Question - Why no aspartame?

[stjohnba]

I'm not clear on the "no aspartame" rule. Can someone help me out? Thanks.

[Peytonn]

Re: Question - Why no aspartame?

it's in the book... I'm sure somebody has a link to the stuff.. but in some people it causes changes in blood sugar or insulin levels or something... and causes stalls.......

[Isabeau]

Re: Question - Why no aspartame?

I was listening to a nutritionist the other day. She was asked the question about what she thought was the most dangerous product on the market today in terms of nutrition. She had no hesitation in saying aspartame. She said that it is the one compound that is getting the most adverse effect complaints in the world today. It's been directly linked to cancer (I forget what form(s) at the moment...brain I think) not to mention a long list of other side effects. She strongly feels it will be off the market completely in five to ten years. There are also studies that show that aspartame can cause weight gain in many individuals. Atkins is about getting healthy, not just losing weight. Personally, I wouldn't go near aspartame with a ten foot pole.

[not2late]

Re: Question - Why no aspartame?

In the 1992 version of Dr. Atkins New Diet Revolution, Dr. Atkins wrote that he noticed that aspartame caused weight loss problems (no weight loss or slow weight loss) in his patients who used "excessive" amounts. He defined "excessive" as 3 or more aspartame packets/servings daily. Once these patients removed aspartame from their diets their weight loss improved.

[stjohnba]

Re: Question - Why no aspartame?

OK, I've done some more research and I now completely understand the reasoning behind "no aspartame" now my next question: What caffiene free diet soda doesn't contain aspartame?

Yes I know that I'd be much better off not drinking pop at all but at this point in time I'm severly addicted and I need to ween myself off slowly. This research is my start. I want to get down to "no soda" but it will be a lenghty process.

Thanks for your help folks, I really appreciate it!

[Effie]

Re: Question - Why no aspartame?

Diet Rite is sweetened with splenda and is probably the most popular choice for an aspartame-free soda. They still contain caffeine, which we're not allowed either (although there seems to be a 50/50 split between people who still drink caffeine and those who have given it up).

[Peytonn]

Re: Question - Why no aspartame?

diet rite doesn't have caffeine.. at least not here it doesn't

[Peytonn]

Re: Question - Why no aspartame?

http://www.dpsu.com/diet_rite.html

it's official.. no caffeine

[bizzlekitty]

Re: Question - Why no aspartame?

Really wean yourself off. If you want to make an easier switch, try unsweet tea instead. If you are doing induction, going cold turkey and just getting over it might be worth it too, since you're going to have induction flu anyway.

I used to be a chain-diet-coke drinker myself (10-15 cans a day) but stopped, and I can't believe the difference it has made. I just drink water and unsweet tea, and rarely a diet coke (which tastes much different and unsatisfying now).

I had some Diet Rite available during induction but really challenged myself not to have any. It was rough but I am so glad I did it.

[I lost it]

Re: Question - Why no aspartame?

I am past induction, but to be honest with you aspartame never has affected me one way or another. Maybe it depends on the individuals system. Friends of mine who have been on Atkins and have not used aspartame have actually not had the weight loss they thought they would have even though they are happy with the program.

[not2late]

Re: Question - Why no aspartame?

I am past induction, but to be honest with you aspartame never has affected me one way or another. Maybe it depends on the individuals system. Friends of mine who have been on Atkins and have not used aspartame have actually not had the weight loss they thought they would have even though they are happy with the program.

You are correct: everyone's system is unique. Aspartame is a YMMV (your mileage may vary) type thing. But it's effect on weight loss concerned Dr. Atkins enough to put an advisory on it.

Personally, I use artificial sweeteners maybe once a week (if that at all) and I haven't died from not using them daily.

[Kent]

Re: Question - Why no aspartame?

The number Dr. A's promoted was it caused stalls in about 25% of the people who had aspartame. For me, it was one of these "I don't want to find out one month later, I could have been losing faster"-things. I wasn't concerned about the health aspects, but slow my weight loss down was its death knell for me.

As for any artificial sweetner, it is best to use them sparingly to sensitize your taste buds again to sweets. They may never affect your weight loss, but your cravings may continue making each day possibly a struggle to get through. As Megs, it's a YMMV-thing, but just be aware of the side effects.

[stjohnba]

Re: Question - Why no aspartame?

I appreciate that, that's good information. I've now done some additional research on aspartame and realize some of its dangers. I've found that my "soda addiction" may be curable with the use of Diet Rite products. I get my "carbonation" fix but I don't enjoy the taste so hopefully it'll make the habit a little easier to break.

Thanks again!

[not2late]

Re: Question - Why no aspartame?

If it's carbonation you like, drink seltzer water. Make sure the kind you buy has no carbs.

[fawn]

Re: Question - Why no aspartame?

I personally don't use it because it turns to formaldahyde when it hits your system.