Posts: 249 Member
    I'd rather have a glass of soda (or pop in UK :P) thant sweets or chocolate...it is my treat! So I wouldn't give up soda for all the health warnings in the world! And yes I do drink diet :)
  • wasveganvictoria88
    wasveganvictoria88 Posts: 249 Member

    Aspartame (NutraSweet) is a watered down version of a chemical that was originally developed as a bio-terrorist technique. It was developed in super concentrated amounts to be used in cases of biologic warfare, but then when diluted, they realized it was sweet and started adding it in very diluted amounts to soda, and sugar free options because it doesnt affect glucose pathways like sugar does.

    Huh? Where did you get this info from? Not trying to be rude just curious!
  • Miss_Chanelle
    Miss_Chanelle Posts: 87 Member
    I gave up all sodas juices any bottled drink , everything! I only drink water and rooibos tea now.... I feel much better.... all those sugar are bad, dont be fooled by diet sodas
  • cheeksv
    cheeksv Posts: 521 Member
    I gave up all soda and honestly feel great, I felt the difference right away. When I do crave, I reach for soda water and that does the trick. I found I craved the bubbles more than the actual sweetness. I think that the downside of chemically made soda is worth giving it up and I get to eat more calories over drinking them. Now I can't stand regular soda drinks although every few weeks when I need a boost I reach for a small can of redbull.
  • jess393
    jess393 Posts: 220 Member
    I was never a big pop drinker to begin with(milk was my downfall :ohwell: ), and gave it up for good over 8 years ago. Don't miss it, LOVE water! I never had headaches, probably because I didn't drink a ton of it anyway.
  • DonttrythatwithME
    DonttrythatwithME Posts: 214 Member
    Its the aspartame that give you the hunger cravings for sweet things and also neotame is 13,000 times sweeter than table sugar, and about 30 times sweeter than aspartame, this is the stuff to try to avoid better off drinking regular IMO, I knock back probably a 500ml bottle of coke a week but it defiantly bloats me
  • Jenlwb
    Jenlwb Posts: 682 Member
    Did anyone else have brain fog from diet soda? Not headaches, but I'd have trouble concentrating and thinking straight. I only drank maximum 1 can a day. I stoppped, and am much better. Sugar cravings reduced too! If i really want coke as a mixer i'll drink the real thing and only a small amount, not v often.
  • SuzieBikiniBound
    SuzieBikiniBound Posts: 114 Member
    Gave it up Memorial day weekend and haven't had heart burn since then. Before giving it up I was treating heart burn daily. I usually drank a can a day. Or maybe a few glasses if in a restaurant. I've also given up whiskey for a month. I've been drinking only water, OJ with sparkling water or a bit of powerade after a workout. Mostly water though.

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