Giving Up Sugar and Need Suggestions

Faux Sugar No More

September 9, 2010

FitSugar reader colbie needs some help with our Give It Up Challenge.

Every afternoon I reach for a diet soda as an afternoon pick me up! I am sure all of that aspartame can't be any good for me, so it time to say good bye to diet soda. I am sure it won't be that hard to replace it with black coffee or afternoon tea! Any other suggestions?

Don't just offer advice, join the challenge. It's a chance to turn over a new leaf as the seasons change. Give up a vice or a bad habit for two weeks and see how your life improves. Tell us what you're giving up in the Get Fit For 2010 community group.

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16 Comments

2 years 36 weeks

you'll have to pry my diet coke from my cold dead hands. Sorry, but that's one vice I'm NEVER going to give up.

amber512 2 years 36 weeks

I stay FAR away from Splenda (seriously, read about how they make it!) and yet my brain can't fathom giving up my caffeine-free Diet Coke. Coffee and tea don't work for me (my body refuses to handle even a little caffeine). I wonder how expensive sparkling water is?

Spectra 2 years 36 weeks

I'm trying to give up my Diet Coke as well. I've found so far that sparkling water with a bit of lemon in it comes pretty close to the flavor I miss from the Diet Coke. I think it's because Diet Coke is slightly lemony in flavor? Or maybe it's just me or something.

genipher85 2 years 36 weeks

I am in the same boat. Diet soda seems to be my vice. I used to drink up to a 12 pack a day and then I quit for a few years, never sipping a drop. But for some reason this summer, I found myself back in its addictive clutch and drinking serveral a day. So that is also what I need to give up. I found that the last time, green tea, coffee and my personal favorite, Limon Perrier Water, were the best substitutes.

vabeachbum 2 years 36 weeks

Um, the FDA denied aspartame approval I think 6 or 7 times before it finally got approval. The guy on the FDA committee that approved it then went to work for the company that makes aspartame making 6 figures a year. Read Skinny B*tch... it's scary. You cannot tell me that it was an unbiased approval process and that stuff is safe. If you believe that, I have a bridge for sale in Brooklyn.

michlny 2 years 36 weeks

I am going through a similar challenge for myself. It's tough. I have discovered Stevia Soda and Virgil's Diet Root Bear and Black Cherry Cream Soda and they easily replace my artificially sweetened drinks. The only issue is when I travel....

fuzzles 2 years 36 weeks

The Republic of Tea puts out some fun flavors. Last fall they did an "Herbs of August" series--their Hot Apple Cider Tea was incredible! I like to brew a large pitcher full, toss it in the fridge and drink it over ice. Too many flavors to ever get bored with!

dreamalittledream 2 years 36 weeks

I loveee seltzer!!! Or crystal light.

2 years 36 weeks

Why are we so worried about a trace chemical? Do you tan? 100s of times worse then diet coke. Your cell phone, car and clothes have more harmful trace chemicals. Stop worrying about the little things! Why is it that people will take the fda's word that drugs are safe but not food additives? They both go through rigorous testing. Fine give up sweetener if you want, but I wish health websites would stop making a mountain out of the molehill.

2 years 36 weeks

Try La Croix sodas. The only ingredients are carbonated water and natural flavoring. It's what I've been drinking to kick my diet coke addiction! Good luck

bonnna 2 years 36 weeks

You should read what the book Skinny Bitch has to say about aspartame. It's interesting and very scary. I won't ever touch the stuff again. I'd really like to see a fitsugar review on that part of the book to get the word out!!!

angri 2 years 36 weeks

When I gave up aspartame myself a while back, I learned that you have to read labels obsessively. Soft drinks might boast that they are flavored with Splenda or whatever, but still have aspartame--Coke Zero is actually one that has aspartame in it. And since aspartame also goes by the names NutraSweet, Equal, Cenderel, and AminoSweet, you have to be really careful.

2 years 36 weeks

my favorite is cold green tea ... soak green tea bags in a bottle of water overnight in the fridge, in the morning, remove the tea bags and enjoy the tea all day long!

2 years 36 weeks

I agree with savvysugar. Club soda with some fresh lemon/lime or cranberry juice (or any low sugar fruit juice you like) splashed in is delicious and healthy. Add a mint leaf too!

2 years 36 weeks

There are several sodas using Splenda now which is a lot healthier than aspartame. Coke Zero is one of these such products.