I Love Diet Soda

Conferences and Healthy Eating?

2008-07-15T16:14:00.002-04:00

Ugh. Tomorrow is the beginning of a three day conference for work which means it is also the end of my routine and predictable eating habits. I'm happy to get out of the office but the food they usually offer isn't really that healthful (and sometimes not even very tasty!) Oh well, at least it will give me an opportunity to practice portion control, and I am sure there will be tons of diet soda to wash it all down with. Now that is something I never mind overindulging on!!!

2008-07-09T11:30:00.002-04:00

You guys may not be aware yet, but a new all natural sweetener should be available by the end of the year. The sweetener is an herb called stevia, which is grown in Paraguay. It has been used to sweeten coffee and teas in Japan for decades but is just now getting approved in the U.S. A company called Sweetleaf sells stevia as a tabletop sweetener and Coke is planning on making a soda with stevia as the sweetener of choice.

It's nice to have an all natural sweetener as another choice but I just can't ever imagine drinking anything but my same old diet soda!

You can check out the Sweetleaf sweetener here.

Hope you all had a wonderful holiday weekend and drank lots of diet soda, I know I did!

Happy 4th of July!

2008-07-03T10:44:00.002-04:00

Hey you guys! Sorry I haven't been around to update you lately, work has been crazy. More updates to come next week on the latest diet soda news.

Another Energy Drink

2008-06-02T14:13:00.003-04:00

These things are filling up the shelves everywhere, energy drinks that is. At the convenience store I have to wade past a few racks to get to my diet soda. Not that I'm complaining, as my readers know, I am all for choice in the marketplace, and for catering to what the public wants. Right now, energy drinks it is. (I'll stick with a cold diet soda for the most part).

Saw a somewhat interesting one in the C-store the other day. Mainly interesting to me for the song it reminded me of. Atomic Dogg Energy Drink boasts a lot of the ingredients you see in these drinks and the coolest dog this side of Rude Dog on the label. It also has something called horny goat weed, I guess epimedium doesn't appeal to the kids like horny goat weed.

Of course this reminded of the great George Clinton song, video below:

Aloe In Your Drink?

2008-05-22T18:53:00.002-04:00

Sure, aloe is great in lotions and creams, but what about in your beverage? The new drink Alo aims to find out if there is a market for it.

From a recent press release:

"ALO is a refreshing line of unique drink alternatives made with real aloe vera pulp. Our drinks are all natural, with no preservatives, no artificial colorings, and no artificial flavors. Two flavors are currently available, with more in the works: ALO Exposed—our original blend infused with real aloe vera pulp, and ALO Awaken—our unique blend of aloe vera and real wheat grass extract for that extra zing in your step!"

I'm not sure where to buy this yet, but, you know me, I'll definitely give it a shot.

Let me know if you see it in the wild!

BevNet: New beverage features aloe as core ingredient

Google Health Debuts

2008-05-19T18:42:00.003-04:00

The big news on the Internet today is the launch of Google Health, Google's foray into online medical and health record storage.

According to PC World:

"The public can go today to www.google.com/health and create profiles that include basic medical information such as existing medical conditions, allergies and any medicines being taken..."

Google lists of online partners includes pharmacies like Walgreens and Longs Drug Stores.

Ideas like Google Health have started to gain a lot of currency recently with Microsoft and WebMD joining the fray.

Privacy, as always on the Internet, is a key issue; Google says it may publish "anonymous, aggregated data."

Reminder that it is just in beta stage right now, so some glitches are expected.

So, are you going to trust Google with this information?

Mars and Wrigley

2008-05-06T19:23:00.003-04:00

No idea how this totally slipped by me, but a friend in Chicago alerted me to the really big news in the candy industry concerning the merger of Mars, Inc. and The Wm. Wrigley Jr. Co. Not much for me to say on the matter, except that I love Juicy Fruit and M&M's (yum! almond!).

Here's a cool little picture slide show from the Chicago Tribune: Mars/Wrigley Merger

Some videos for you:

I love the song in this M&M's ad (it's This is the Day by The The, if you're interested)

and thinking of Juicy Fruit reminds me of this awesomely funky song by Mtume!

Cool Gadget!

2008-04-24T22:02:00.004-04:00

I simply must have one of these spoons! It has a built in scale! How cool is that?!?!

What are some other must have gadgets for dieting?

Via GadgetReview: http://www.gadgetreview.com/2008/03/spoon-scale.html

Timely Advice

2008-04-21T19:05:00.004-04:00

As the weather warms up, it is always good to hear some ideas for weight loss:

This info just released from the Calorie Control Council hits the spot:

"By making simple diet substitutions, consumers are able to slim down without sacrificing their favorite foods and beverages," says Beth Hubrich, a registered dietitian with the Calorie Control Council. "Sucralose and other low-calorie sweeteners can aid in weight loss efforts. Of course, portion control and regular exercise are also crucial to a healthy lifestyle. According to a 2007 national survey conducted by the Calorie Control Council, 194 million U.S. adults enjoy low-calorie foods and beverages. The top reasons cited for the light product use include maintaining better overall health, calorie reduction and eating or drinking healthier foods and beverages.This year, don't let swimsuit season be your worst nightmare.
Well, maybe not my worst nightmare, but with a handy diet soda, hopefully not as bad.

Enjoy the sun everyone!

"Spring into Shape" Before Summer -- Sugar-free Foods and Beverages Can Help With Spring and Summer Weight Loss Efforts

Coke Rewards or Pepsi Stuff

2008-04-16T19:28:00.002-04:00

Of course I am collecting both. I currently have over 800 My Coke Rewards points, and around 10 Pepsi Stuff points. I have a bunch more Coke points because it's been going on for a while now, while the Pepsi promotion just started a few months ago. I get a kick out of punching in the codes and checking out what prizes I might get. Nothing cashed in so far, but I have my eye on a few things.

How many points do you have? Any prizes picked up so far?

My Coke Rewards: http://www.mycokerewards.com
Pepsi Stuff: http://www.pepsistuff.com

Here's the Pepsi Stuff Super Bowl ad featuring J-Tim:

Crystal Gravy

2008-04-10T23:15:00.003-04:00

For some reason I've been thinking about Crystal Pepsi a lot lately (much to my friends' chagrin). I've been loving this "Crystal Gravy" mock commercial from SNL. Take a look below:

More New Bottles!

2008-04-10T23:07:00.002-04:00

I'm not sure why but whenever I do a post about new bottles, cans, or new bottle design, I get soooo many comments. Well take a look at this new (classic) bottle from Coca-Cola.

From BevNet.com: "Coca-Cola North America (CCNA) ... announced the introduction of a special vintage Coca-Cola bottle called the 1906 “Diamond Label,” which hits stores nationwide this week."

Looks really cool. What do you guys think?

BevNet.com: New Vintage Coca-Cola Bottle Hits Stores Across America

Diet Coke Plus FTW!

2008-04-04T19:14:00.004-04:00

Actually I'm a bit tired of seeing "FTW!" plastered all over the Internet, but it definitely is the case here. Have you ever seen anyone so excited to have some ice cold refreshment? I mean besides me, haha.

Thanks to The Consumerist.

Mary's Rap

2008-04-03T16:00:00.002-04:00

I had the privilege(?) of watching Three Men and a Little Lady this past weekend. Not a lot to say about this under-appreciated gem that this clip from this film can't convey:

Yes, indeed, someone in 1991 thought it would be a good idea to have Ted Danson, Tom Selleck, AND Steve Guttenberg rap...on film! Wrap your head around that.

Dr. Pepper, Kings of Marketing?

2008-04-03T15:44:00.003-04:00

As a GNR fan from back when I used to watch November Rain on MTV every day, I was floored when I saw this genius promotion from Dr. Pepper.

The pertinent part from:

Official Dr. Pepper Press Release

DR PEPPER WILL GIVE EVERYONE* IN AMERICA A FREE SODA IF AXL ROSE RELEASES NEW GUNS N’ ROSES ALBUM, CHINESE DEMOCRACY, IN 2008

*Guitarists Slash and Buckethead Will Not Be Eligible For Free Soda

What a great campaign! I don't think anyone thinks that this album will ever actually be released, but I'm looking forward to that free Dr. Pepper. Make mine diet!

Promotion blog: Chinese Democracy When?
Cool info at Losanjealous: Dr. Pepper Serves Up Arguably Brilliant Guns 'N Roses Press Release

for good measure, watch November Rain below:

Clip Time

2008-03-25T19:45:00.004-04:00

"Ohhhh, Crystal Pepsi"

Red Bull Cola?

2008-03-25T19:22:00.003-04:00

Interesting article over at BevNet.com about a cola offering from Red Bull. It's full of some inside baseball industry stuff, but the fact that Red Bell is bringing a cola to market is very interesting to me. All of the stuff I've been reading for the past two years talks about how conventional carbonated soft drinks are on the way out, to be replaced by waters, energy drinks, and sports drinks. If Red Bull is looking to enter the soft drink business, maybe cola isn't as dead as some have said.

Apparently, this cola will be all "natural." Whatever that means. There isn't any regulation on the use of the term natural, and it gets thrown on all sorts of items. Also, just because something isn't natural doesn't mean that it is not safe or healthful.

All of this doesn't mean that the new cola will succeed. From the article: “I think there'll be some initial trial, but as far as long term, I don't know if cola energy will make it," Wrathaol said.

The recent success of Coke Zero has kind of bucked the trend. I know there will always be a spot in my fridge for a pack of diet soda. I can't be the only one.

BevNet: Industry insiders unsure of Red Bull's "Simply Cola"

Cool Bottles

2008-03-20T22:42:00.004-04:00

Coke is test marketing some really cool looking aluminum bottles for Coke Classic, Diet Coke, and Coke Zero. According to VendingMarketWatch News, "Coke is offering sleek new 250-ml aluminum bottles in red, black and silver for regular Coke, Coke Zero and Diet Coke."

Debuting the bottles at the Consumer Analyst Group of New York conference, a Coke spokesperson had this to say, "We wanted to provide the analysts (at the conference) with a snapshot of some of our ideas currently in the pipeline," he said in a prepared statement. A sign by the vending machine at the Florida conference says that "the new design is a modern interpretation of the classic contour bottle in aluminum form."

The new bottles aren't in stores yet, but if you're lucky you might see it at an event or nightclub.

Check out the pic for yourself.

News story: Coca-Cola Co. Tests Aluminum Bottles

Dear Diet Soda

2008-03-13T01:40:00.003-04:00

A friend in Little Rock forwarded over a great column by Jennifer Christman that appeared in the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette last month. Unfortunately it's not online for free anymore. :-(

It puts a humorous spin on some of the studies that garnered so much press in February. Here are some choice parts:

"So why does it seem that everyone is trying to convince me to dump you? Two recent studies have linked you to potential health problems. A Purdue University study released in the journal Behavioral Neuroscience indicates that you and other artificially sweetened beverages and foods could be hazardous to sippers' waistlines. In the study, those who consumed food made with fake sugar gained more weight than those who consumed foods made with real sugar. All a person can say to that is "rats." Literally, rats. This study involved only a relative few rodents..."

and my feelings echo this:

"I could totally quit you. Easily. I could give you up. No problem. I'm keeping you around because I want to. Not because I have to. Or because I'm hooked or anything. I'm totally in control. In control and thirsty."

Mmm, a diet soda sounds good right now.

Oh No!!!

2008-03-06T18:41:00.007-05:00

As a huge fan of Dirty Dancing, I was saddened to hear the news that Patrick Swayze has been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.

I can't tell you how many times I tried to re-enact Baby's leap into Johnny's arms with my best friend growing up. Suffice it to say, it never worked out quite as well as when Jennifer Grey and Patrick Swayze did it.

Also, I've probably spent 2% of my life watching Road House on TBS. Buttkickin' Swayze is probably second to Dirtydancin' Swayze, but it isn't by much.

Get well soon Johnny Castle!

Seattle Times: Patrick Swayze has pancreatic cancer

News clip from Reuters

Sexy shirtless Patrick from Dirty Dancing

And check out this trailer for Road House, did Swayze wear a shirt in the 80s?

and RIP Jeff Healey

Taste of Tava

2008-03-05T00:00:00.005-05:00

Sometimes there are definite advantages to being the writer of the I Love Diet Soda blog...like free beverages. I was lucky enough to be able to sample the new zero calorie sparkling beverage from Pepsico, Tava. I know a lot of people are moving away from soft drinks, so these flavored sparkling waters might be just what they are looking for. I like all the flavors, very fruity and nicely sweet, but must say that the black cherry citrus was my favorite.

I like the cool names for the flavors too: Brazilian Samba, Mediterranean Fiesta, and Tahitian Tamure. Are you like me and don't know what a Tamure is? Check this out then. All of this makes me want to grab some of these and be in the sand and surf.

Although, I'm not in the target demographic (apparently men and women aged 35 to 49, according to this story) I don't have any problem recommending this new calorie free drink.

Catching Up With Hungry Girl

2008-02-27T23:12:00.005-05:00

Hungry Girl is one of my favorite destinations on the internet. She has great advice on healthy eating and dieting, features cool recipes, and wraps it all together with a contemporary flair. She's awesome. So, i was definitely happy to see her weigh in on all the recent hubbub concerning low-calorie sweeteners.

Artificial Sweetener Alert: HG's Take on This Breaking News!

"To deduce that artificial sweeteners cause weight gain from this limited research is a stretch on so many levels."

She points out several things to consider while reading this new research, including:

"Artificial sweeteners contain WAY FEWER CALORIES than sugar. So whatever you do, don't think for one second that consuming a high-calorie soda instead of a no-calorie one is a better idea for weight control."

That's a great point, and one that hasn't been mentioned enough.

So, kudos to Hungry Girl, and check out her whole site, tons of great stuff there including this recipe for some less guilty chili cheese fries. YUM!!

Emphasis on Diet Drinks

2008-02-21T18:27:00.002-05:00

Interesting article in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution today about Pepsi's plan for 2008:

"PepsiCo Inc. will make a strong pitch this year for its Diet Pepsi Max and SoBe Life Water beverages to counter moves by Coca-Cola, which is aiming to win consumers with its Coke Zero no-calorie soda and Glaceau line of enhanced waters."

I think this article, even though it focuses on business aspects, really points out how varied and diverse the range of low-calorie beverages is. Whether it is from Pepsi, Coke, or Cadbury. The options when it comes to soft drinks, sports drinks, energy drinks is mind-boggling sometimes. I am all for the multitude of choices; it gives those trying to get an advantage while watching calories the choices they deserve.

AJC: Pepsi emphasizes diet drinks, water

New Pepsi in UK

2008-02-15T19:07:00.003-05:00

Pepsi is ditching high fructose corn syrup for a new beverage in the UK called Pepsi Raw. Instead the soft drink will be flavored with cane sugar.

From the UK Metro:

"...Pepsi Raw has only natural ingredients including apple extract, plain caramel colouring, coffee leaf, tantaric acid from grapes, gum arabic from acacia trees, cane sugar and sparkling water."

I'm too young to remember when cane sugar was used in soft drinks instead of high fructose corn syrup, but I know that Mexican and Passover Coke have very devoted following due to their continued use of cane sugar. I like the taste of the current Coke and Pepsi just fine, but would definitely give something different a try. I think it's important to have choices when it comes to soft drinks (and most things in life). So whether it's sweetened with cane sugar, high fructose corn syrup, aspartame, sucralose, saccharin, or what have you, it's all good!

Metro: Pepsi launch new 'healthy' drink

And check out the racy ad!

Study Alleging Low-Calorie Sweeteners Causes Weight Gain Only Serves to Confuse Consumers

2008-02-13T14:29:00.006-05:00

Okay by now I’m sure that most of you have heard about a new study from Purdue University alleging low-calorie sweeteners cause people to gain weight. It’s all over the place and the media is going crazy over the study because it’s “new,” “sexy” and “shocking.” On the other hand, the studies that have proven low-calorie sweeteners can absolutely help people with weight control are none of the adjectives described above – they are simply common sense.

As I’ve told you guys before I work on behalf of the Calorie Control Council (the “Council”). Naturally the Council has been inundated with media inquiries about this study. One of the more balanced pieces that I’ve read to date is the HealthDay News article (http://www.healthcentral.com/newsdetail/408/612564.html). It actually presented both sides of the story. I also loved this commentary on te ABC News Web site, from Dr. Keith-Thomas Ayoob, who notes, "This study has its share of weaknesses, such as studying a very small number of rats — as few as eight in some of the groups...There are a number of other flaws as well — enough to prevent drawing real conclusions from the results. What's more, these results contrast with other studies showing that rats do compensate for calories pretty well when there is no perceptible taste difference. "

Now I’m not here to try and convince every single person out there that this study is contradictory to numerous previous studies on the topic. I’m just here to present the facts, straight and to the point. Here are some real problems I see with this study and the way it's being presented by the media:

· This study was conducted on 27 rats. I don’t know about you but I don’t consider my body all that similar to a rat’s. This study has no relation to the human experience. You can’t take a study on rats and find direct relation to humans – that’s a shoddy approach.
· Rats love the taste of saccharin so obviously they’re going to eat more of it. Would you rather eat rat chow or saccharin? Give me the sweet stuff!
· This study has been taken out of context. Health professionals agree that weight gain is due to excess calories and light products can certainly be one tool in your toolbox as part of a weight control plan.
· The bottom line is that we are not rats and that caloric imbalance is what causes obesity.

You guys can decide to believe what you want. Like I said, all I want to do is point out the very biased way in which this study is being presented in the media.