how bad diet soda really is for u..?

[z1ggy]

im attempting to loose 10-15 pounds over the next weeks, but i find it hard to give up soda. so i switched to diet. my fav drink.. diet mt. dew obv. has no calories, but is it really hurting my weight loss goals that much?

 

[Falloutboy]

its not bad persay, but I found drinking diet pop makes me much hungrier than if I just drank water. today I drank a couple diet cokes mid afternoon, and I got massively hungry arround 4pm even though normally I'm fine around that time, and only difference between today and the weeks prior were the diet cokes I had

 

[Crono]

Short term, to replace regular soda? I think it's fine. Diet soda has no calories, so I don't know how it would hurt your weight loss.

 

[KoolDrew]

It may have negative effects on health (the research I've seen so far isn't very conclusive), but it won't have an effect on weight loss.

im attempting to loose 10-15 pounds over the next weeks

How much do you weigh? I can guarantee you if you lose 10-15 pounds in a few weeks, most of it isn't going to be fat.

 

[z1ggy]

I weight 195, but by a few weeks.. i meant 6-10 weeks. I play rugby so I will be doing a lot of running. It is pretty hard for me to eat healthy here at college because I am on a meal plan and I can really only do so much for myself. I go to the gym often..it is just frustrating because I feel like I don't get results, but I understand it takes time.

 

[StageLeft]

Originally posted by: z1ggy
I weight 195, but by a few weeks.. i meant 6-10 weeks. I play rugby so I will be doing a lot of running. It is pretty hard for me to eat healthy here at college because I am on a meal plan and I can really only do so much for myself. I go to the gym often..it is just frustrating because I feel like I don't get results, but I understand it takes time.

I ate at a college cafeteria for a few years and probably had the entre about five times. That is the problem. Entres are crap. If they had chicken I would grab that, but most of the rest was high calorie horse-sh*t. I ate tons of salads, a lot of cereals with fat free milk, and a lot of eggs and also soups.

 

[Java Cafe]

Originally posted by: KoolDrew
It may have negative effects on health (the research I've seen so far isn't very conclusive), but it won't have an effect on weight loss.

im attempting to loose 10-15 pounds over the next weeks

How much do you weigh? I can guarantee you if you lose 10-15 pounds in a few weeks, most of it isn't going to be fat.

Kooldrew, It is true that there's going to be a lot of muscle loss, but are you firm in your conviction that those who run (or engage in high level aerobics) to lose weight fast, lose MORE muscle than they lose fat?

Wouldn't the body shed the fat faster than muscle?

~ JC ~

 

[z1ggy]

I think they mean if you lose weight that fast it is most likely water weight. The body tries to burn all the fat it can first, before attacking the muscle for energy. I just need some tips/advice on how to try and get the best diet I can here at school while on a meal plan. I think Skoorb gave the best advice so far.

 

[moshquerade]

diet soda is going to make your crave sweets. plus it's acidic and therefore bad for your teeth. i'm no saint and have an occasional diet pepsi every now and then, but if you really want to lose weight i'd just forgo the soda.

Here you go:

http://www.webmd.com/diet/news...-soda-gain-more-weight

 

[Capt Caveman]

Originally posted by: moshquerade
diet soda is going to make your crave sweets. plus it's acidic and therefore bad for your teeth. i'm no saint and have an occasional diet pepsi every now and then, but if you really want to lose weight i'd just forgo the soda.

Here you go:

http://www.webmd.com/diet/news...-soda-gain-more-weight

I think it varies by the individual. I drink a lot of diet soda(1+ liters a day). I have maybe a once in two months craving for some sweets which a box of Mike & Ikes satisfies.

My teeth are fine, I'm not gaining any weight, I run daily and training for a marathon in May.

 

[KoolDrew]

Kooldrew, It is true that there's going to be a lot of muscle loss, but are you firm in your conviction that those who run (or engage in high level aerobics) to lose weight fast, lose MORE muscle than they lose fat?

Lose more muscle than fat? No. However, often times the quicker you lose weight (whether it be from a massive calorie deficit, a ton of exercise, or both), the more muscle that will be lost. Keep in mind my comment above was not mainly about muscle loss. A lot of initial weight loss is going to be water. I've lost 7 pounds overnight just by eliminating carbohydrates and losing 5-10 pounds the first week of a diet is not unheard of.

The body tries to burn all the fat it can first, before attacking the muscle for energy.

If that were the case, muscle loss wouldn't be a problem on a diet. Yet, it is.

 

[z1ggy]

Well that explains it Capt Caveman haha, you are training a TON. Im a rugby player so yes I run.. but i also drink massively which almost defeats the purpose.

So can anybody out there maybe give me an outline of a diet I could follow given the my situation. One thing is I can go to walmart often to buy healthy food, but all I have is a microwave in my room. Some things I do now to attempt to lose the weight as far as eating goes is eating more often during the day, but less amount...soups and salads for lunch..subway for dinner( we have that on campus) and grapefruit as a snack.

 

[conorvansmack]

All soda is acidic and less than ideal for your teeth, not just diet.

Be careful with Subway, it's not as healthy or as good for weight loss as you think. If you have access to cottage cheese in the cafeteria (and actually like it) it makes for a good snack or even part of a meal.

A number of articles (sorry, no links ~slacker~) advise avoiding carbs in the evening. They argue that not all calories are the same, look for a post by brikis98 about those if you're interested. I gained a lot of weight on the meal plan in college, and not in a good way. For dinner, look for a lean protein and vegetables, sort of a paleolithic diet meal. You don't have to eat everything that comes with the entrees they put in front of you.

Nuts like almonds, walnuts, and cashews to a lesser degree, are good snacks too. Don't forget peanut butter. It goes great with apples, celery (refrigerator?), bagels, and a spoon.

 

[z1ggy]

Originally posted by: conorvansmack
All soda is acidic and less than ideal for your teeth, not just diet.

Be careful with Subway, it's not as healthy or as good for weight loss as you think. If you have access to cottage cheese in the cafeteria (and actually like it) it makes for a good snack or even part of a meal.

A number of articles (sorry, no links ~slacker~) advise avoiding carbs in the evening. They argue that not all calories are the same, look for a post by brikis98 about those if you're interested. I gained a lot of weight on the meal plan in college, and not in a good way. For dinner, look for a lean protein and vegetables, sort of a paleolithic diet meal. You don't have to eat everything that comes with the entrees they put in front of you.

Nuts like almonds, walnuts, and cashews to a lesser degree, are good snacks too. Don't forget peanut butter. It goes great with apples, celery (refrigerator?), bagels, and a spoon.

You are right...but for a full meal subway does it for me.. plus I already paid an arm and a leg for this meal plan, so I might as well use it right? I think I will take your advice and try some peanut butter out more often. I really need to get more protein in me because I lift 3-4 days a week. Kind of hard to get that daily dose of protein when I don't even have a grill/stove.

 

[conorvansmack]

If it's an options you could go double meat on the sandwich and eliminate half the bread. As far as the other meals, try to get as close to whole food (unprocessed) as you can. It's pretty difficult to process a chicken breast, but a lot of places are peddling a chicken product that has been pressed into the shape of a chicken breast. Think McRib, but with chicken.

I remember cafeteria fish being pretty nasty, but if it's available, it's a great source of protein. Again, watch out for the pressed meat product version of fish commonly masquerading in stick and nugget form.

 

[KoolDrew]

Kind of hard to get that daily dose of protein when I don't even have a grill/stove.

What about a George Foreman? Also, I absolutely love peanut butter, but don't really think it's that great of a protein source. The peanut butter I have is 190 calories and only has 8 grams of protein per serving. Four servings (which is usually what I end up eating), adds up to a total of 760 calories and only 32g of protein. If weight loss is your goal, getting your protein from mostly lean sources is a much better idea. Peanut butter tastes awesome and is a great source of healthy fats, but the calories can really add up quickly.

If it's an options you could go double meat on the sandwich and eliminate half the bread.

12" Double meat sweet onion chicken teriyaki ftw. 980 calories and 86g of protein.

 

[z1ggy]

Yeah a foreman is an option.. how much do those run for these days? What kinds of meats could I cook on that that will taste the best/ be the best for protein, but remember.. I am a full time student.. can't be breaking my wallet over here

 

[jteef]

I switched from drinking about 6 cans of regular soda(usually mt. dew) / day to about 2-4 cans of diet soda(usually diet dew) / day about 6 years ago. i would say it definitely had an impact on my ability to lose 25 pounds in 2 months and stay about 15% bf since then. I've never had sweets cravings or any problems with my teef. I'd like to stop drinking it because of some of the stuff i've read about aspartame, but i've never found a suitable replacement.

 

[StageLeft]

Protein powder, tuna (mercury? forget it ), milk covers a ton of protein.

 

[z1ggy]

Yea i do like tuna a lot...any down sides to canned tuna? I don't think having a foreman in my dorm room is really an option right now. So peanut butter, tuna protein shakes...anything else thats good tasting that'll help me gain muscle and lose fat?

 

[SociallyChallenged]

Originally posted by: z1ggy
Yea i do like tuna a lot...any down sides to canned tuna? I don't think having a foreman in my dorm room is really an option right now. So peanut butter, tuna protein shakes...anything else thats good tasting that'll help me gain muscle and lose fat?

Nothing can help you gain muscle and lose fat. You mainly do one or the other. And it's mainly the amount of calories that helps you do that.

Tuna is good, but some people think the mercury levels are dangerous. I'd do some research before I'd eat tuna every day, but the FDA keeps things pretty clean. Do you have a mini-fridge or anything? Milk, cheese, cottage cheese are all instant snacks and are high in protein.

 

[z1ggy]

Yes I do. Is string cheese good enough? I always drink milk but I'm not a fan of cottage cheese.

 

[MetalMat]

Originally posted by: SociallyChallenged

Originally posted by: z1ggy
Yea i do like tuna a lot...any down sides to canned tuna? I don't think having a foreman in my dorm room is really an option right now. So peanut butter, tuna protein shakes...anything else thats good tasting that'll help me gain muscle and lose fat?

Nothing can help you gain muscle and lose fat. You mainly do one or the other. And it's mainly the amount of calories that helps you do that.

Tuna is good, but some people think the mercury levels are dangerous. I'd do some research before I'd eat tuna every day, but the FDA keeps things pretty clean. Do you have a mini-fridge or anything? Milk, cheese, cottage cheese are all instant snacks and are high in protein.

From what I have heard Tuna is pretty safe. I think there are certain fish that you want to avoid eating raw. At least that is what I have heard.

And on that note, how about artificial crab meat?

 

[SociallyChallenged]

Originally posted by: MetalMat

Originally posted by: SociallyChallenged

Originally posted by: z1ggy
Yea i do like tuna a lot...any down sides to canned tuna? I don't think having a foreman in my dorm room is really an option right now. So peanut butter, tuna protein shakes...anything else thats good tasting that'll help me gain muscle and lose fat?

Nothing can help you gain muscle and lose fat. You mainly do one or the other. And it's mainly the amount of calories that helps you do that.

Tuna is good, but some people think the mercury levels are dangerous. I'd do some research before I'd eat tuna every day, but the FDA keeps things pretty clean. Do you have a mini-fridge or anything? Milk, cheese, cottage cheese are all instant snacks and are high in protein.

From what I have heard Tuna is pretty safe. I think there are certain fish that you want to avoid eating raw. At least that is what I have heard.

And on that note, how about artificial crab meat?

There are suggested values to keep below but there really isn't good enough research to form a solid conclusion. Artificial crab meat is highly processed and I wouldn't suggest it as a healthy option.

 

[conorvansmack]

I have also heard differing opinions on mercury in fish. My wife is pregnant, so certain fish are off limits to her.

From the FDA in 2004: "Do not eat Shark, Swordfish, King Mackerel, or Tilefish because they contain high levels of mercury.
Eat up to 12 ounces (2 average meals) a week of a variety of fish and shellfish that are lower in mercury.
Five of the most commonly eaten fish that are low in mercury are shrimp, canned light tuna, salmon, pollock, and catfish.
Another commonly eaten fish, albacore ("white") tuna has more mercury than canned light tuna. So, when choosing your two meals of fish and shellfish, you may eat up to 6 ounces (one average meal) of albacore tuna per week."

Keep in mind that this applies to pregnant/nursing women. Basically, it seems like the higher the fish is on the food chain, the higher it may be in mercury.

You will need to ingest a sh*tload of fish to end up with mercury poisoning like Jeremy Piven *allegedly* did this summer. Moderate your intake and you shouldn't have any problems. You don't want to burn out on foods that are good for you, maintain some variety.

Artificial crab is tasty, but it's a pressed fish product, not crab, and it's not particulary healthy.

While maybe not the most appealing source of protein from meat, canned chicken is pretty good.