Can I lose weight and drink Coke Zero?

[Lose6pounds]

I’ve just discovered Coke Zero and 7up free. I never usually drank fizzy drinks because I was afraid of the calories. I’m trying to lose weight. Am I kidding myself?

@Needanewname42 I think I'm someone with a big loss (over 60lbs and still going). I haven't followed a popular diet plan though. I cut out the foods that were causing me bloating, discomfort etc. So since October last year I haven't had any of the following: cheese, bread, alcohol, potato crisps (though have had maize snacks occasionally), pasta, pizza, chocolate. I've also switched dairy for plant based alternatives like oat milk, almond milk, dairy free spread etc. Been much easier than it might sound! I replaced bread with crackers and keep track of my calories on My Fitness Pal. Sticking to about 1200ish a day and cut way back on my snacking. Upped my walking but still nowhere near 10,000 steps a day! Some gentle arm and core exercises using simple YouTube videos I found. That's it. You do need to be determined. I had a major health scare and that's kept me focused- though I don't recommend the health scare bit for anyone here so my advice would be do the work now so you don't HAVE to do it further down the line. Hope that helps a bit.

I've been drinking 2 Pepsi max a day I know it's not the healthiest but I like it I don't smoke or drink alcohol much so that's my poison I guess and I'm still losing

That's a study of type 2 diabetics who already have abnormal pancreatic function. You cannot extrapolate from them to the general population.

@spackleplumb that's impressive 👏
I usually start out with good intentions with mfp then loose motivation. This time I'm trying to keep it simple - dodge sugar and up the fruit n veg, which is making me feel better.
I've done ok in July.

Wow thanks everyone. This is really good news for me. The Coke Zero feels like a treat and I need this. Great news. Also, wow, well done everyone on all the weight loss, it’s extremely encouraging

Re well developed sweet tooth.
My GP said if you can go without sugars/sweeteners for about 3 weeks your taste buds get more sensitive so you can start to be satisfied with less.

I have moved up from dairy milk / galaxy to 90% dark now.

As is apparent from pp. It certainly seems possible to lose weight while still drinking diet drinks. Is water a healthier option? Yes. Does one can a day make dieting easier for some to get their sweet craving? Yes.

Personally I don't because I'm trying to wean myself off sweet things and I don't think artificial sugar is healthy but we all make choices that suits us best.

This is total rubbish.

I’d be more worried about the impact on my teeth!

From what? There's no sugar in them

It’s all this guff about insulin spiking preventing weight loss. Which has been shown to be pure shite.

Like I say, when I had a blood glucose monitor on my arm I tried various things to observe the response and Diet Coke did nothing at all to my blood sugar.

They’re still fizzy acidic crap, they weaken the enamel on your teeth.

I've been addicted to Pepsi max for years and I've been able to lose weight while still drinking it. The artificial sweeteners don't seem to affect that for me.

They also don’t stain your teeth like coffee/red wine does according to my dentist.

In the past six months I have lost 2 stone and my HbA1c level has reduced from 56 to 46. All whilst drinking some diet coke and more vimto with sweetener + sparkling water. I don't like plain water.

Absolute rubbish, I’m diabetic and they cause me no spikes at all, This has been extensively tested and spikes do not occur.

Craving a sweet hit? Then a Diet Coke is better than a Mars Bar.

Need to hydrate? Water is better than Diet Coke.

Context is everything.

Coke Zero is my main vice. I have lost weight while consuming it so it’s not a barrier. Tbh I know it’s full of crap but I eat really well and don’t drink much alcohol so I don’t stress about it. I don’t even drink coffee so I think I drink it for caffeine. I’ve lost weight calorie counting. I just don’t overdo it but I enjoy drinking it most days

My DH is type 1 diabetic and monitors
his glucose levels exceptionally well. I can confirm Diet coke/Coke Zero etc has absolutely no impact on his blood sugars. No spikes etc.

This is fortunate as probably his only vice now and is something he really enjoys over ice most days!