I've conquered just about every vice but one

[ndpistonfan]

Hey everybody,

At this time 2 years ago I was a robust 250 pounds and, by all accounts a fat, unhappy slob. Long story short, since then through a healthy (mostly) diet and exercise, I've worked my way down to a very comfortable 180 pounds. I've cut out fried foods (except on rare occasions), ice cream binges, overeating, late-night eating, etc. The final frontier is Diet Mountain Dew. While I'm sure to drink at least 100 ounces of water a day, I typically slam three bottles of 24 oz. DMD. I love the taste of it and of course the caffeine withdrawals could be a problem. My intention isn't to quit altogether, but does anybody have any studies or articles about how harmful it is for your health readily available? I searched the internet myself but I figured y'all might have some different insights or perspectives. Also, any good advice for quitting if I decide to make that commitment?

[funchy]

Greeting from a fellow Diet Mtn Dew addict. I can give up most any food/drink, but if I don't have my diet mt dew, I go crazy!


There are plenty of studies on caffeine, good and bad.

The sweetener is aspartame (nutrasweet) on which you'll find tons of studies of its dangers. Just google "aspartame dangers". Some believe aspartame also causes people to gain weight or feel hungrier.
Aspartame: What You Don't Know Can Hurt You

Acesulfame-potassium is also on the ingredients list, also a sweetener. There are studies that show it's safe, and there are studies that show it's linked to health risks such as some types of cancer. It's also said to "stimulate insulin secretion in a dose dependent fashion thereby possibly aggravating reactive hypoglycemia (low blood sugar attacks)."

Sodas contain phosphoric acid which is believed to leach minerals such as calcium from bones. At the very least this acid is really hard on your teeth.

The preservative, potassium benzoate, when combined with vit-C makes beneze, a carcinogene. The preservative is also linked to other health problems
Caution: Some soft drinks may seriously harm your health - Health News, Health & Wellbeing - The Independent

Brominated vegetable oil : added to improve shelf life of juices and also in Diet Mt Dew. Linked to organ damage and other serious problems.
Dangerous food additives that should be avoided

Artificial colors and flavorings: who the heck knows. I have no idea what chemicals these even are. FDA says they're safe, and our government would never mislead is, would they? lol

Why am I drinking this crap again?

Until I can give it up, I tried to dilute it put putting a little over a full glass of ice. One web site I read suggested diluting it with plain selter water, slowing increasing the % of seltzer. Eventually you'll lose the taste for it.

[Dimond]

Alternative, healthier caffeine products or non-caffeine energy ones may help such as raw cacao, Kola Nut powder, green tea or powder, Maca, Yerba Mate, etc. If it's mainly about energy, just improving your diet can give you energy. Many swear by just adding green smoothies to their diet. Many find green food powders/supplements work. Just depends on what you want to change about your health and what works for you.

[Andrew Gubb]

funchy beat me to it: do your homework on aspartame and you'll never touch the stuff again. Non-diet is better, though the sugar-highs and crashes will make it a little more obvious maybe that you shouldn't touch the stuff with a twenty-foot pole.

[ndpistonfan]

After briefly looking at some of this stuff (I'll give it a thorough look over the weekend) I may never look at my sweet nectar (Diet Mountain Dew) the same. FWIW I appreciate the responses and will do my due dilligence. Keep keepin' it real!