This is a very personal question considering I am completely and utterly addicted to Coke Zero.
Although it’s quite obvious that water is a better choice, I like to look at things objectively. That means going through the research over and over, gathering the results and summarizing them into a short and sharp answer. Considering I don’t have the time to read through hundreds of articles, it’s quite lucky I found Examine.com. These guys are great.
I love rehab and conditioning and have a keen interest in Nutrition and supplements, but now I have a place where I can go to get backed up information that tells it like it is. If you want to know anything about supplements, you can check out their guide. I have it, and it’s basically a huge dictionary telling you if a supplement is worth it’s weight in gold, or a waste of your money. Very valuable that I will be referencing for a long time.
Right now (because research is always ongoing and updated) there are no indications of long term health risks associated with drinking diet soda. This includes health, well – being and body composition.
Don’t They Spike Insulin?
If you read Laurens Fitness or have a background in nutrition you will know that the insulin spike resulting from eating sugary food is the cause of all problems. When that constantly occurs, you are shuttling glucose into your fat cells and eventually can even become insulin resistant. There are people out there saying that diet soda causes that insulin spike, but according to a lot of research, that is simply not the case.
So Why Should I Choose Water?
Although technically there are no adverse effects of diet soda, out gut instinct tells us that only drinking coke zero can’t be good for you. There are associations in terms of weight gain and diet soda consumption, and that can be attributed to the fact that the sugary taste of the drink leads us to want more sugary items which in turn leads to overconsumption.
The reality is, if you are consuming diet soda (and water because it’s bloody good for you) along side a controlled diet then you won’t find any adverse effects.
What About Your Teeth?
No question, an over consumption of any kinds of soda is going to negatively impact your teeth. Regular dental work can help stop the decay. Sugary soft drinks are the worst kind for teeth, but the acidity in diet sodas can cause problems.
The Verdict: Right now according to a lot of research diet soda is fine if it is accompanied by a healthy and controlled diet… but make sure you keep on top of the health of your teeth.
Marty Gresham says
Hi Lauren. I have enjoyed and learned from you site for some time now, but I have to disagree on the diet soda thumbs up. I too was addicted to Coke Zero, thinking it was a healthy, calorie free substitute for my diet. However, a slow but steady onset of numerous symptoms caused me to take a closer look at the Aspertame and other artificial sweeteners being pushed as healthy. I have been Aspertame free for over two years now…and am enjoying good health as I near my seventh decade of life…and after much study, investigation, and personal trial studies…I am convinced that Aspertame is the devil for anyone desiring to live strong and healthy. So…it’s tea and water for me. When we are young, bad choices, even those of a dietary nature, can often be overcome by youth and good genes. But as we age…those choices move to the forefront and the consequences become more easily discerned. My take? Bite the bullit, kiddo, and drop the artificial sweeteners. You’ll be glad that you did in a few years. Blessings…and thanks for your site! Have a nice day and go order some iced tea!
Lauren says
Hi Marty,
I really appreciate your comment! You know you are probably right, as I said in the article research is constantly being updated, reviewed and a lot is to be discovered. Just because something isn’t proven yet, doesn’t mean it is true. I do feel better when I only drink water during the day, and I believe things differ for individuals all day. Chances are in years to come new research and evidence will be out to support what you are saying, I should have added that, but here it is now.
I think that I will stick to what I am an expert in, fitness and rehabilitation. I get a lot of questions regarding nutrition and supplements, and I know this guide and this site in particular can provide people with very objective research based opinions… but I can provide the same thing in my area. You will see more of the stuff you love, and that’s the kind of feedback I need.
Once again I really appreciate your comment and love to stimulate discussion.