Coke vs Diet Coke vs Coke Zero
 

In trying to lose weight, I've made multiple changes - treadmill everyday, lots more vegetables, measuring out portions, etc. and so far, I have been somewhat successful - lost 24 pounds over the past 3 months.

I will say though, my "weakness" has been Coke, or more precisely - Jack & Coke (I almost never drink pop unless mixed with liquor). A typical Jack & Coke has about 140 calories, a Jack & Diet has around 70.

No brainer right?

I CANNOT STAND the taste of Diet Coke or Coke Zero (when mixed with whiskey). It just isn't the same. I've tried Diet Pepsi (I actually prefer Pepsi, but I rarely drink soda ... straight), and ... meh.

I enjoy my evening beverage(s), so beyond that, any suggestions? Any others diet colas that are good (RC? Hell if I know). Maybe a good whiskey or bourbon that is pretty smooth (and somewhat cheap) so I could just skip the mixer?

IMHO, if you are losing weight while drinking Jack and Coke, why change?

My question exactly. Also, stay away from the diet stuff. It's not much better for you, if at all. Lots of my buddies are physicians, and they tell me this all the time.

Coke vs Diet Coke vs Coke Zero
 

Congrats on the weight loss - I know it takes a lot of work.

My advice, don't drink soda at all. I realized there was at least a kernel of truth in all the hoopla demonizing even diet soda. When I lost weight, when I finally cut diet soda out I was less hungry, lost weight more easily, and felt better.

If that is unrealistic, drink the coke you like. I've kept 70 pounds off for more than 10 years by limiting, but not cutting out high calorie/fatty favorite foods. No one can live on quinoa forever.

Keep up the good work.

Coke vs Diet Coke vs Coke Zero
 

Drink the Jack and standard Coke on the rocks if you still want Jack and Coke! Diet and Zero are NOT good

Coke vs Diet Coke vs Coke Zero
 

I live on Diet Coke

Medical studies have shown Coke drinkers increase their throat cancer risk factors.

Coke is not a good thing, nor are soft drinks.

Guard your mouth...

Save calories, and just drink The Jack

Coke vs Diet Coke vs Coke Zero
 

I agree with the first two replies. Just stick with the regular Coke with your Jack. You are making great progress, although it may seem a bit slow to you now.

A good target for most people when trying to lose weight is about a pound per week. This is because to achieve that rate, you have to have a deficit of 500 calories compared to your daily requirement, every day. The reason is that it is hard for people to cut this much through diet and exercise, at least initially, because they are probably consuming more than their requirement, making to necessary cut quite large. You are nearly doubling that rate, which is excellent, and doing it using both dietary changes and Exercise, which is the only way that has been proven to work.

People who are successful in the long term with weight loss do not deprive themselves of all the things they love, they simply moderate their intake, and allow themselves a few indulgences. If Jack&Coke is yours, then i say go for it. If you really feel guilty, spend a bit of extra time on the treadmill, or increase the incline or pace. The amount of calories you would save by switching to diet (per drink) is approximately the equivalent of walking a mile on flat ground at a brisk pace (less on an incline).

Sorry for being long-winded, but the point is keep your reward. It will help you keep up your motivation and be successful both losing weight now and keeping it off in the future.

Jack and Soda?

Edit: While looking that up, I ran across this delightful recipe. It may obviate the need for any other mixers.

There are no good substitutes for the real thing. Just indulge as your periodic dieter's reward.

Everything in moderation- a little bit of cola isn't going to kill you or stop you losing weight if you are serious about it- which you seem to be as you are doing so well.

Get hold of some mexican coke (or pepsi throwback) - real sugar instead of subsidized corn syrup. Slightly healthier- well, as healthy as a big hit of sugar can be-, and better tasting.
Diet stuff is nasty- skip it.

Thanks for the replies. As many of you noted, I'm still losing weight, so why not stick with what works? And you are probably right. I guess, for myself, when I drink 3-4 Jack & Cokes, adding up to possibly 560 calories ... that is basically a meal. Just seems like such a ... waste of calories (the Coke anyway :p).

Sinatra drank JD and water. Maybe you can try to emulate the Chairman.

It's an acquired taste.

Booze is bad for the metabolism. HFCS is also unfriendly. Consult your physician.

Take a call on your priorities. I suspect that the amount of spirits I drink is pretty bad for my weight, but I dropped out almost all of the sugar from mixers and my daily Coke Zero which I've seen plenty of evidence screws with my body's ability to metabolise.

I like a good drink out, but I found JD straight or a vodka and soda as enjoyable once I got used to them.