Gave up diet soda: follow up

[Robert M]

Davester,

Sugar can definitely be addictive, IMO. Maybe not in the same way as caffeine or nicotine but I know people who can't stop eating sweets. They have to really give it their all to avoid them.

I should point out that in addition to lots of seltzer, I do drink coffee. I use half and half and a stevia based sweetener in it - either Truvia or a organic version sold at BJ's Wholesale that seems identical to Truvia.

I'm not a fan of the other sugar substitutes like Splenda (aka sucralose) and Equal (aspartame). They just don't taste right to me. Of the others, I can cope with Splenda. Truvia and the stuff from BJ's Wholesale has a very clean taste with no blechy aftertaste when used in reasonable amounts.

Robert

[kj]

I had the same experience with diet pepsi. When I quit, the burning in my joints went away. I didn't quit caffeine though. I still have an espresso every morning and an occasional pepsi or coke, so I know it was the aspartame not the caffeine. I drink loads of seltzer or mineral water. Pellegrino's my favorite, but I pick up tons of "Vintage" brand seltzer from walmart to save money. And take two cans (kroger's, etc.) to work every day. Seltzer was an acquired taste for me. I choked down two 2 liter bottles, and was hooked. kj.

[Robert M]

kj,

Seltzer is definitely acquired taste. No doubt it has a different flavor and feel than plain ol' water and believe me, Long Island in particular has very good water. My favorite seltzer by far is Vintage Wild Cherry. It has no sweetener but enough of a flavor that I don't use any enhancer in it.

Around me, seltzer is dirt cheap. It's one of the reasons I haven't bought a Sodastream or similar system. I buy seltzer by the case when it's on sale and store it in a closet. It'd be different if I didn't have space to store it. Then I'd consider a carbonation system despite my reservations about them.

Robert

[jdc]

I find coffee disgusting. I cant even get past the smell of coffee. I *love* ice cream, but anything "coffee" just kills it.

Diet coke is my "coffee".

Unlike other here tho, I have no joint pain or unusual swelling. I dont feel lethargic (anymore*) when getting up. Maybe moderation is the key?

*I still think you should do a sleep study. My feeling tired when getting up had everything to do with not sleeping at night because I wasntgetting enough air. CPAP machine = heaven.

[kj]

jdc wrote:
I find coffee disgusting. I cant even get past the smell of coffee. I *love* ice cream, but anything "coffee" just kills it.

Diet coke is my "coffee".

Unlike other here tho, I have no joint pain or unusual swelling. I dont feel lethargic (anymore*) when getting up. Maybe moderation is the key?

*I still think you should do a sleep study. My feeling tired when getting up had everything to do with not sleeping at night because I wasntgetting enough air. CPAP machine = heaven.

I think it's an allergy, so some people probably are less sensitive to the metabolites of aspartame. I'm a fairly allergic person though, which might explain it. kj.

[cbelt3]

I'm glad you're doing well.

I personally cannot tolerate ANY artificial sweetener. And as a diabetic, I've done tests. Every one gives me headaches. Some give me full on migrane symptoms. Releif requires a Benadryl. I also have problems with MSG and other odd preservatives and flavoring... Thai food gave me symptoms of drunkeness... the kids thought it was very funny.

[mrlynn]

From what kj said, it sounds like Grumpy's problem is with the aspartame, not the caffeine.

When I drink soda, usually just a Dr Pepper on Saturday (unless on car trips, when I like it in the van), I drink the regular, sugared kind; never use 'sweetener'. Otherwise I drink coffee during the day (2 mugs, with sugar and [unfortunately] skim milk, 'cuz that's what's in the house—I don't drink milk myself, except in coffee).

For a lunchtime drink, I like Apple and Eve Cranberry-Raspberry juice mix—not 'cocktail', so no added sugar. I mix that half-and-half with plain seltzer, which makes a nice, tasty fruit drink. I do prefer seltzer to plain water—I like fizzy.

By 6 PM I'm into the first of my two evening beers (Smutty Nose IPA—great stuff!).

/Mr Lynn

[decay]

i can't see how anyone thinks Stevia tastes sweet, or even good.

[Robert M]

Decay,

Different taste buds.

I've tried other stevia based products and found them horrible. There is a particular brand of soda with stevia in it that is vile. Ttied it once. Never again.

Truvia and the stevia sold in large bags at BJS are the only ones that work for me. They have near identical ingredients. It wouldn't surprise me in the least if the same company makes both products.

Robert