Peanut Butter Fingers

Living a Life Fueled by Healthy Food and Fitness

Navigation
  • Home
  • About
    • Contact
    • Who’s Who
    • All About NASM
    • Disclaimer
    • Wedding
  • Recipe Index
  • Workouts
  • Pregnancy
    • Pregnancy + Baby #2
    • Pregnancy + Baby #3
    • Miscarriages
  • Baby
  • Shop + Favs
    • My Amazon Shop
    • Codes + Discounts
    • Books
    • Blogging
  • Travel
    • Orlando & Florida
    • Blog Travel

Diet Soda: A Do or a Don’t

May 16, 2011 by Julie 151 Comments

The food in Europe is nothing short of amazing, but I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t super pumped to enjoy some of my regular eats today! After beginning the day with a nutritious smoothie, I kept the healthy food ball rolling at lunchtime with my new favorite veggie burger, served alongside some of Annie Chun’s seaweed snacks and carrots.

Return to Normal

Seaweed Snacks

YUM!

I think I felt the nutrients soaking into my body. “See ya, croissants,” they said.

Diet Soda: A Do or a Don’t?

About 30-minutes after lunch, I got a craving some something carbonated and sweet so I headed down to the café on the second floor of my office building to pick up a Diet Dr. Pepper and an apple.

Diet Dr. Pepper

Truth be told, I kind of love Diet Dr. Pepper.

When I was growing up, my parents didn’t let me or my sister drink soda except for on very special occasions. I remember thinking that a Shirley Temple (7-Up mixed with grenadine) was so, so fancy.

As a child, I wished I could have soda a few times, but it wasn’t that big of a deal, especially since my parents didn’t keep it around the house. Today I am grateful that they restricted my soda intake as a kid because I never think to order it at restaurants and still drink it very rarely.

I try to avoid diet sodas because of the inclusion of aspartame in the ingredient list, but I don’t worry about drinking a can every now and then and enjoy it when I do.

Questions of the Day

  • What are your thoughts on soda and diet soda consumption?
  • Do you drink diet soda? If so, how often? If not, why not?

Be sure to follow PBFingers on Instagram and Facebook!

I'd love to connect with you! I am always so grateful when you let me know you tried one of my recipes or workouts and tag me in your photos or updates. Thank you so much!!!

Filed Under: Lunch Tagged With: Diet Dr. Pepper, lunch, Morningstar Farms, soda

About Julie

My name is Julie and I am a full-time blogger, new mama, fitness enthusiast (certified personal trainer and group exercise instructor) and food fanatic (mostly healthy... but also not-so-healthy) living in North Carolina with my husband, dog and baby boy. Thank you for visiting Peanut Butter Fingers! I hope you enjoy little glimpses into my life and have fun trying the sweaty workouts I frequently share and making some of my favorite recipes along the way!

« I’m Back, Baby!
Bing Bang Boogie »

Comments

  1. Linda says

    May 16, 2011 at 3:29 pm

    I used to be addicted to diet soda but I weaned myself off of it. I drink maybe 1-2 sodas a week now. I tend to drink diet but sometimes I enjoy a regular soda.

    Reply
  2. Elle says

    May 16, 2011 at 3:30 pm

    This may sound a bit extreme, but I consider soda, in all forms, poison. Growing up, it was basically the same- soda on special occasions only and we never had it in the house. Maybe that’s part of the reason why I don’t ever crave it now, but I think it’s mainly because I know what I’d be putting into my body and that worries me the most. With all of the knowledge we have available nowadays on the ingredients (or chemicals for that matter) that go into food and beverages, I think it’s important to just be aware and keep them in my mind.
    By the way, I’m not a “perfect” eater by any means, but I’d just rather eat my calories (in forms of nut butters and chocolate, of course haha), than drink them 🙂

    Reply
  3. Running With Mascara says

    May 16, 2011 at 3:31 pm

    As a kid, I was allowed as much coke as I wanted. And I overindulged, naturally. As an adult, I gave up pop, and still don’t drink it. It was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.

    Reply
  4. Emily says

    May 16, 2011 at 3:36 pm

    I love Diet Dr. Pepper and truth be told, I’m a total Diet Coke girl. I’m trying to work and cut it out of my diet, but I seriously crave the taste. I know it’s bad for me to have every day (the aspartame and the caramel color) but it is really something I battle with. I’ve recently started drinking more sparkling water as a substitution but am having a hard time nixing my caffeine fix. Anyone have suggestions??

    Reply
  5. Steph @ A Life Without Ice Cream says

    May 16, 2011 at 3:37 pm

    I was actually having this conversation with a coworker today!

    I use it as a treat once in a while. I like foutain pop so once in a while out at a restaurant I’ll get a diet coke. I keep cans in the house but I probably go through a 12 pack in about 8 months or so (and about half of those go to guests). I just prefer water.

    Same with crystal light type drinks. I had some last week because it was sunny and made me want Iced tea. Now I’m over it and back to plain old water 🙂

    Reply
  6. Victoria (District Chocoholic) says

    May 16, 2011 at 3:37 pm

    The purported health/cancer development risks associated with aspartame are grossly overblown because of the way the studies were conducted.

    Reply
  7. Chelsea says

    May 16, 2011 at 3:44 pm

    I used to drink sprite…and a lot of it! Once I kicked the sprite to the curb though I can’t even stand drinking it. I’ll take a sip from friends from time to time, but if you see me with a cup of something it’s more than likely water ha.

    Reply
  8. Kristen @ The Red Velvet Life says

    May 16, 2011 at 3:44 pm

    I’m similar to you in that I only drink soda once in awhile, don’t keep it in the house (don’t really want it regularly anyway), and only have it when I’m craving it. On the other hand, my parents drink SO much soda, and I think it’s super unhealthy. I’m always trying to convince my dad to drink more water, but I just can’t convince him. Oh well, I can make sure that my house is a water-friendly one! 🙂

    Welcome back! I know what you mean about being excited about regular eats after vacation meals, lovely as they are! 🙂

    Reply
  9. chelsey @ clean eating chelsey says

    May 16, 2011 at 3:44 pm

    I am not a soda drinker – and I never really was. When we were little, the only time we could drink it was if we were out to dinner. We never kept it in the house. I don’t want to give it to my kids, so I’ll probably follopw the same rules as my parents did!

    Reply
  10. Kara says

    May 16, 2011 at 3:45 pm

    I’m a big believer in “If it’s too good to be true it probably is”. I didn’t grow up with drinking soda in my house … and I SWEAR it’s just better for you in the long run. There is no need to give kids sugary drinks … when there are such better alternatives. Aspartame may or may not CAUSE cancer … but I don’t think anyone can say “Aspartame is SUPER good for you”. In my book … that’s enough said! There is enough crap in this world working against us … why help matter by putting unhealthy things into our system? I applaud you Julie … way to not give into the whole “well if you can’t PROVE it will kill me then I’m just gonna do it til you do”. I hate when people do that. It’s all about prevention … you go girl! 🙂

    Reply
  11. Lindsey says

    May 16, 2011 at 3:46 pm

    I have the same thoughts as you – I didn’t grow up being able to have any pop regularily so don’t typically drink it now either. But when I do crave a pop – usually Pepsi Zero – I just go for it!

    Reply
  12. Melissa says

    May 16, 2011 at 3:47 pm

    I love what I call “bubble water,” basically any carbonated flavored water with just a hint of sweet. I don’t drink much pop, as we call it in Michigan, but I do love a good Diet Coke with lemon every now and then. I’m also a sucker for a diet rootbeer or diet dr. pepper on occasion. I know aspartame is bad for you, but I figure if I only have it once in a while, it’s probably ok. 🙂

    Reply
  13. kAELLA says

    May 16, 2011 at 3:48 pm

    I gave up diet coke for lent and haven’t looked back. I used to drink it…a LOT! I don’t drink coffee, so it was my caffeine. I have seriously never felt better. The first three weeks were hard, but now I feel like I have more energy and love drinking water (sometimes with some crystal light) instead. I don’t feel bloated and I even lost some weight (didn’t know that was going to happen– but it was an added bonus!) I am not saying I’ll never drink pop again, but I defintitely won’t go back to my two (or six) a day habit. Great post— glad you had an amazing trip!! I love the guest blogs, but I’m happy to have you back 😉

    Reply
  14. SquatLikeALady says

    May 16, 2011 at 3:51 pm

    Honestly I don’t worry too much about aspartame because I personally think there were some flaws with the research about it — that’s as far as I’m going with that though because I don’t want to create drama or discord; anyone who’s interested should look at the studies themselves, including the methodology and results, etc.

    That said though I don’t drink diet soda very often because it becomes a habit for me and I’ll drink too much and get bloated/uncomfortable — plus it’s expensive!

    Reply
  15. Rachel @ The Perseverance Diaries says

    May 16, 2011 at 4:03 pm

    I used to drink diet soda occasionally, especially diet Dr. Pepper! Love that taste. 🙂

    I do not drink it anymore however because of the artificial sweeteners/ingredients I cannot even recognize on the can. It’s very acidic to the body. I could go on for hours about how against artificial sweeteners I am but I don’t want to be annoying and preachy, everyone should just research it themselves and decide on their own what they think.

    I do know though that ever since being diagnosed with cancer and having it become a reality, I refuse to eat anything fake/processed anymore. I used to think it wasn’t a big deal to consume stuff like that until it happened to me. I’m not saying that’s what caused it but fake stuff is a proven contributor to many diseases.

    Reply
  16. Alaina says

    May 16, 2011 at 4:04 pm

    I used to drink diet soda all the time. My mom used to drink a Diet Coke every day. But this past Lent, I gave up soda and now I don’t crave it anymore. It’s actually too sweet for me. If I want something carbonated, I’ll have sparkling water with fresh lime. I may still enjoy a Malibu and diet, but when I go to a restaurant, my go-to drink now is iced tea.

    Reply
  17. Laura says

    May 16, 2011 at 4:04 pm

    My parents never drink soda and because of it, it was never in the house. None of us can stand super sweet stuff….all juices and lemonade all gets cut with water because I thinks it is too syrupy-sweet and anything with artificial sweetners is a no go. I love love love carbonated-flavored water…but not like the ones with sugar or anything in them…my favorite is the raspberry lime Canada Dry. I will drink club soda straight as opposed to soda. The really only soda I drink and keep around is the Jamaican Ginger Ale to sooth upset stomachs.

    Reply
  18. Laura @ Meet Virginia says

    May 16, 2011 at 4:05 pm

    I literally never drink soda. I guess I never had it growing up, so now I don’t really care for it. Then again, I don’t really care for anything besides water and green tea, on occasion!

    Reply
  19. Laura says

    May 16, 2011 at 4:05 pm

    Yayyy welcome back, welcome back! I’m not really into sodas or diet sodas. I think I normally would rather choose a regular one over a diet one, just because I don’t feel super comfortable with artificial sweeteners.
    I really loved two of your guest posters and have been visiting their blogs – good work!

    Reply
  20. Angela @ My Pinky Toes says

    May 16, 2011 at 4:06 pm

    I’ll admit it…I like to drink diet soda pops. I do not do it very often, but I like to have it when I eat out at a restaurant. I know that the artificial sweeteners are bad, and I’m on a journey to become healthier…but you can’t give up all your habits at once!

    Reply
  21. Caitlin @ The Caitie Experiment says

    May 16, 2011 at 4:07 pm

    Growing up, my mom had a SERIOUS Diet Pepsi addiction — we’re talking a 2-liter per day. My brothers and sister and I grew up with those giant, 3-liter Sam’s Club bottles of orange soda and that rando red fruit punch soda just taking up space in our fridge. I started giving soda up for Lent in college, but I didn’t drink coffee back then, and relied on TAB Energy drinks to get me through finals, papers, etc. I’m so glad I started drinking coffee when I started work (tiny bit of skim or half-and-half; no sugar is how I take it)!

    Benefit to spring breaking in Jamaica senior year: I used to be a Captain and Diet kinda girl, but after the all-inclusive buckets of it, I went back to school, ordered “the usual” at the bar for happy hour and promptly turned green. The bartender laughed, said, “Caribbean Spring Break, huh?” and handed me a vodka-soda water (which is a “skinny bitch” here), and I’ve been drinking that ever since! 🙂

    Reply
  22. Kelly says

    May 16, 2011 at 4:16 pm

    I like Zevia on occasion and La Croix on occasion as well. A lot of time I am just craving something different than plain water and mineral water will usually do the trick.

    Reply
  23. Alisa @ Running with Knives says

    May 16, 2011 at 4:19 pm

    I think sodas are bad because they are usually used instead of something better, like water or some tea. Plus, have you read the ingredient list? It’s scary!

    I do drink them from time to time. Mainly, with alcohol 😉 But the rest of the time, I chug water, tea, coffee, or the crystal light lemonade packets!

    Reply
  24. Faith @ lovelyascharged says

    May 16, 2011 at 4:21 pm

    I was never allowed to drink soda as a child either, and I never developed a taste for it. Now, I cant stand the carbonation, so I don’t drink it at all.

    Reply
  25. Jenny (Fit Girl Foodie) says

    May 16, 2011 at 4:25 pm

    I quit drinking soda when I was 17 and I’d never go back. Soda just bloats me 🙁

    Reply
  26. dani says

    May 16, 2011 at 4:37 pm

    I stay away from it because of the aspartame too!

    Reply
  27. Whitney "To Live and Diet in L.A." says

    May 16, 2011 at 4:38 pm

    I know it’s not good for me, but love diet soda!

    I try to keep it under control though and only have it a few times a week.

    Diet Dr. Pepper is also my soda of choice 🙂 It’s a great treat when you want something sweet but aren’t actually hungry.

    Reply
  28. Karina says

    May 16, 2011 at 4:39 pm

    I LOVE Diet Coke… I don’t drink it often but it’s almost like a dessert for me when I do! I usually feel better in general without drinking it (less bloated etc) but sometimes I have to give in:)

    Reply
  29. RunEatRepeat says

    May 16, 2011 at 4:40 pm

    I drink Diet DP like the world is ending May 21st.

    Reply
  30. Merrie@ Strawberrylaces says

    May 16, 2011 at 4:41 pm

    I’m afraid that I am hooked on diet sodas… I drank them before I understood the whole aspartame thing and I’ve developed a baaaad habit. All these comments have inspired me to kick it to the curb tho! Your lunch looks yummy btw. Oh, and so glad you made it back safely from Europe!

    Reply
  31. Lisa says

    May 16, 2011 at 4:41 pm

    Does tonic in gin & tonics count? Lol…that’s the only time I ever have something remotely soda-like, and even then those aren’t often.

    I’m also one of those folks who quit drinking soda – my parents allowed me to drink it whenever I wanted, but when I found out the negative side effects of drinking it too much (plus it made me embarassingly hyper), I just quit cold turkey when I was 14. If only I had that much discipline with baked goods…

    Reply
  32. molly says

    May 16, 2011 at 4:48 pm

    I restricted myself from diet sodas for about a year but now freely enjoy them whenever I want. I guess I don’t really care about the fake sugar… I don’t know! If I like something I will indulge in it. Life is full of choices and if I want a soda why not grab that diet sprite or diet dr. pepper.

    Reply
  33. everyday oats says

    May 16, 2011 at 4:51 pm

    I used to drink coke ALL the time even though it gave me the worst cramps afterwards. I finally decided to pretty much just cut soda out of my diet after I finished high school and surprisingly, once I stopped drinking it, I just didn’t miss it at all. I don’t think a diet or regular soda every once in a while will do much harm. It’s just surprising to me how many people drink a couple sodas a day!

    Reply
  34. Kim says

    May 16, 2011 at 4:53 pm

    My father-in-law had a brain tumor and when they did his surgery they told him that the shape was indicative of it being from aspartame. I’ve never liked diet soda, or anything else “sugar free” (gives me a headache) but now that I’ve seen the giant hole in his skull – from where the cut out the tumor – I just figure diet anything isn’t worth it. If I want a soda, I have a regular one. Worrying about the extra calories or sugar content isn’t worth risking any form of cancer. We’re allowed to have treats from time to time!

    Reply
  35. Ellie@fitforthesoul says

    May 16, 2011 at 4:53 pm

    I never use the word “hate” but when it comes to soda, I can say I hate it! except for martinelli 😛 After I stopped drinking it about 6 years ago, I totally didn’t want it anymore. It dehydrates me, makes me sluggish, and it’s too sugary taste-wise. I don’t judge others when they drink it, but for myself, I love h2o anyday 😀

    Julie, so do you think that for most children, it’s good for parents to keep them from drinking soda or eating a lot of junk food? I know that for some people that backfires and they consume that stuff all the time when they’re older. But it’s nice to see that it’s not the case for you! I’m just curious b/c I’m already thinking about how I should help my “future” children have healthy eating habits. have a blessed day!

    Reply
  36. Cara @ EAT. PRAY. RUN. says

    May 16, 2011 at 4:58 pm

    I stopped all diet soda drinking after college (burbon and diet coke girl from the south, yikes!) I just don’t feel good at all when I eat processed or synthetic sweeteners. I just don’t see the point of eating healthy then mixing that stuff in and expecting your body to be able to digest everything properly. If I have a craving for carbonation I grab flavored seltzer, or one of the newer stevia or agave sweetened options…they def do the trick 😉

    Reply
  37. Liz says

    May 16, 2011 at 5:11 pm

    I fall victim to Crystal Light energy. I love the fact that it is zero calories and it gives me a little pick up in the afternoon so that I have the energy to hit the gym after work. But it has aspartame, I need to find a better option because it seems to be working into my everyday routine.

    Reply
  38. Mac says

    May 16, 2011 at 5:23 pm

    I don’t drink soda very often. If I do, which is usually when I’m having an alcoholic drink, I usually drink diet. For lent I gave up soda and started drinking club soda with fruit… great alternative and I was able to easily go without soda over lent with my new go-to drink. http://wealthshealth.blogspot.com/2011/04/another-reason-to-love-target.html

    Reply
  39. Ruthie Hart says

    May 16, 2011 at 5:24 pm

    I’ve just started drinking 1-2 frescas a week at work….AHHH!

    Reply
  40. Amy says

    May 16, 2011 at 5:31 pm

    I drink Mountain Dew. I’ve tried Diet Mountain Dew but after drinking the regular stuff for pretty much my entire life it tastes so gross.

    I’m working on cutting back on my Mountain Dew consumption. I have too much on a weekly basis and it’s nothing but empty calories so what’s the point? That being said it’s sooo hard to break the habit. I’m trying to keep it out of the house to avoid tempting me.

    Reply
  41. Amanda Johnson says

    May 16, 2011 at 5:42 pm

    I stick with Diet Rite! They have a Tangerine flavor soda that I love. Don’t care too much for the Cola flavor but they are caffeine free and sweetened with Splenda!

    Reply
  42. Jamie aka "Sometimes Healthy Girl" says

    May 16, 2011 at 5:44 pm

    My thoughts on diet soda are this: If the worst thing I’m doing is drinking diet soda, I’m not doin’ half bad! I know that there are lots of chemicals in diet soda and no nutritional value, etc. But at the end of the day, it freakin tastes gooood! That being said, when I’m training for a big race I try to cut it out.

    Most times I just drink diet sprite but every now and then I get a craving for Diet Root Beer, Diet Mountain Dew or Diet Cherry Pepsi. Yummy!

    Yay to getting back to a healthy routine. I’m sure that feels great for ya!

    Reply
  43. Laura @ LauraLikesDesign says

    May 16, 2011 at 5:49 pm

    Shirley Temples were always really special occasion drinks for my sister and I, too! When we drank pop, we were only allowed to have sprite or root beer.

    I’m definitely not a fan, however, once in awhile, usually on a hot summer day, I enjoy a diet coke with lime. Otherwise I’m a coffee, water, juice, and gatorade sipper!

    Reply
  44. Emily says

    May 16, 2011 at 6:07 pm

    When I was in 8th grade I was a competitive dancer, and developed earlier than my peers. I thought that made me overweight, so I stopped drinking soda and started drinking more water and eating more salad and fruit.

    I now have a healthier body image, but I’m really glad I gave up soda back then! I never miss it, and only really drink it when I occasionally have a mixed drink at the bar.

    My mother, however, can’t get enough of McDonald’s Diet Coke for some reason.

    Reply
  45. Britney says

    May 16, 2011 at 6:24 pm

    Drinking soda in general makes me feel sick, and I generally don’t drink it. But once a year or so I crave the taste of a coke, so I’ll take a sip if I’m with someone or buy myself one and then I’m all set for another year.

    Realizing that drinking soda gave me a tummyache really helped me quit! I used to drink soda for the caffeine fix in college because I didn’t drink coffee.

    Reply
  46. Cait @ Beyond Bananas says

    May 16, 2011 at 6:24 pm

    Omg. Shirley Temples. Those.. were the jam when I was little. I don’t think I could handle the sweetness of the grenadine now though.

    I was never really a soda drinker.. only on occasion would I drink it as a kid. Now.. once in a blue moon I will get a craving for some diet soda. Even then.. a few sips.. and my craving is done. The rest of the bottle ends up going flat in the fridge.

    Reply
  47. erica says

    May 16, 2011 at 6:41 pm

    omg shirley temples! i’d order that all the time when i was little. i’ve been craving them recently as an adult, kind of like a nostalgia thing, but i’ve been too embarrassed to order it ;p

    Reply
  48. christina says

    May 16, 2011 at 6:58 pm

    oh, i LOVED getting shirley temples when i was a kid. it was such a treat and i felt sooo important when i got one! ha!

    i am an occasional soda drinker. i really only like dr. pepper and sprite/7up. and, honestly, i only get it at certain restaurants. i rarely buy sodas to have at home.

    i used to do diet dr. pepper…couldn’t stand any other diet sodas. within the past few years, i’ve become VERY sensitive to aspartame. it leaves a horrid taste in my mouth. i can’t do any of the sugar-free gums or yogurts that have aspartame b/c of the taste.

    Reply
  49. Alexis says

    May 16, 2011 at 7:14 pm

    I loved shirley temples as a kid!! that was the best thing about going to restaurants! I used to drink diet soda all of the time but then I realized I hate how bloated it made me feel so I stopped drinking it.

    Reply
  50. heather says

    May 16, 2011 at 7:18 pm

    i’ve never been a soda drinker and i’ve convinced myself that it gives me good skin…seriously, it’s worked like a charm for my whole life(or obviously the convincing myself part has, LOL). whatever works, right?

    Reply
« Older Comments
Newer Comments »

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Hi! I’m Julie and I am a mom to three energetic boys and a personal trainer and blogger living in Charlotte, North Carolina. Welcome to my blog! Peanut Butter Fingers follows my life and my interests in food, fitness, family, travel and (mostly) healthy living.
NEVER MISS A POST!
FacebookTwitterInstagramPinterestBloglovin
Follow

Search

Fashion Favorites

Beauty Favorites

Items I Swear By

Kid Favorites

Shop My Baby Essentials

Quick Links

  • Favorite Posts
  • Recipe Index
  • Workouts
  • Fashion
  • Pregnancy/Baby
  • Family

Recent Posts

  • Week of Weeknight Meals: June 2025
  • Things I’m Loving Friday #558
  • Recent Looks: #11
  • Week of Workouts: June 2025
  • Things I’m Loving Friday #557

Categories

Archives

Disclaimer

I am not a registered dietitian. My blog is simply a documentation of my life. The views I express are mine alone, based on my own experiences, and should not be taken as medical advice. I DO NOT post everything I eat. Though I am a certified personal trainer, the workouts I post may not be right for you. Please speak with a medical professional before making any changes to your current routine.

Affiliates

Please note that affiliate links may pop up on PBF from time to time. I greatly appreciate your support!
Privacy Policy

Copyright � 2013 Peanut Butter Fingers / Julie Fagan. All Rights Reserved.
Blog Designed by SWOON CREATIVE