“ZERO” Soda: Would Jaime RD, Drink It?
Soda’s not good for you, right?
On face value, I totally agree with this statement.
Personally, I avoid it (and all versions of it). And, as a dietitian, it’s certainly not something I recommend to clients.
The cons of most of the typical sodas, for me, are just too many. Plus, they typically contain suspect ingredients that have shown (in studies) negative effects like harm to the intestinal tract, harm to bone mineral density, and even toxicity to human cells.
I haven’t dug into each and every study to determine efficacy and validity, however on the surface, these effects should definitely be factored in.
More than ever, the general public seems to get it. They understand the calorie and sugar consequences that regular sodas can have.
But the soda companies are smart. Their reaction to the marketplace? Versions of their product marketed as ZERO calorie and ZERO sugar!
Sexy, appealing terms right?
As a result, questions from my nutrition and personal training clients often come up …
“ZERO calorie/sugar soda … too good to be true? Can I drink these? Are they better than regular versions? Should I also avoid these ZERO versions?” I think it’s good advice to dig a little deeper with a few questions:
1. When we take out the calories and sugar, what is left?
2. What is taking the place of these calories and the sugar?
3. Is what is taking the place of the calories and sugar better or worse than what we started with?
Important questions indeed and certainly factors, I as a dietitian, evaluate when making decisions for not only my nutrition and personal training clients, but me and my family as well. When it comes to me and my family, I choose to avoid ZERO sodas. Same with most clients.
But there are some exceptions. I think it depends on a person’s starting point:
1. If you’re transitioning from regular, high sugar versions, then moving to a non-calorie substitute will most likely be a better option.
2. If a limited consumption of COKE ZERO allows you to avoid other high calorie indulgences (cookies, ice cream, etc.) or helps prevent mindless snacking, this can be of good value.
In short, drinking a COKE ZERO occasionally can help you stay away from food triggers, overeating, and assist in weight loss, then the net benefit can be a positive one.
Is losing 15, 20, 25lbs going to be a greater health benefit than drinking a COKE ZERO occasionally? Pretty tough for me to argue that.
But I see it more as a short-term bridge. Sure, it may be better than drinking regular soda, but it shouldn’t be the end stage. Eventually, I would like to see any client who has used ZERO sodas to get off of a regular soda habit eventually transition to even better options … and, ultimately, water.
Remember …
GIVE YOUR BODY WHAT IT NEEDS, WHEN IT NEEDS IT!
Jaime Rothermich, RD, CSSD, LD, PPSCxKB, CSCS
Functional Elements Training and Nutrition
TRAIN FOR LIFE
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