I still remember being at a grocery store when I was 8 years old and seeing my first Diet Coke bottle. It was wrapped in silver packaging, and we were told not to buy it because it was unhealthy and could cause cancer. I believed this until I was 18 and never drank or even tasted Diet Coke.

It came as a shock to me when I realised it had zero calories and tasted pretty much like the real deal. I wondered why I hadn’t tried it earlier—I could have made my cuts much easier. (even though I should’ve focused on bulking back then, but that's a story for another day)

So now, the age-old question: Is Diet Coke good for you? Doesn’t it cause cancer? Why do I (me, lol) drink Diet Coke?

To keep it brief: Diet Coke can be good for you (within limits). No, it doesn’t cause cancer (within limits). And yes, it helps me feel sane during my cut lol.

Let’s break it down. The reason some research suggests Diet Coke is bad and can cause cancer is because Aspartame breaks down into three compounds: methanol, aspartic acid, and phenylalanine, which are said to cause cancer. But,

• 250ml of apple juice has more methanol.
• One egg contains 8-10x more aspartic acid.
• 100 grams of peas have 4-5x more phenylalanine.

Surprising, right? Yes, aspartame is listed as a Group 2B carcinogen, but guess what else is on that list? Your phone. So, are you going to stop using your phone because it ‘might’ cause cancer? Probably not.

So, why do I drink Diet Coke? I use it as a tool to help me feel satiated while restricting my calorie intakwe.

Do I have it every day? No, maybe 2-3x a week.

The main question is, should you drink it? Yes, go for it, but make sure you only have it on a need basis. Don’t drink it every day.

Also, FYI- The safe limit for a person weighing 60kgs is 15 cans/day. :) (According to the FDA)

Have more questions? Join me on Instagram every Thursday for #FitnessFixThurs, where I answer all your doubts throughout the day!

Data-

1 Can of Diet Coke:

• Aspartic Acid: 72mg
• Phenylalanine: 90mg
• Methanol: 18mg

Aspartic Acid in one egg: 600-700mg 

Phenylalanine in 100g of peas: 400mg 

Aspartic Acid in 250ml of apple juice: 20mg