Giving up SF drinks is TOUGH!

iakaren · 06-09-2012, 07:45 AM

I know what I need to do.....give up those SF drinks and coffee flavor packets---even if they say Low Calorie. I have to admit, giving up sweet drinks is harder for me than giving up food. Don't know why, but sugar (sweet) has always been my toughest enemy.

And I sip on sweet all day long..........

Anyone else have that same issue, or any brilliant advice other than "Cold Turkey" it and do it?

svenskamae · 06-09-2012, 08:50 AM

Some people find it easier to transition away from sodas (including diet sodas) if they cut down gradually--say, alternate drinking a diet soda and a big glass of water. Another suggestion is to try shifting over to seltzer/soda water, so you still get bubbles for a while but no artificial sweetener. I did it cold turkey, and after a couple of weeks didn't really miss the diet cherry cokes I'd been drinking at my desk (maybe 3/day) for years. My guess is that if I tried them now, I'd find them unappetizing and overly chemical tasting, but I've just not tried them. If you are trying to switch to water instead, try drinking chilled and filtered water (say, from a Brita pitcher kept in the fridge), which tastes better than water right out of the tap.

Geesebaby · 06-09-2012, 09:17 AM

When I drink diet sodas my cravings for sweets go crazy. I had a rare one yesterday and I had cravings all night. Pure 100% Stevia is the only thing I can use to sweeten with that doesn't do it...but contrary to some things I've read, it's always been my understanding that it's the ONLY one that doesn't have any glycemic effect.

Ryiena · 06-09-2012, 09:37 AM

I know how you feel! I'm still trying to get away from the SF sodas and even the SF drink mixes (the sugar alcohols in those spike my BG so I shouldn't be drinking them!). The first doctor that I saw about my diabetes told me "it's ok to have things like crystal light and diet juice. Just limit the amount you drink each day." I've seen a diabetic specialist and another doctor since then and they have told me similiar. I know, however, that I need to quit! If I'm going to drink one, I just limit it to one every other day or longer. Usually at room temperature, so that I don't break into my old habit of popping multiple cans of cold soda. I noticed the colder a soda was, the more desire I had to drink it!

LCJunkie · 06-09-2012, 09:38 AM

There are drinks out there that are sweetened with stevia. The one I occassionaly drink is Zevia. In Canada, we also have a flavoured water called Aquafina 10 that is sweetened with stevia as well. It's a Pepsi product, maybe the US would have it as well.

I too find that if I do drink a regular diet soda, I get really bad cravings.

ElizabethLC · 06-09-2012, 11:19 AM

Ideas:

First of all, you could cut sweeteners out bit by bit instead of cold turkey.
Or just do the cold turkey! Mmmm, cold turkey.

Iced tea (unsweet)
iced tea with half and half or HWC
hot tea
hot tea with half and half or HWC
sparkling water
pre-flavored sparking water
sparkling water with lime or lemon squeezed in and with floating slices.. looks refreshing
plain ice water with lime or lemon
water with ginger
coffee with half and half
black coffee
wine! lol.. probably not at work though. I guess it depends on your workplace!
vodka.. OK this will not help to hydrate you
water in a special cup or thermos that you love (maybe go to Target for just such a thing)

Hope that helps! Hang in there!

SamiKing · 06-09-2012, 11:39 AM

I have recently realised that drinking all that sugar free soda is doing me no good at all and made the decision to stay well away from them. Before a couple of weeks ago I would buy 5 2lt bottles of coke zero for the week, but now I'm buying 10 2lt bottles of still water and some 2lt bottles of sparkling water. I feel SO MUCH better for it. Really, I do! I am yet to drink the amount of water that is recommended per day though, but I'm definitely going in the right direction. I allow myself a Coke Zero now as a treat and I appreciate it much more, too!

But yes - I did find it hard to lower my intake, mainly because at times in the beginning sugar free drinks were what kept me going and sane! But it's definitely the right decision to lower your intake. Regardless of carbs/calories and all that jazz - they're just not good for you!

SashimiMark · 06-09-2012, 01:23 PM

I gave up sf sodas a while back. It was tough at first, but if you stick with it you'll eventually realize, hey I can't remember the last time I had soda! and you won't even miss it. I do drink sparkling flavored waters. I'm one of those who has a hard time drinking a lot of plain water without setting up a reminder on my phone. But I bring 3 2-litre bottles of unsweetened lemon soda water to work with me each week and they're gone by the end of the week.

MargeGunderson · 06-09-2012, 01:44 PM

I've always preferred plain seltzer water, don't even want any fruit or flavorings in it, to about any other beverage (including non-carbonated water), long before I ever thought I'd have a weight problem. Now I see what a huge blessing that is with having to fight weight and also the more we learn about artificial sweeteners.

More people buy it now so the grocery stores generally stock it, but when it was so hard to find cases and 12-packs of plain seltzer and often involved special ordering it, I'd buy several at a time so I wouldn't have to hassle with it for awhile.

A few times, complete strangers in line behind me handed me cards for Alcoholics Anonymous meetings! I can't really get too upset when people really mean well (and are willing to risk getting punched out by a complete stranger who doesn't appreciate the "help" being offered), but wow, talk about conjecture!

Anyway, it's really good, more refreshing than any flavored stuff and it won't clash with whatever you're having for dinner, dessert, breakfast, etc.

Leo41 · 06-09-2012, 01:56 PM

When I discovered that anything with a sweet taste stimulated my appetite, I had to eliminate diet soda. At first, I realized that I missed the 'fizz,' so I bought plain club soda (seltzer) and added a little lemon for flavoring. After a couple of weeks, I no longer needed the 'fizz.'

Now I drink mainly black coffee and hot green tea, and iced tea on hot summer days.

iakaren · 06-09-2012, 02:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SashimiMark

I gave up sf sodas a while back. It was tough at first, but if you stick with it you'll eventually realize, hey I can't remember the last time I had soda! and you won't even miss it. I do drink sparkling flavored waters. I'm one of those who has a hard time drinking a lot of plain water without setting up a reminder on my phone. But I bring 3 2-litre bottles of unsweetened lemon soda water to work with me each week and they're gone by the end of the week.

Didn't know there was unsweetened lemon soda water. I will have to try to find some. Sounds good. I have a tough time with plain water also.

iakaren · 06-09-2012, 02:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ryiena

I know how you feel! I'm still trying to get away from the SF sodas and even the SF drink mixes (the sugar alcohols in those spike my BG so I shouldn't be drinking them!). The first doctor that I saw about my diabetes told me "it's ok to have things like crystal light and diet juice. Just limit the amount you drink each day." I've seen a diabetic specialist and another doctor since then and they have told me similiar. I know, however, that I need to quit! If I'm going to drink one, I just limit it to one every other day or longer. Usually at room temperature, so that I don't break into my old habit of popping multiple cans of cold soda. I noticed the colder a soda was, the more desire I had to drink it!

I am an ice-aholic, so doing the warm would definitely slow down my urge to grab a soda. Good idea.

iakaren · 06-09-2012, 02:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Geesebaby

When I drink diet sodas my cravings for sweets go crazy. I had a rare one yesterday and I had cravings all night. Pure 100% Stevia is the only thing I can use to sweeten with that doesn't do it...but contrary to some things I've read, it's always been my understanding that it's the ONLY one that doesn't have any glycemic effect.

I use stevia in my sun teas. Started making it by the 20 oz glass bottles, so easy to grab out of the fridge.

Still have the diet pop issue at restaurants, because so often the water tastes bad in restaurants around here.

Geesebaby · 06-09-2012, 02:32 PM

What about unsweetened tea in restaurants and bring your own Stevia packets? I need to make some sun tea...always forget about it!

SashimiMark · 06-09-2012, 02:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by iakaren

Didn't know there was unsweetened lemon soda water. I will have to try to find some. Sounds good. I have a tough time with plain water also.

Hmm, I guess it's actually seltzer. The brand I drink is Polar, but I think that may be a New England thing.

steady · 06-09-2012, 05:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by iakaren

Didn't know there was unsweetened lemon soda water. I will have to try to find some. Sounds good. I have a tough time with plain water also.

Yes and even pomegranate, black cherry, tangerine, lime, raspberry, etc ! Instead of cold turkey you could wean your way off by adding a splash to these unsweetened sparkling waters.

cfine · 06-09-2012, 06:31 PM

Quote:

What about unsweetened tea in restaurants and bring your own Stevia packets? I need to make some sun tea...always forget about it!

I always get water with lemon at a restaurant, sweeten it with stevia, and I have made free lemonade. They will usually even bring me some extra lemons if I ask

iakaren · 06-09-2012, 06:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Geesebaby

What about unsweetened tea in restaurants and bring your own Stevia packets? I need to make some sun tea...always forget about it!

Loved the suggestion. Took Stevia with me tonight........and they tea pot was empty. Ended up with Diet Coke anyway, because water in that town is questionable.......

zombiegoat2000 · 06-09-2012, 07:15 PM

Ifeel for ya! i love diet mountain dew

iakaren · 06-20-2012, 06:42 PM

Pepsi Max was the fiend for today......but only 12 oz, and it tasted soooooo good.

Dredaye9 · 06-20-2012, 07:13 PM

Hello my identical twin! I can totally relate. I love the crystal light and ocean spray packets and mio. Recently iv e cut back drastically because I just can't afford them. Also I stated exercising and when I exercise I feel much better drinking water. I will do one two diet sodas a day... But I replaced my mio habit with gum ( go figure) but I find that when I drink the super sweet drinks all day long my hunger levels do increase just like everyone says... But u don't understand I would go through at least a mio packet in a day... I feel much better cutting back now... Water sucks but I feel better because I know thoose carbs were adding up . I'm not going to deny myself crystal light or diet soda... Just not all day everyday like I was doing. This balance works for me

hope that helps thtas just mu experience

Doug K · 06-20-2012, 07:25 PM

I quit artificial sweeteners in February. I drink a lot more black coffee, reg and decaf. Some fruit-flavored teas are pretty good plain, as well. Tazo Wild Orange and Stash Raspberry are two of my favorites, hot or cold.

LCdave · 06-21-2012, 09:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by iakaren

I know what I need to do.....give up those SF drinks and coffee flavor packets---even if they say Low Calorie. I have to admit, giving up sweet drinks is harder for me than giving up food. Don't know why, but sugar (sweet) has always been my toughest enemy.

And I sip on sweet all day long..........

Anyone else have that same issue, or any brilliant advice other than "Cold Turkey" it and do it?

sorry cant help you on the sweet tooth issue, i have the opposite: i do not like sugary/sweet foods or drinks, i like hot/salty foods.....

HappyHappyJoyJoy · 06-21-2012, 09:47 AM

You can do this!

I would try to do one thing at a time. Give up the coffee packets first, then the soda. Or vice versa. But maybe not both at once.

Or switch from diet soda to tea and carry truvia packets in your purse to sweeten them.

Also, sometimes deciding you are going to be THAT person who mades food and drink requests (like Sally from When Harry Met Sally) will help you get what you need. I've been changing my image of myself to be that person and making sure I get what I need at restaurants, instead of just taking what they are dishing out.

I love what someone said on here: I get to decide what goes in my body, not anyone else.

Oregon Transplant · 06-21-2012, 10:18 AM

Ohhhh, I feel for you! I'm trying to cut out aspertame. I have a terrible diet soda addiction. I found a natural seltzer water at Safeway that has no carbs, no artificial sweeteners. It's worked for me so far. The fizz is enough. I see you're in Iowa, so maybe you have Safeway there? Good luck!

SkeeterN · 06-21-2012, 10:38 AM

Been doing low carb for over 8 years now. I have no plans on ever stopping my s/f drinks. Still am not convinced I even have too.

martiangurll · 06-21-2012, 12:17 PM

I have "kicked the diet coke habit" 3 times and everytime I have horrendous headaches (probably a sign that stuff is neurotoxic, right?)

I don't crave them anymore (although psychologically when I see the can, I pant and salivate to make Pavlov proud) but I do occasionally drink seltzer water with a squirt of lemon or lime and/or Stevia for flavor.

Also, if you have a natural foods store, there is a brand of soda pop made with stevia only, called Zevia cola. Not too shabby tasting.

PaminKY · 06-21-2012, 01:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SkeeterN

Been doing low carb for over 8 years now. I have no plans on ever stopping my s/f drinks. Still am not convinced I even have too.

I agree with Skeeter. I did quit them for almost a year but I've now allowed them back into my diet. They don't cause me cravings and they're a nice treat. I still don't drink a lot of them but even if I do I don't stress about it.

I have quite a few Zevia's in my fridge but I use them more for cooking than drinking

Janknitz · 06-21-2012, 02:41 PM

There are a lot of herbal teas now that have a natural sweetness, without sugar or sweeteners. It's just enough that it's not like drinking plain water. You can even make it more concentrated and add plain soda for a fizzy drink.

We got a gallon container with a spigot. I put 4 tea bags in at night before bed and they "cold brew" until morning. You get a lightly flavored slightly sweet tea with no bad stuff in it. Our current favorite is Celestial Seasonings Country Peach but almost all their fruit flavored teas work great this way. It also works nicely with some of the more herbal teas--my kids like mint iced tea.

thealything · 06-21-2012, 05:39 PM

my favourite is club soda. I add lemon or lime juice, no AS or sugar. it's fizzy and has a pop of flavour. I like lime more than lemon, but lemon slices are more common at restaurants.

I was having a really hard time giving up diet sodas and Fresca, but the club soda thing just about nipped it in the bud!

06-09-2012, 07:45 AM	#1
iakaren Blabbermouth!!! Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Iowa Posts: 6,655 Gallery: iakaren Stats: 191/181/160 WOE: LC 11/06;CAD 11/11 Start Date: October 28, 2006	Giving up SF drinks is TOUGH! I know what I need to do.....give up those SF drinks and coffee flavor packets---even if they say Low Calorie. I have to admit, giving up sweet drinks is harder for me than giving up food. Don't know why, but sugar (sweet) has always been my toughest enemy. And I sip on sweet all day long.......... Anyone else have that same issue, or any brilliant advice other than "Cold Turkey" it and do it?

06-09-2012, 11:19 AM	#6
ElizabethLC Senior LCF Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Minnesota Posts: 675 Gallery: ElizabethLC Stats: 218.5/156.5/healthy and happy WOE: Atkins Start Date: July 2008	Ideas: First of all, you could cut sweeteners out bit by bit instead of cold turkey. Or just do the cold turkey! Mmmm, cold turkey. Iced tea (unsweet) iced tea with half and half or HWC hot tea hot tea with half and half or HWC sparkling water pre-flavored sparking water sparkling water with lime or lemon squeezed in and with floating slices.. looks refreshing plain ice water with lime or lemon water with ginger coffee with half and half black coffee wine! lol.. probably not at work though. I guess it depends on your workplace! vodka.. OK this will not help to hydrate you water in a special cup or thermos that you love (maybe go to Target for just such a thing) Hope that helps! Hang in there! __________________ My new journal!

06-09-2012, 01:44 PM	#9
MargeGunderson Senior LCF Member Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Seattle Posts: 686 Gallery: MargeGunderson Stats: 178/130/120 WOE: LC; LG, no wheat, VVLS(ugar) Start Date: Feb. 1, 2012	I've always preferred plain seltzer water, don't even want any fruit or flavorings in it, to about any other beverage (including non-carbonated water), long before I ever thought I'd have a weight problem. Now I see what a huge blessing that is with having to fight weight and also the more we learn about artificial sweeteners. More people buy it now so the grocery stores generally stock it, but when it was so hard to find cases and 12-packs of plain seltzer and often involved special ordering it, I'd buy several at a time so I wouldn't have to hassle with it for awhile. A few times, complete strangers in line behind me handed me cards for Alcoholics Anonymous meetings! I can't really get too upset when people really mean well (and are willing to risk getting punched out by a complete stranger who doesn't appreciate the "help" being offered), but wow, talk about conjecture! Anyway, it's really good, more refreshing than any flavored stuff and it won't clash with whatever you're having for dinner, dessert, breakfast, etc. __________________ Don't forget to laugh today. The more implausible it seems, the more you need to! Encouraging a food addict to "just have one treat, so you'll stay motivated and on track" is like encouraging an alcoholic to just have one drink so they won't fall off the wagon.

06-20-2012, 07:13 PM	#21
Dredaye9 Senior LCF Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Posts: 590 Gallery: Dredaye9 Stats: Sw171/cw113.5gw11o WOE: LC Start Date: 2010	Hello my identical twin! I can totally relate. I love the crystal light and ocean spray packets and mio. Recently iv e cut back drastically because I just can't afford them. Also I stated exercising and when I exercise I feel much better drinking water. I will do one two diet sodas a day... But I replaced my mio habit with gum ( go figure) but I find that when I drink the super sweet drinks all day long my hunger levels do increase just like everyone says... But u don't understand I would go through at least a mio packet in a day... I feel much better cutting back now... Water sucks but I feel better because I know thoose carbs were adding up . I'm not going to deny myself crystal light or diet soda... Just not all day everyday like I was doing. This balance works for me hope that helps thtas just mu experience __________________ Every lb gained is water/ every lb lost is fat ***We are stronger than we know**

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06-09-2012, 08:50 AM	#2
svenskamae Major LCF Poster! Join Date: May 2012 Location: Minneapolis Posts: 2,927 Gallery: svenskamae Stats: 235/178/135 5'3" WOE: Nutritional Ketosis/Primal/JUDDD Start Date: January 15, 2012	Some people find it easier to transition away from sodas (including diet sodas) if they cut down gradually--say, alternate drinking a diet soda and a big glass of water. Another suggestion is to try shifting over to seltzer/soda water, so you still get bubbles for a while but no artificial sweetener. I did it cold turkey, and after a couple of weeks didn't really miss the diet cherry cokes I'd been drinking at my desk (maybe 3/day) for years. My guess is that if I tried them now, I'd find them unappetizing and overly chemical tasting, but I've just not tried them. If you are trying to switch to water instead, try drinking chilled and filtered water (say, from a Brita pitcher kept in the fridge), which tastes better than water right out of the tap.

06-09-2012, 09:17 AM	#3
Geesebaby Senior LCF Member Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Pennsylvania, USA Posts: 111 Gallery: Geesebaby Stats: 304/269/150 WOE: Atkins induction, Gluten Free Start Date: Feb. 21, 2012 lower carb, 5-22-12 Atkins	When I drink diet sodas my cravings for sweets go crazy. I had a rare one yesterday and I had cravings all night. Pure 100% Stevia is the only thing I can use to sweeten with that doesn't do it...but contrary to some things I've read, it's always been my understanding that it's the ONLY one that doesn't have any glycemic effect.

06-09-2012, 09:37 AM	#4
Ryiena Senior LCF Member Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Charleston, SC Posts: 186 Gallery: Ryiena Stats: 315/270/135 WOE: 30 Carbs a day =) Start Date: February 2012	I know how you feel! I'm still trying to get away from the SF sodas and even the SF drink mixes (the sugar alcohols in those spike my BG so I shouldn't be drinking them!). The first doctor that I saw about my diabetes told me "it's ok to have things like crystal light and diet juice. Just limit the amount you drink each day." I've seen a diabetic specialist and another doctor since then and they have told me similiar. I know, however, that I need to quit! If I'm going to drink one, I just limit it to one every other day or longer. Usually at room temperature, so that I don't break into my old habit of popping multiple cans of cold soda. I noticed the colder a soda was, the more desire I had to drink it!

06-09-2012, 09:38 AM	#5
LCJunkie Senior LCF Member Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Saskatchewan, Canada Posts: 823 Gallery: LCJunkie WOE: Lowcarb	There are drinks out there that are sweetened with stevia. The one I occassionaly drink is Zevia. In Canada, we also have a flavoured water called Aquafina 10 that is sweetened with stevia as well. It's a Pepsi product, maybe the US would have it as well. I too find that if I do drink a regular diet soda, I get really bad cravings.

06-09-2012, 11:39 AM	#7
SamiKing Senior LCF Member Join Date: May 2012 Location: Glos, UK Posts: 91 Gallery: SamiKing Stats: 196/179/154 WOE: Atkins - OWL	I have recently realised that drinking all that sugar free soda is doing me no good at all and made the decision to stay well away from them. Before a couple of weeks ago I would buy 5 2lt bottles of coke zero for the week, but now I'm buying 10 2lt bottles of still water and some 2lt bottles of sparkling water. I feel SO MUCH better for it. Really, I do! I am yet to drink the amount of water that is recommended per day though, but I'm definitely going in the right direction. I allow myself a Coke Zero now as a treat and I appreciate it much more, too! But yes - I did find it hard to lower my intake, mainly because at times in the beginning sugar free drinks were what kept me going and sane! But it's definitely the right decision to lower your intake. Regardless of carbs/calories and all that jazz - they're just not good for you!

06-09-2012, 01:23 PM	#8
SashimiMark Major LCF Poster! Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Worcester, MA Posts: 2,867 Gallery: SashimiMark Stats: in love with myself WOE: organic whole foods with lots of fat Start Date: January 2008	I gave up sf sodas a while back. It was tough at first, but if you stick with it you'll eventually realize, hey I can't remember the last time I had soda! and you won't even miss it. I do drink sparkling flavored waters. I'm one of those who has a hard time drinking a lot of plain water without setting up a reminder on my phone. But I bring 3 2-litre bottles of unsweetened lemon soda water to work with me each week and they're gone by the end of the week.

06-09-2012, 01:56 PM	#10
Leo41 Senior LCF member Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 8,426 Gallery: Leo41 Stats: 340 then/145 now WOE: Low carb/calorie cycling	When I discovered that anything with a sweet taste stimulated my appetite, I had to eliminate diet soda. At first, I realized that I missed the 'fizz,' so I bought plain club soda (seltzer) and added a little lemon for flavoring. After a couple of weeks, I no longer needed the 'fizz.' Now I drink mainly black coffee and hot green tea, and iced tea on hot summer days.

06-09-2012, 02:32 PM	#14
Geesebaby Senior LCF Member Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Pennsylvania, USA Posts: 111 Gallery: Geesebaby Stats: 304/269/150 WOE: Atkins induction, Gluten Free Start Date: Feb. 21, 2012 lower carb, 5-22-12 Atkins	What about unsweetened tea in restaurants and bring your own Stevia packets? I need to make some sun tea...always forget about it!

06-09-2012, 07:15 PM	#19
zombiegoat2000 Senior LCF Member Join Date: May 2012 Location: Florida Posts: 734 Gallery: zombiegoat2000 Stats: Start 296.0#/269.8#/150# 5'8" Female WOE: Low Carb Start Date: January2012	Ifeel for ya! i love diet mountain dew

06-20-2012, 06:42 PM	#20
iakaren Blabbermouth!!! Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Iowa Posts: 6,655 Gallery: iakaren Stats: 191/181/160 WOE: LC 11/06;CAD 11/11 Start Date: October 28, 2006	Pepsi Max was the fiend for today......but only 12 oz, and it tasted soooooo good.

06-20-2012, 07:25 PM	#22
Doug K Senior LCF Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Seattle Posts: 934 Gallery: Doug K Stats: 229/182/140; goal: 30" waist (5'4" tall) WOE: Atkins OWL Start Date: April 2011	I quit artificial sweeteners in February. I drink a lot more black coffee, reg and decaf. Some fruit-flavored teas are pretty good plain, as well. Tazo Wild Orange and Stash Raspberry are two of my favorites, hot or cold.

06-21-2012, 09:47 AM	#24
HappyHappyJoyJoy Senior LCF Member Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Texas! Posts: 362 Gallery: HappyHappyJoyJoy Stats: 201.8/160.6/161 WOE: Atkins Start Date: April 10,2012	You can do this! I would try to do one thing at a time. Give up the coffee packets first, then the soda. Or vice versa. But maybe not both at once. Or switch from diet soda to tea and carry truvia packets in your purse to sweeten them. Also, sometimes deciding you are going to be THAT person who mades food and drink requests (like Sally from When Harry Met Sally) will help you get what you need. I've been changing my image of myself to be that person and making sure I get what I need at restaurants, instead of just taking what they are dishing out. I love what someone said on here: I get to decide what goes in my body, not anyone else.

06-21-2012, 10:18 AM	#25
Oregon Transplant Senior LCF Member Join Date: Jun 2002 Posts: 603 Gallery: Oregon Transplant WOE: Atkins Start Date: A long time ago	Ohhhh, I feel for you! I'm trying to cut out aspertame. I have a terrible diet soda addiction. I found a natural seltzer water at Safeway that has no carbs, no artificial sweeteners. It's worked for me so far. The fizz is enough. I see you're in Iowa, so maybe you have Safeway there? Good luck!

06-21-2012, 10:38 AM	#26
SkeeterN Way too much time on my hands! Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: West Central Ohio Posts: 18,092 Gallery: SkeeterN Stats: 4'10 and 170/115 (5 or so pounds up or down) WOE: Atkins Start Date: April 2004	Been doing low carb for over 8 years now. I have no plans on ever stopping my s/f drinks. Still am not convinced I even have too.

06-21-2012, 12:17 PM	#27
martiangurll Major LCF Poster! Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Denver Posts: 1,560 Gallery: martiangurll Stats: 250ish/201.5/138??? WOE: HCG at the moment R3P2VLDC33 Start Date: 4/01/10 (Atkins restart)	I have "kicked the diet coke habit" 3 times and everytime I have horrendous headaches (probably a sign that stuff is neurotoxic, right?) I don't crave them anymore (although psychologically when I see the can, I pant and salivate to make Pavlov proud) but I do occasionally drink seltzer water with a squirt of lemon or lime and/or Stevia for flavor. Also, if you have a natural foods store, there is a brand of soda pop made with stevia only, called Zevia cola. Not too shabby tasting.

06-21-2012, 02:41 PM	#29
Janknitz Major LCF Poster! Join Date: Jun 2011 Posts: 1,753 Gallery: Janknitz Stats: 254/195/150 WOE: Low Carb High Fat, No Grains Start Date: June 16, 2011	There are a lot of herbal teas now that have a natural sweetness, without sugar or sweeteners. It's just enough that it's not like drinking plain water. You can even make it more concentrated and add plain soda for a fizzy drink. We got a gallon container with a spigot. I put 4 tea bags in at night before bed and they "cold brew" until morning. You get a lightly flavored slightly sweet tea with no bad stuff in it. Our current favorite is Celestial Seasonings Country Peach but almost all their fruit flavored teas work great this way. It also works nicely with some of the more herbal teas--my kids like mint iced tea.

06-21-2012, 05:39 PM	#30
thealything Senior LCF Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Canada Posts: 490 Gallery: thealything Stats: 238/196/138 5'7" WOE: Atkins (DANDR) Start Date: restart March '12	my favourite is club soda. I add lemon or lime juice, no AS or sugar. it's fizzy and has a pop of flavour. I like lime more than lemon, but lemon slices are more common at restaurants. I was having a really hard time giving up diet sodas and Fresca, but the club soda thing just about nipped it in the bud!