Diet Coke

I recently watched a documentary that did research on the difference there was on your system when taking sweeteners and or sugar

It was found that actually sweeteners raised blood sugar levels MORE than ordinary sugar

I was so taken a back by this

menopaws as you discovered, cravings pass, so next time you have one, you know what to do (keep busy). Your family will be even prouder of you. Very sorry to read about your grandson.

vq (and others in case of interest) I'm involved in a Kings College medical research study related to blood sugar. I have just completed the first phase (keeping a food diary for a week). Next I go in having fasted and eat and drink stuff over a period of 3 hours whilst they take blood intermittently after each snack. I'll ask the lovely young doctors there about DC and sweeteners ... just out of interest. Hope you're winning too vq.

Half way through the third week and like Menopaws I'm in the danger zone. I remember from when I gave up smoking that this is the point where you start to think 'just once won't do any harm' but it will. The cravings are still really bad but the thirst has eased most of the time.

I learnt today that resisting craving is called "urge surfing". So surf those urges!

Not wishing to show off but I just want to point out the benefits I have experienced since stopping alcohol, just in case it helps others take the plunge. I sleep really well, my skin is heaps better, more energy, less anxiety, lower heart rate. I feel more interesting and calm and I remember things now. I feel more confident and I have lost weight, yippee. I also have a lot less hot flushes, double yippee!
I cannot believe I had the other side of the above and lived with them for so long, I feel ashamed and pretty stupid really and yes I probably sound a bit smug. Believe me that is not the intention, I guess it is another 'stage' and I won't keep on I promise, I just find it interesting. I can focus on other things instead of thinking about the next drink and my day is longer because I am awake in the evening.
I know it's only three weeks and I have done diets etc for years and I recognise the stages of withdrawal enough to not presume this is it. There is a lot of social stuff to get through but if I have a drink I will admit it and see how it affects me, until then I will push on. VQ you ok?

Meno and VQ I admire you so much for what you are doing.

I recognise in a small way the urge to drink I get it when I am preparing the supper and my idea of bliss is to have a drink whilst reading my book whilst the supper cooks away. But the problem is that bliss does not last I often get a headache later in the evening, alcohol then makes me crave chocolate.

I feel sick if I drink more then a large glass of wine, so I am lucky in a way that my body stops me over indulging.

Keep going girls you are doing a great job.

Three weeks today since my last Diet Coke. The thirst and hunger attacks are still happening but not so often nor so strong. The cravings are still bad but I haven't given in. If it's like giving up smoking I'll need to get to at least 6 weeks before the cravings reduce. I gave up smoking 30 years ago and there are times still when I could kill for a cig. Fortunately the cravings are few and far between and don't last for long. I think it is evidence of my addictive personality. I knew people who gave up but still have the odd cig on nights out then don't bother again. Wouldn't work for me like that. Pete Townsend said that he was hooked on heroin from the first time he took it. I totally understand where he was coming from.

Well done for getting the better of the cigarettes, vq. Show that diet coke who's boss!

Ride those waves vq (humming theme tune to Hawaii 5-0 for support)

Well done VQ sounds like you have turned a corner and three weeks is very nearly a month, you will understand!

Oh I do hope so Menopaws. How have you been this week?

I'm am lifted by the positive things I am experiencing in my earlier post and this is outweighing the cravings to have a lovely glass of wine or whisky, I have a family BBQ tonight but I'm insisting on taking the car when I would have usually walked so I feel that will be my excuse and have big Sunday lunch tomorrow, the weekends are def the hardest so will be glad to get to Monday, Tuesday is my one month!

Keep at it Menopaws. Social events are always the hardest. The car is a great idea. No one encourages a driver to drink.

Made it, phew!! Come on VQ here's to our first month, how do we celebrate?!

Well done Meno it must have been hard but YOU did it.

I was offered a cocktail recently I refused as alcohol in the day makes me sleepy. I was then offered a non alcoholic cocktail which was delicious, as follows.

Elderflower cordial
Lemonade
Mint
Slice of lemon
Lots of ice
I add water as I want it less sweet

Keep going and VQ

My body is still complaining. I'm having a range of stomach issues and the cravings are still there but I haven't died yet. I keep reminding myself of that when the cravings get really strong lol.

Do u have any diabetes issues VQ, I think your effects have gone on a long time, should you consult a dr, have blood sugar check perhaps, not being alarmist but a months should be enough to settle a bit more.

Can u look up ..Diet Coke withdrawal...online as there are quite a few sites and having just looked it can take up to six weeks for craving to stop and stomach problems can be an issue so you do sound on course but a pro might make you feel confident in your progress, don't give up now cos you will have to do it all again sometime, good luck x

I've read a few websites so I'm not surprised I'm still suffering withdrawal symptoms. If they don't go after six weeks I'll see my GP to check I'm OK. It's 3 and half weeks today.

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I went to the dentist today and found out something else about Diet Coke. I happened to mention that I'd given up Diet Coke and he asked how much I drank. When I told him he said he wished he'd known. I've had thinning enamel on my front teeth for the last few years and he said it will have been the acid in the Diet Coke. Apparently he'd been wracking his brains as to what could be happening as there didn't seem any reason for the thinning. He said that as long as I keep abstaining the enamel will stay as it is and not get any worse. Another reason to keep at it.

The other thing he told me was about children's teeth. The government is running the anti-sugar campaign so parents are switching their children onto artificially sweetened drinks. The chemicals in these are as bad or even worse than sugar in the way children's teeth are affected. Whilst he wants people to reduce the amount of sugary food and drink they have, it won't help their teeth at all if they just replace it with sweetners.

Well done dentist!

What a sensible dentist.

Aspartame was named on the radio today as one of the causes of obesity.
Which is what DD has been saying for years.