Most agree that drinking large quantities of water is beneficial to general health. Most will also agree that it gets pretty boring. I drink a lot of diet soda, crystal light, etc, and it really keeps me hydrated and full, on just a few calories. I think i am much further ahead, because it keeps me on my diet, instead of craving for flavor. How does your body process the diet soda, as compared to straight water?
Reason: Moved from Weight Loss to Foods forum
I think it is because when you drink soda, you are running on pure energy, then you crave water which later you PEE out. So basically you are flushing your system which helps you loose weight
The chemicals used to sweeten diet sodas have been said to be linked to brain disorders and miscarriage as well as weight gain (do a simple search online to read numerous articles on these topics). I avoid diet sodas like the plague. (I used to drink them all the time and I was very unhealthy then.)
I use stevia to sweeten my drinks now. It's a natural sweetner. I still drink coffee and teas and it hasn't affected my weight loss.
That said, it's is full of chemicals, doesn't flush your system the way water does and rots your teeth enamel. Drink Water if you can stand it.
Original Post by jakshops:
The weight gain associated with Diet Soda is that the artificial sweeteners may increase cravings for real sugar--which people then feel entitled to eat because they saved so many calories drinking Diet Soda. HOWEVER, I don't believe there's any indication that Diet Soda in and of itself causes weight gain. IE. If you eat your alloted calories while drinking diet soda you won't gain wait.
That said, it's is full of chemicals, doesn't flush your system the way water does and rots your teeth enamel. Drink Water if you can stand it.
I agree with jakshops
the problem with diet soda is the fake sugars... they're really not good for you. if you read up on aspartame, the product probably shouldn't even be approved. there's no way i'd want to drink it. and my body won't let me anyway, as it does for many people, it gives me a headache!
I totally agree with the previous posts. There were two university studies done this year that both came to the same conclusion. Diet soda drinkers gained more weight than people who drank REGULAR SODA!!! It tricks your mind into thinking you're getting real sugar, but it doesn't back it up with real calories so later in the day your brain catches up with your body and you crave more calories. I thought it was just me. I started gaining weight when I started drinking diet soda (thinking it was better for me than the occasional can of Coke). The problem is that I started drinking way too much of it and by the evening I was starving for real sugar. It was very hard to control the cravings. I've been off it for a few weeks now and I've noticed a huge difference. I do know some people who don't notice much of a difference in their appetite, but I certainly did. I mostly drink water now. I only have soda once or twice a week if I really want it, and I only have it with a meal so I'm not confusing my body with the lack of calories. Does any of that make sense or am I rambling?
I agree with everyone! I was a sceptic and I loved my diet Pepsi!!!! Couldnt get enough. So I put it to the test. One month, diet soda and diet...... 5 lb weight loss!!!! THATS IT!!!!!!!!!! I was so discourage I gained 10 lbs. I went back over my food journal and sure enough I was eating cookies, candy, and sweets shortly after drinking the soda. I then decided to give the water and diet a try. One month, 21 lb weight loss! It works for me and I bet it will work for you.
I also gave up the crystal light because of the "fake" sugars. I just dont feel they are good for my body or my goal. If diet soda is bad for you because of the fake sugar, I feel anything made with the fake sugar is bad for you.
:) My 2 cents
Exactly.............the study was not just done on diet soda but ALL artificial sweeteners. You'd be surprised how much of it we actually consume. I'm having a hard time giving up the sugar-free jello and sugar-free coffee creamer. 
There is no concrete evidence of artificial sweetenes causing serious health problems in humans. The most well-known study that showed a link between cancer and saccherine was done on rats, not humans. However, there is fairly concrete evidence that artificial sugars can cause minor problems suh as occasional migranes and un-smooth skin.
I drink diet soda, not too excessively, and I'm just fine, as long as you don't go binging on sweets afterwards it can be very helpful as it is in my case. Diet soda hasn't made anyone gain weight, its the food they eat that made them gain weight. I drink it on the nights when I'm in the snacking mood to fill me up. To me thats a lot better than snacking on 500 calories worth of food.
I don't think the occasional can of soda with a meal will hurt anyone. The people in these studies were drinking alot more than that.
