If you need a test dummy for diet soda pop - I'm probably it
My father worked for 35 years in the carbonated beverage industry - he was a chemist in charge of formulating diet drinks for one of the soda companies out here (after working for some time with the Coca-Cola Company). So naturally, while I was growing up with my three sisters, we had a GARAGE FULL of diet pop of all flavors - including his 'testers'
Over my - ahem! - 40 years, I've probably consumed enough artificial sweeteners and diet soda to cover Everest - my sisters too. I am convinced that Aspartame (Equal) is harmless to 99% of the population - it's one of the most studied and researched products ever to come down the pike. My dad can remember first hearing about aspartame in the mid-60s, and started working with it in the lab in the very early 70's. My sisters and I started consuming it around 1974 - in Dad's testers, and in gumballs that we got in huge bags from Monsanto (the company who 'discovered' NutraSweet). All four of us girls, as well as my parents, are perfectly okay - no medical problems and their kids are perfectly normal (three of my nieces and nephews are on the Honor Roll at their schools in fact).
Dad doesn't surf the Net - and can't believe the hubbub about aspartame (his words: "Do you think I would give POISON to you girls?").
Here's some more info:
http://urbanlegends.about.com/librar...erms=Aspartame
Anyway, I feel aspartame is going to be a moot point in the next few years anyway, now that Splenda is on the market - Splenda being a better product as it can be heated without breaking down.
As for carbonated bevvies being bad for you. Nope. The amount of phosphoric acid in soda pop is VERY low - check this out:
Phosphorus Content of Selected Foods
Products Milligrams
Coca-Cola classic 17
Milk, whole 3.3% fat 93
Ice cream, vanilla 105
Chicken, light, w/skin, stewed 147
Chicken liver patè 175
Ham, sliced regular 247
Pork sirloin 252
Peanuts, all types, raw 376
Cheese, cheddar 512
As far as caffiene - Diet Coke has 62 milligrams per can - less than a cup of coffee (85 mg) and about the same as tea (40-60mg).
With that - what I do is PRIORITIZE my water consumption - I shoot for a gallon of H20 a day. I generally drink a quart during my workout, then during my work day I drink another 2-3 quarts. I do not allow myself to have a diet pop until at least 75% of my water intake for the day has been met
I know a lot of people like Crystal Light, but personally I can't stand the taste. Here are my 'pop alternatives':
Pellegrino, Calistoga or seltzer water with some key lime juice served over ice
Iced tea with lemon and sweet & low
I'm not a coffee drinker...once in awhile I'll have a cup of green tea...hope this helps a bit!