Diet Soda w/Splenda

[Emiava]

Hi,

I'm so struggling with the fact that diet soda, zero calories, can hinder weight loss. I just don't understand it. I know it says in the book splenda is OK, so I drink diet coke w/splenda. I just hate water so much, and if I don't drink the diet soda, I get really dehydrated so badly that my body cramps all over the place. I can't even yawn without my mouth cramping up. I just can't drink water, I hate it, I hate it, I hate it!!!! I know, I'm a big baby.

So...... Maybe if I understood why it is so bad and how it could hinder my weight loss I would be more willing to give it up.

Can anyone help me with this?
TIA :D

[klc145]

As far as water goes...I've found it easier to drink with a lot of ice and through a straw. How about using a lemon wedge or Crystal Light?

I hope that helps you get some water in!! :)

[SunnyCarol]

Just my one thought is that your body needs EXTRA pure water just to wash out all those chemicals that make up a diet soft drink. It's nothing but chemicals. You can change your mindset and learn to drink water, but you have to work at it. You have to STOP saying the 'can't' word, though.

Rather than trying to find a reason to justify continuing to drink a chemical concoction instead of water, keep in mind just what benefits drinking pure water has. I will post the benefits of drinking water for weight loss after posting some reasons to stop drinking soft drinks altogether, if you are serious about losing weight.

This is from an article from a guy with a lot of credentials after his name in nutrition and exercise physiology. The article was mostly about sugared soft drinks, but part about diet ones.

Besides carbonation destroying the enzymes in your stomach, artificial sweeteners eating away at your nerve endings, caffeine killing the small intestines' ability to absorb nutrients, sugar blocking the usage of others and the fact corn syrup being genetically modified and a poisonous crop, soda isn't so bad.

OK, too much sugar is bad, but what's wrong with diet soft drinks? The answer: phosphoric acid. Soft drinks have long been suspected of leading to lower calcium levels and higher phosphate levels in the blood. When phosphate levels are high and calcium levels are low, calcium is pulled out of the bones. The phosphate content of soft drinks like Coca-Cola and Pepsi is very high, and they contain virtually no calcium.

Phosphoric acid is also known to neutralize the hydrochloric acid in our stomachs. This is unfortunate, for we need hydrochloric acid to help us digest our food and utilize its nutrients. Cancer, sugar and osteoporosis aside, most soft drinks also contain caffeine, which is associated with sleeplessness, high blood pressure, vitamin and mineral depletion, irregular heart beat and elevated blood cholesterol levels.
Caffeine is a diuretic, so the more you drink it, the more you're draining your body of those important nutrients you've been so proud to ingest in the first place. It also depletes your water stores and leaves you dehydrated.

A great article from WebMD:

Drink More Diet Soda, Gain More Weight?

Overweight Risk Soars 41% With Each Daily Can of Diet Soft Drink

By Daniel DeNoon
WebMD Medical News Reviewed By Charlotte Grayson, MD
on Monday, June 13, 2005

June 13, 2005 -- People who drink diet soft drinks don't lose weight. In fact, they gain weight, a new study shows.

The findings come from eight years of data collected by Sharon P. Fowler, MPH, and colleagues at the University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio. Fowler reported the data at the annual meeting of the American Diabetes Association in San Diego.

"What didn't surprise us was that total soft drink use was linked to overweight and obesity," Fowler tells WebMD. "What was surprising was when we looked at people only drinking diet soft drinks, their risk of obesity was even higher."

In fact, when the researchers took a closer look at their data, they found that nearly all the obesity risk from soft drinks came from diet sodas.

"There was a 41% increase in risk of being overweight for every can or bottle of diet soft drink a person consumes each day," Fowler says.

More Diet Drinks, More Weight Gain

Fowler's team looked at seven to eight years of data on 1,550 Mexican-American and non-Hispanic white Americans aged 25 to 64. Of the 622 study participants who were of normal weight at the beginning of the study, about a third became overweight or obese.

For regular soft-drink drinkers, the risk of becoming overweight or obese was:

26% for up to 1/2 can each day
30.4% for 1/2 to one can each day
32.8% for 1 to 2 cans each day
47.2% for more than 2 cans each day.
For diet soft-drink drinkers, the risk of becoming overweight or obese was:

36.5% for up to 1/2 can each day
37.5% for 1/2 to one can each day
54.5% for 1 to 2 cans each day
57.1% for more than 2 cans each day.
For each can of diet soft drink consumed each day, a person's risk of obesity went up 41%.

Diet Soda No Smoking Gun

Fowler is quick to note that a study of this kind does not prove that diet soda causes obesity. More likely, she says, it shows that something linked to diet soda drinking is also linked to obesity.

"One possible part of the explanation is that people who see they are beginning to gain weight may be more likely to switch from regular to diet soda," Fowler suggests. "But despite their switching, their weight may continue to grow for other reasons. So diet soft-drink use is a marker for overweight and obesity."

Why? Nutrition expert Leslie Bonci, MPH, RD, puts it in a nutshell.

"You have to look at what's on your plate, not just what's in your glass," Bonci tells WebMD.

People often mistake diet drinks for diets, says Bonci, director of sports nutrition at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center and nutrition consultant to college and professional sports teams and to the Pittsburgh Ballet.

"A lot of people say, 'I am drinking a diet soft drink because that is better for me. But soft drinks by themselves are not the root of America's obesity problem," she says. "You can't go into a fast-food restaurant and say, 'Oh, it's OK because I had diet soda.' If you don't do anything else but switch to a diet soft drink, you are not going to lose weight."

The Mad Hatter Theory

"Take some more tea," the March Hare said to Alice, very earnestly.
"I've had nothing yet," Alice replied in an offended tone, "so I can't take more."
"You mean you can't take less," said the Hatter: "It's very easy to take more than nothing." Lewis Carroll, Alice's Adventures in Wonderland

There is actually a way that diet drinks could contribute to weight gain, Fowler suggests.

She remembers being struck by the scene in Alice's Adventures in Wonderland in which Alice is offended because she is offered tea but is given none -- even though she hadn't asked for tea in the first place. So she helps herself to tea and bread and butter.

That may be just what happens when we offer our bodies the sweet taste of diet drinks, but give them no calories. Fowler points to a recent study in which feeding artificial sweeteners to rat pups made them crave more calories than animals fed real sugar.

"If you offer your body something that tastes like a lot of calories, but it isn't there, your body is alerted to the possibility that there is something there and it will search for the calories promised but not delivered," Fowler says.

Perhaps, Bonci says, our bodies are smarter than we think.

"People think they can just fool the body. But maybe the body isn't fooled," she says. "If you are not giving your body those calories you promised it, maybe your body will retaliate by wanting more calories. Some soft drink studies do suggest that diet drinks stimulate appetite."


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

SOURCES: Fowler, S.P. 65th Annual Scientific Sessions, American Diabetes Association, San Diego, June 10-14, 2005; Abstract 1058-P. Sharon P. Fowler, MPH, University of Texas Health Science Center School of Medicine, San Antonio. Leslie Bonci, MPH, RD, director, sports nutrition, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. WebMD News: "Artificial Sweeteners May Damage Diet Efforts.""Artificial Sweeteners May Damage Diet Efforts." Davidson, T.L. International Journal of Obesity, July 2004; vol 28: pp 933-955.


NOW--The benefits of drinking water:

SURPRISING REASONS DRINKING H20 MELTS FAT

Water makes your metabolism burn calories 3% faster. During a study at the University of Utah, test subjects who were just slightly dehydrated saw a 3% drop in their resting metabolism. And since the calories we burn when we're sitting still account for the majority of calories burned each day, a 3% drop is enough to cause a pound of weight gain every six months.

Water fights fatigue-induced hunger. Studies have shown that the more tired we feel, the more we eat. That's why folks who work the night shift tend to pack on extra pounds. But by drinking water, you can prevent the weariness that leads to overeating. "There is amazing new evidence that when water passes through our cell membranes, it creates energy independent of food -- a sort of hydroelectric power," says the expert.

Water helps the digestive system operate more efficiently, so you have fewer cravings. The more water we have in our systems, the more efficiently our enzymes can break down and extract nutrients from food, explains Dr. Batman. The more nutrients you extract from the food you eat, the fewer cravings you'll have.

Water replaces beverages proven to cause weight gain. It probably comes as no surprise that substituting water for sugary drinks saves you lots of calories. But what you might not know is that calories we drink are much more likely to end up as fat: one study found volunteers who ate an extra 450 calories unconsciously compensated at later meals and didn't gain weight: those who drank an extra 450 calories (the amount in one large cola) didn't compensate and gained weight.

"The great thing about water is that if you drink too much, the excess is simply excreted --- it is never stored as fat,", notes Dr. Batman.

What about no-cal beverages like diet sodas, coffee and tea? "They aren't stored as fat per se, but they trigger fat storage," he says. "Caffeine is a diuretic, so you drink it, thinking you're satisfying your thirst, when actually you are further dehydrating your body. In my opinion, rising obesity rates--especially among
children--are directly linked to our increased consumption of caffeinated beverages."

Artificial sweeteners make the problem worse: "When digested, aspartame is broken down into chemicals that reduce blood sugar available to our brains," explains the pro. "When this happens, we become hungry.". Sweetness alone can cause the body to anticipate a new supply of sugar--so when sweetness hits your tongue, it begins to store circulating blood sugar in fat cells.

"I never realized how much more I ate when I was drinking coffee and diet sodas until I stopped," says Amy. "I still have them occasionally, but when I do, I make sure to have extra water."


Sunny! Down 103 pounds, drinking a gallon of water a day

[MyJourney]

We do not live in a vacuum. Just because something has 0 calories it doesnt mean that it wont impact our loss and just because something has a lot of calories doesnt necessarily mean we will gain weight from it.

Our bodies are all different and some people can handle things other people. Some people can tolerate lots of carbs really well, I cannot. Some people can tolerate some artificial sweeteners better than others. Some people can handle large amounts of fat better than others. Some people have allergies to peanuts or chocolate. Everyones body is different.

The key to Atkins and low carbing in general is to learn about your body. Find out what your body does well on and eliminate the things your body doesnt tolerate well. Perhaps in the future your body may also tolerate those things better as well.

It may suck that you cannot drink diet soda but you can try other things if you cant drink water plain. You can try water with mint leaves or cucumbers, water with slices of lemon or lime, iced black, green, or herbal teas. You can try various amounts of different sweeteners like stevia.

It might require some playing around but you have the rest of your life.

[HairOnFire]

I kicked a diet soda habit a couple of years ago by gradually weaning from it. The stuff is so addictive, on so many levels: some people get off on the caffeine, some like it because its carbonated, because it's ice-cold, and if you want to get off of it, you can, but you might want to look at it as an addictive substance, especially since you are saying things like "I hate water."

If you are drinking caffeinated soda, first try switching to diet decaf. After you have offed yourself from caffeine, you can then switch from a decaf diet soda to a sparkling or carbonated mineral water or flavored club soda. After that, you can segway to plain water with ice and lemon or lime slices, making sure it is still ice-cold. Part of my addiction was that the drinks were cold, as I never drank hot drinks-ever.

OTOH, if you don't want to stop, don't. It's your body. I'm not sure if the stuff is all that bad for you in even moderate quantities. I just thought my using it was a bad habit I wanted to break.

[stazia]

I have a new view on caffiene! I at the age of 27 developed issues with my heart. I have been in the ER with a heart rate of 200+ and have had to have an IV to knock my heart rate down. I went into the cardio doc who looked over my heart and my heart is very healthy and normal. I was and STILL have heart palps that are so uncomfortable. What was my problem. Diet Pepsi. I drank it for years.

I can't have caffiene like I use to. I will have a regular Diet Pepsi here and there and chase it down with a liter of Aquafina water or two liters of water. If I drink more then a ltr of diet pop a day I become a wreck. This just came on in the last few years.

I drink decaf coffee and pop now and like I said once in awhile Ill have a regular diet pop and it is ok. I have learned my new limits. I drink a lot more water now. I use to go months with out drinking water, now I drink it everyday! I have learned to just drink it and I feel better drinking it.

Coming off the pop was hard and I had bad headaches and felt so tired and ran down for awhile. I mean I drank Diet Pepsi everyday for years.

Now I think twice about drinking regular Diet pepsi and will grab the decaf instead.

Actually right now I am wearing a heart monitor again for 24hrs because my heart has been acting up again. I am 29yrs old and I hate living in fear like this. When your heart beats funny you really do become cardiophobic so to say and it tends to run your life. After a "big" episode I am scared to sleep, go anywhere or even move. In time it fades and I learn to just deal and remind myself my heart is "healthy" and "normal" and try to ignore the small palps i get. It sucks.

If I could take back how I drank pop with out a care and did this self distruction to myself I would.

Reading on the internet this is VERY common and it is sad how many people from as young as 15yrs old I've read on the net to those in their 80s that have this and most had to stop drinking pop.

I use Crystal Light in my water at times, I love the new Aquafina Sparkling waters. There are flavored waters out there with out calories or even with out splenda or aspertame. Get use to those and regular water becomes easier.

Even eating out I get water now instead of anything else.

Not saying this happens to everyone, but for those who it does. It sucks :)

[Emiava]

Thank you all so much. I'm really going to try to drink the water (yuck LOL)

[mike_d]

The addiction starts early.Developing brand loyalty starts early. Soft drink manufacturers are now putting their logos on baby bottles. The logos of many carbonated drinks (Pepsi, diet and regular; 7 Up: Dr. Pepper; Orange Slice: and Mountain Dew), non-carbonated drinks (Kool-Aid), and juice drinks (Mott's; Welch's; Very Fine; V8; and Perrier) can be seen on plastic baby bottles.
Health experts are concerned over this trend. They fear that parents will be encouraged to give their babies inappropriate beverages in their baby bottles. In a study of 314 California mothers, almost a third admitted to giving their baby's either soft drinks or Kool-Aid. 1996 Pediatrics for Parents, Inc.

[Emiava]

That's scary Stazia! I hope things get better for you!

OK, I LOVE crystal light. It's not the caffeine that I crave, it's just flavor. I drink mostly decaf diet soda anyway. I just think it tastes better. I'm all about the taste.

So, can I drink crystal light peach tea until the cows come home? I would be very happy with that.

Oh, and I would never give my children sugar soda. I've never drank it either. I think it's a waste. It's bad for your teeth and it doesn't quench your thirst.

[zorra_1]

So, can I drink crystal light peach tea until the cows come home? I would be very happy with that.
I'm not sure that would be too much better than the Diet Coke w/ Splenda...the powdered crystal light has aspartame (if I'm not mistaken) and it may have its own issues, but YMMV with that one! I think if that's the way you get in water, so be it...but it just seems to be trading one thing for another.

I won't profess to be a "water-lover" myself, :lol: but I really had to make a concious effort to drink it!

Now, like others have mentioned, I add lemon and lime wedges to it...or I'll get some sparkling waters (w/o any type of sweeteners). I have noticed though that after the initial week of visting the restroom constantly, I feel a change in my body...specifically my dry eye issues are gone! :thup:

[jwesmom]

I too am stuggling with the diet soda issue...I actually like water, just not at certain times--in the morning or with meals. So I have yet to give up my caffienated diet drink. So far, I am not having a problem with weight loss (day 10 of induction--8 lbs down) but have resigned myself that it is not a healthy habit to slurp down can after can of salt water with caffiene...so it is a habit I will slowly rid myself of eventually. Sometimes, if we try to change too many habits at once, we are more likely to fail because it seems overwhelming...try adding in the water with flavoring (or without) first, then focus on lessening the diet soda drinks in your life. Sometimes you just have to condition your body to accept things--eventually you just might crave an ice cold water (hmmm...just might go get me one)! But definitely don't beat yourself up about it! Just listen to your body! :-)

[TakeTwo]

It's hard for me to drink just water too... I like water better with a lot of ice cubes...and for some reason - if it's a bottle of water, it's easier. Maybe because I've paid more for it I'm more motivated. Who knows...

Anyway - I've found a couple things I like ... Fruit2O - it's flavored water made with Splenda. And I love Arizona Green Tea with Ginseng - also made with Splenda. A large glass of Arizona Green Tea with ice cubes... yummmm... tastes like a treat.

[snappy]

i used to hate water too and now i ONLY drink water and rarely even drink anything else. it's really all you need. i used to drink a ton of diet coke and one day someone told me to google "aspartame" and read about it. i'm not into conspiracy theories and don't usually buy into what i read on the internet, but i was blown away by what i found out about diet drinks. and i don't think any of the other sweeteners, like splenda, are any better than aspartame. regardless of what they do or don't do to your weight loss, they are all packed with chemicals.

try cold water again. you NEED to drink a ton of water on low carb diets. i drink water all day long and i love it now.