The misadventures of a young woman, through her transition from college to the real world. Times can be tough, budgets can be tight, and hours spent at the office can be long, but nothing is impossible as long as she has her trusty sidekick - a can of cold diet soda. http://www.ilovedietsoda.com/ There’s been a lot of hype lately about Coca-Cola’s new calorie-burning energy drink, Enviga. According to Coca-Cola, the combination of the green tea extracts (EGCG) and caffeine in the drink may help consumers burn 60 to 100 calories. This assumption is based on a person drinking 3 cans of the beverage per day. Enviga comes in 3 flavors: green tea, berry and peach. The drinks are currently being rolled out in the Northeast but expect them to hit shelves nationwide in early 2007. http://www.ilovedietsoda.com/2006/10/enviga-anyone.html I just got back from a business trip and I’m exhausted! When I first started working (not too long ago), I was so pumped for my 1st business trip – the excitement, the mystery, the allure. After the first trip, my excitement waned but I still really love the fact that my job (nutrition communications) allows me to travel. I consider myself lucky that I enjoy my job and it allows me to occasionally venture out of Atlanta. http://www.ilovedietsoda.com/2006/10/obesity-is-everywhere.html An article in today's Sacramento Bee offers a bevy of weight loss tips from experts. While I don’t agree with all of their tips (who can cut 500 calories a day? Ridiculous!), I have chosen one tip from each expert that I hope to try and accomplish until the New Year. http://www.ilovedietsoda.com/2006/10/little-help-from-my-friends.html Wow! It’s so good to be back! I told you guys how I was having a minor surgery on back, right? Well, lucky Elaine was also fortunate enough to get strep throat and a nasty stomach virus at the same time. Three fun things at once! Actually, the surgical procedure was no biggie and I probably could have gone to work later that day if I hadn’t been delirious with a fever. http://www.ilovedietsoda.com/2006/09/im-bringing-summer-back.html Sorry for lack of updates lately but I’ve been a little distracted with a minor health problem. A few weeks ago I went to the dermatologist for a routine health check and had her check a couple of spots on my back. I’ve got a small mole on my back that looks like a freckle and it’s been there my entire life. Certain that I was in perfect skin health, I asked her to check out just in case of the rare possibility it might be dangerous. http://www.ilovedietsoda.com/2006/09/my-skin-scare.html I think it’s a day similar to when JFK was shot. September 11, 2001 is a day that no one will forget and everyone remembers where they were and what they were doing when they heard the news. http://www.ilovedietsoda.com/2006/09/where-were-you-that-day.html In the latest edition of Runner’s World, the magazine takes a look at the “Best Grocery List of All Time.” According to the mag, we all tend to buy the same food products time and time again at the grocery store. I tend to agree as I always stock my cart with diet soda, cottage cheese, Reeses Peanut Butter cups, apples and so on. I don’t even need to make a list anymore because I always buy the same stuff. http://www.ilovedietsoda.com/2006/09/15-best-foods-of-all-time.html Once again, there’s proof that low-calorie foods and beverages can help you lose weight. Food Navigator recently reported that a meta-analysis was conducted on 16 previously conducted aspartame studies. In all 16 of the studies, aspartame and its effect on caloric intake and body weight were measured. 15 of the 16 studies used caloric intake as the measurable. The average weight loss for the 16 studies was 0.4 pounds per week. I’ll take a weight loss of 0.4 pounds per week any day! http://www.ilovedietsoda.com/2006/08/slimming-my-waistline-one-diet-soda-at.html Okay folks, it's almost Friday! In light of the fact that it's almost the end of the week, I thought I'd take a break from diet soda today and fill your brain with some random questions* there seem to be no answers to. It's sort of like when a little kid is constantly asking why things are the way they are. http://www.ilovedietsoda.com/2006/08/little-mysteries-in-life.html Pepsi-Cola North America is targeting the growing number of calorie counting consumers across the US with its new range of "zero-calorie colas" called Jazz. http://www.ilovedietsoda.com/2006/08/and-all-that-jazz.html Now that I’ve mastered the art of yoga (commence rolling of the eyes), I think I’m ready to start cutting my calories. Below are the changes I’m desperately hoping to make in the next couple of weeks. Mind you, I refuse to sacrifice on taste. Life is too short to eat nasty foods. Also, I’m not gonna go crazy and cut out everything because when I do that I tend to binge on chocolate for weeks afterward. http://www.ilovedietsoda.com/2006/08/phase-two-cutting-my-calories.html As part of my ever-ongoing effort to live a healthier lifestyle I have decided to begin practicing yoga every morning before work. I’m really feeling a lot better physically and spiritually. Not to say that my morning routine is perfect but I think over time, I’m really going to enjoy exercise. http://www.ilovedietsoda.com/2006/08/phase-one-learning-to-love-exercise.html According to a recent survey from CareerBuilder.com, 46 percent of workers have gained weight since joining their jobs. One in five workers have gained 10 pounds while one in ten workers have reportedly gained 20 pounds. Yikes! Who knew working could actually make you fat? http://www.ilovedietsoda.com/2006/08/my-job-is-making-me-fat.html On Monday, the Today Show had an interesting story: medication and weight gain. Many medications such as anti-depressants, anti-inflammatories and steroids cause people to experience a variety of unpleasant symptoms, and weight gain is often one of them. The medicine might slow down your metabolism or increase your appetite. Many times the medications don’t even have labels warning of the possible side effect. http://www.ilovedietsoda.com/2006/08/medication-and-weight-gain-presents.html I’ve just returned from a 4-day trip to Jamaica and it was wonderful! The people there are so laidback about everything and they really just enjoy the little things in life. After a couple of hectic weeks at work, it was so nice to lie by the pool and do absolutely nothing. The motto in Jamaica is, “In life there is no such thing as problems, only situations.” I’m going to try and keep that with me when I get stressed about the little things that don’t really matter. http://www.ilovedietsoda.com/2006/07/back-from-jamaica-mon.html I’m having serious weight issues this summer. No matter how hard I try to eat right and control my portions, I can’t seem to ignore the whisper of the McDonald’s and Wendy’s drive-thru windows calling my name. French fries are my weakness! http://www.ilovedietsoda.com/2006/07/cutting-calories-with-diet-soda.html Similar to the Great American Smokeout, which encourages Americans to quit smoking, the American Cancer Society (ACS) is doing its part to fight obesity with the Great American Eat Right Challenge. ACS has created a Web site, www.cancer.org/eatright, which offers tools, tips and tracking programs to help Americans cut calories, control portions and increase activity. http://www.ilovedietsoda.com/2006/07/great-american-eat-right-challenge.html The Shawshank Redemption recently surpassed The Wizard of Oz as the most-watched movie on TV. Rounding out the top five are A Christmas Story, It's a Wonderful Life, and The Magnificent Seven. http://www.ilovedietsoda.com/2006/07/im-your-source-for-random-information.html I’m of to the Big Apple for a couple of days for work. Not much time to see the sights but I will have the opportunity to do a little fine dining (great for my diet!). I’m headed there for a quick business trip and considering I’ve only been out of school for a couple of years, I’m very excited for this opportunity. http://www.ilovedietsoda.com/2006/07/im-leaving-on-jet-plane.html Usually during the Summer I tend to lose weight and live a more active lifestyle. Spending time outdoors and munching on fruits and veggies is my typical routine and the weight seems to fall off. Not this summer. http://www.ilovedietsoda.com/2006/07/for-love-of-food.html I’ve heard of a lot of weird things recently but I think this one might take the cake. A bear was found in a Lake Tahoe neighborhood in the back of a vintage red Buick convertible. Weird enough on its own but the bear was sitting in the car, munching on barbecue-chicken-and-jalapeño pizza. He finished up his meal and then proceeded to wash the pizza down with a couple of swigs of beer. http://www.ilovedietsoda.com/2006/07/that-bears-got-good-taste_115212850598640834.html I would like to say thanks to Kevin for the heads up on this recent soda news. Apple, being the ever-loyal company it is, is in the works to switch its promotional deal for iTunes from Pepsi to Coca-Cola. Recently, Coke shut down mycokemusic.com, a music downloading site and many people this upcoming deal is the reason for the decease of the site. http://www.ilovedietsoda.com/2006/06/deal-is-in-making.html Sorry for the lack of updates. I just got back from a wekk and a half vacation in Texas. I went to visit family and friends in Houston and then moved on to Austin. http://www.ilovedietsoda.com/2006/06/ive-been-bad-blogger.html The American Medical Association (AMA) committee is considering imposing a “fat tax” on soda drinkers (second blurb on the page). The tax would be 1¢ per can of soda and would go towards “anti-obesity efforts,” according to the AMA. According to the committee, one study found that the odds of a child becoming obese increase 60% for each additional can of soda consumed every day. http://www.ilovedietsoda.com/2006/06/no-fat-tax-for-diet-soda-drinkers.html “I don’t diet. I just have a fast metabolism that allows me to eat whatever I want.” I’ve seen many female celebs making this claim lately. They supposedly consume hamburgers, french fries and pizza on a regular basis while never heading to the gym, and mysteriously they never gain a pound. Wow! Aren’t these girls lucky! Every girl in America should be consumed with jealousy. Yeah right... http://www.ilovedietsoda.com/2006/06/magical-metabolisms-of-female.html Don’t ask me how I found this Web site because I have no clue. The site contains pictures of some of the coolest food sculptures I’ve ever seen. My obsession with food sculptures began a couple of years ago when a friend actually commissioned an artist to do a chocolate sculpture of her dog. It was by far the weirdest thing she’s ever done and still is to this day. I know, my friends are strange. http://www.ilovedietsoda.com/2006/06/dreaming-of-chocolate-sculptures-and.html Okay, it’s Friday and I don’t really have any interesting diet soda new so I’ve decided to provide you with yet another round of useless information. Enjoy! http://www.ilovedietsoda.com/2006/06/its-friday-and-my-brain-hurts.html Ah, the wondrous concoctions one can create when left alone with a soda maker for four hours. I got bored yesterday and decided to really put my soda maker to the test. And yes, this is the same soda machine that I raved about back in December and then never brought back up again. Procrastination is my middle name. http://www.ilovedietsoda.com/2006/05/dont-quit-your-day-job.html One of my coworkers found this Web site and it’s pretty cool. The language is a little scientific for me, being I’m a English and History not Science and Math type of person. I’ve provided my interpretations of these explanations but maybe y’all will understand it better than I do. http://www.ilovedietsoda.com/2006/05/wacky-world-of-carbonation.html Well, after studying for weeks for the GMAT and then putting in serious overtime to study last week, my body has shut down. I think my body had an allergic reaction to studying because I've got the GMAT bug. http://www.ilovedietsoda.com/2006/05/aftermath-of-gmat.html Well, it’s Friday and I’m completely worn out. I’ve been cramming for the GMAT, which I will be taking tomorrow so I think my brain has pretty much left the building. When I sleep, I see multiple choice questions, #2 pencils and mathematical equations swimming around my dreams. I feel like I’m taking crazy pills. Anyways, random factoids always seem to make me feel a little better. I've inserted random comments - I'm sorry if they don't make sense but I'm incredibly sleep-deprived and grouchy. Happy Friday everyone! http://www.ilovedietsoda.com/2006/05/more-random-useless-information.html The newest diet flavor to come out of the Dr. Pepper factory, Diet Dr. Pepper Berries and Cream, had me a little worried at first. When it comes to diet soda, I like to keep things pretty simple. I like the basic flavor as well as lemon-lime orange, root beer, etc. I typically do not like it when a myriad of flavors are combined. http://www.ilovedietsoda.com/2006/05/diet-dr-pepper-berries-and-cream.html Have you ever put a handful of Mentos in a bottle of diet soda before? If you haven’t, trust me you need to try it. I’m not quite sure what it is in the Mentos that makes the diet soda go flying but it’s awesome! Check this out: http://www.ilovedietsoda.com/2006/05/mystery-of-mentos-and-diet-soda.html This weekend was certainly interesting. In an effort to transform me into more of an “outdoorsy” person, my boyfriend decided that we should take a camping trip with a bunch of friends. Mind you, I am not what you might call a girly girl. I enjoy the outdoors (especially when I’m rowing), I like good beer and I’m a college football fanatic. But, for some reason, I just can’t see the attraction of camping when you won’t be doing any hiking or kayaking. http://www.ilovedietsoda.com/2006/05/camping-rain-hail-disaster.html In an effort to stop rising rates of childhood obesity, schools are yanking sodas from their vending machines, according to the Associated Press. Under the new agreement, elementary and middle schools agree to sell only water, unsweetened juices and low-fat and non-fat milk. The high schools will allow diet sodas and sports to drinks to remain in the vending machines. Why only high schools can sell diet sodas I do not know. http://www.ilovedietsoda.com/2006/05/say-goodbye-to-soda-kiddos.html More random trivia courtesy of Gullible.info. You never know when these random facts will help you out! http://www.ilovedietsoda.com/2006/05/did-you-know.html As part of my effort to lose weight before the beginning of summer, I have decided to make a sincere effort to prepare nutritious, low-calorie meals for myself this week. http://www.ilovedietsoda.com/2006/05/diet-orange-soda-chicken.html This has to be the most bizarre creation I’ve seen in a long time. According to the Philadelphia Inquirer, “New York chef David Burke has a new line of flavor sprays that imitate the taste of cheesecake, blue cheese, barbecue sauce – even root beer float- without the fat, calories or carbs. A simple sprtiz is intended to replace sauces and toppings on anything from chicken to baked potatoes to nonfat yogurt.” http://www.ilovedietsoda.com/2006/04/want-some-bacon-why-not-spray-it-on.html I took the Soda Pop Trivia Quiz today and realized I need to brush up on my soda trivia. For some reason I’ve been in the mood to learn random facts that may not actually ever help me but still make me feel like a better human being anyways. Did you know that there are more ink pens in the world than pencils? http://www.ilovedietsoda.com/2006/04/now-for-some-diet-soda-trivia.html Today, instead of diet soda news, I’ve decided to fill your minds with random factoids courtesy of Gullibleinfo. Yes, I know the name is misleading but go with me on this one. Our regularly scheduled diet soda news will resume on Friday. Enjoy! http://www.ilovedietsoda.com/2006/04/now-youre-friends-will-think-youre.html Are you part of the Cult of Diet Coke? According to this web site, “The Cult of Diet Coke is strong and lavishly devoted, making their beverage of choice the undisputed leader in diet sodas for the last two decades and the third-most popular soda in the Untied States, trailing only Coca-Cola and Pepsi. http://www.ilovedietsoda.com/2006/04/cult-of-diet-coke.html I never worried about trans fats in college. I used to eat pizza, burgers and French fries like they were going out of style. Now I worry. I worry because I’ve seen firsthand the damage trans fats can do. Everyday people who are obese die from heart attacks due to over-consumption of fatty foods. I’m not saying fats should be avoided –some fats are actually good for you and everyone needs some fat in the diet. Trans fats though –that stuff is just not good. http://www.ilovedietsoda.com/2006/04/why-cant-we-all-just-be-equal.html Not much to blog about today. Things are really crazy at work and I’m running around like a chicken with my head cut off. Maybe I should skip exercise today since I’ve been doing so much running around the office? Sigh, I guess not. Who am I kidding? I haven’t made it to the gym once this week! However, I’m feeling lucky today and I think today just might be the day! http://www.ilovedietsoda.com/2006/04/just-another-manic-mondayor-tuesday.html In the world of diet soda, things are looking up. A new study from the National Cancer Institute (NCI) found that aspartame, the low-calorie sweetener commonly found in diet soda and thousands of other products, does not raise the risk of cancer. There are people out there who believe aspartame and other sweeteners are dangerous and should be avoided but this recent study proves we have nothing to worry about. http://www.ilovedietsoda.com/2006/04/life-is-sweet-for-diet-soda.html The New York Times recently published a study from the Pennington Biomedical Research Center at Louisiana State University that indicates consuming a low-calorie diet may lead to a longer life. Researchers found that a low-calorie diet lead to changes in metabolism and body chemistry, which not only lead to weight loss but slowed down the aging process as well. Most participants in the study reduced their caloric consumption by 25 percent. http://www.ilovedietsoda.com/2006/04/low-calorielonger-life_05.html After yesterday’s consumption of massive amounts of Chinese food followed by eleven cookies, I decided enough is enough. For the past couple of weeks I have practiced absolutely no self-restraint when it comes to eating. Apparently my scale agrees with my assessment because I’ve gained three pounds in the past week. Three pounds in a week! http://www.ilovedietsoda.com/2006/03/goodbye-to-big-kit-kat-bars.html “I Love Diet Soda” is now RSS enabled! I know, I know, I’m like the blogger on earth to add this awesome feature but I’m not the most technically savvy person and it’s taken me a long time to figure out this RSS thing in general. http://www.ilovedietsoda.com/2006/03/i-love-diet-soda-goes-syndicated.html Whew! What a week! Work has been really busy this week and I’ve been feeling a little rundown lately so I’m so happy it’s Friday and I can just kick back and relax. http://www.ilovedietsoda.com/2006/03/wishing-for-diet-coke-blak.html 03/21/2006 Update: The girl’s weekend was absolutely fabulous! If you’re ever in Atlanta, you’ve simply got to check out the GA Aquarium. The animals are amazing! My friend and I spent almost as much time there as we did at the mall. In addition, I feel as though I gained at least five pounds over the weekend. http://www.ilovedietsoda.com/2006/03/low-calorie-ice-cream-dream-or-reality.html 03/16/2006 Today is like a Friday for me because I’ve got the day off tomorrow! Yippee! My best friend is coming in town from Austin, and I’m excited about a weekend of good food, girl talk and shopping. I love my job but having a day off to do absolutely nothing gives me butterflies in my stomach. http://www.ilovedietsoda.com/2006/03/southern-hospitality.html 03/14/2006 There’s a new diet soda in town. Well, technically it’s an old diet soda with a new taste. Pepsi-Cola is coming out with a Mountain Dew that has a “turned up taste.” I think the taste of Mountain Dew is pretty distinct already so I’m not quite sure how they “turned up the taste” but I’m interested to find out. http://www.ilovedietsoda.com/2006/03/do-you-dig-dew.html 03/10/2006 No health/diet soda news to report today. It's 4:00 on Friday here in Atlanta, and the weather is absolutely gorgeous! Back in college on a day like this I would have conveniently "missed" my classes and spent the whole day outside playing frisbee and laying on the grass in North Campus. If you've never seen the University of Georgia before, North Campus is this glorious spot where UGA campus kisses downtown Athens. There's an eclectic mix of people from indie rockers to professors to punks to sorority girls. http://www.ilovedietsoda.com/2006/03/i-love-fridays-almost-as-much-as-diet.html 03/06/2006 The News-Tribune in Tacoma, WA is reporting that two new studies indicate full-calorie soda and other sugar-sweetened beverages may cause obesity. Nutritionists who believe soda is the culprit in our struggle against obesity hope these studies may lead to a tax on soda or even a surgeon general’s warning. http://www.ilovedietsoda.com/2006/03/full-calorie-soda-takes-hit.html 03/02/2006 Happy Birthday to my “I Love Diet Soda” blog! Yesterday my blog celebrated its first birthday and I couldn’t be prouder. What started as a simple way to voice my love and devotion for diet soda has transformed into a place where I’ve met some really cool people and learned some interesting things. So what’s changed in the past year? http://www.ilovedietsoda.com/2006/03/happy-birthday-i-love-diet-soda.html 02/27/2006 It's always a little difficult for me to get up for work on Mondays but this morning seemed particularly difficult. I think it might have been due to the large coffee I had at eight o’clock last night. Yeah I know, it was a dumb decision but it tasted so good! I don’t even wanna know how many calories were in it. http://www.ilovedietsoda.com/2006/02/im-not-as-smart-as-i-thoughtare-you.html 02/23/2006 A fellow lover of diet soda, Jimmy at Livin’ La Vida Low Carb, wrote an excellent observational post the other day about diet soda and the people who drink it. Jimmy pointed out that whenever he goes to a restaurant and orders drinks for him and his wife, the waiter always assumes (incorrectly) that the regular soda is for him and the diet soda for his wife. Why do we always assume this? http://www.ilovedietsoda.com/2006/02/jimmy-knows-what-hes-talking-about.html 02/21/2006 A recent study on low-fat diets is creating a lot of buzz and it’s not necessarily good buzz. The study, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, found that women who followed a low-fat diet for eight years had the same risk of getting heart disease, colon cancer and breast cancer as women who ate whatever they pleased. http://www.ilovedietsoda.com/2006/02/whats-girl-to-do.html 02/16/2006 I'm feeling somewhat strange today. Not bad strange, just strange. I think I'm excited it's almost Friday yet secretly stressing about all the work I need to complete before the week's end. To switch things up a bit, I thought I would fill you in on some random thoughts... http://www.ilovedietsoda.com/2006/02/some-ramblings.html 02/14/2006 Happy Valentine’s Day to everyone out there, whether you’ve got special someone or you’re single. To kick off this great day I thought I’d post some heart-healthy tips from the Norwich Evening News http://www.ilovedietsoda.com/2006/02/happy-valentines-day.html 02/13/2006 I remember in high school when I literally consumed about 5 Dr. Peppers throughout the course of a school day. I assumed, incorrectly, that because it was a liquid it couldn’t contain many calories and cause me to gain weight. After school let pout, I would often stop by Sonic’s drive-through and pick up a gargantuous size Dr. Pepper to hold me over until dinner. Hmm, maybe that’s why I gained 5 pounds in 2 months my senior year… http://www.ilovedietsoda.com/2006/02/diet-soda-helps-me-keep-it-simple.html 02/06/2006 It’s a cold and rainy day in Atlanta. The streets are icy, accidents are abound and my overall disposition is somewhat bleak. I’ve been staving off a cold for about a week now and I think it’s finally caught up with me. http://www.ilovedietsoda.com/2006/02/being-big-baby.html 02/01/2006 I just wanted to give a HUGE shout-out to one of my co-workers. He has managed to lose 19 pounds through the South Beach diet. Here’s my deal with the hundreds of diets out there – do what works for you. In general, it truly is calories that count but if you find a specific food plan that meets your needs and keeps you satiated, then by all means go for it! http://www.ilovedietsoda.com/2006/02/kudos-to-co-worker.html 01/31/2006 I’m so happy I could jump for joy. Actually I would if the beverage vending machines at my office weren’t out of order. Folks, that means no Diet Coke, no Diet Pepsi and definitely no Diet Dr. Pepper for me today. My daily dose of Diet Dr. Pepper (say that 5 times) gets me though the toughest part of the day – the afternoon. Around 2:30 my eyelids start to drop and it’s hard to keep my head up. Literally the only thing that keeps me awake is a Diet Dr. Pepper and now I can’t have it. Wah! Anyways, I digress… http://www.ilovedietsoda.com/2006/01/theyre-baaack.html 01/27/2006 I love chicken and I LOVE diet soda so I thought this would be the perfect recipe to have on hand. It's simple and delicious - two requirements for anything I make. http://www.ilovedietsoda.com/2006/01/diet-soda-chicken.html 01/24/2006 I just read about a recent study that made me crack up. Apparently men are even predictable in their eating habits. A new study tracked the eating habits of 740 men for 16 years and recorded changes in their nutrition and heart disease risk. According to MSNBC, men fall into one of five groups of eating patterns: Empty Calories, Lower Variety, Higher Starch, Average Male and Transition to Heart Healthy. http://www.ilovedietsoda.com/2006/01/eating-habits-of-men.html 01/19/2006 According to Greater Milwaukee Today, Harry Wehr is a hero in his own right. Having recently returned from Iraq, Wehr has spent the last year manning the military store in the Al-Judal region of Iraq. These stores are usually the first to be targeted by enemy soldiers in hopes of ruining the morale of the opposing country. In the article, Wehr discusses the conditions the soldiers must endure as well as the pastimes they enjoy. “Any type of diet soda was a big hit – any kind of chocolate candy was also popular. They loved tortilla chips and cheese dip…” Wehr said. These guys are my kind of guys! http://www.ilovedietsoda.com/2006/01/us-soldiers-have-very-good-taste-in.html 01/17/2006 If you put it in front of me I will eat it…apparently so will everyone else. A new study suggests that it’s not really the taste that matters so much when it comes to eating, it’s the portion size. Research at Penn State has repeatedly found that the amount of food a person eats is largely dependent on the portion size. In one study people were given varying amounts of movie popcorn. Additionally, some people were given stale popcorn and some were given fresh popcorn. The people with old popcorn described it as “stale” and “terrible.” But that still didn’t stop them from eating it! Participants with large containers of stale popcorn ate 34 percent more than those with medium containers. Even worse were the participants with the large buckets of fresh popcorn – they ate 45 percent more than those with medium buckets of fresh popcorn. http://www.ilovedietsoda.com/2006/01/give-me-some-stale-popcorn.html 01/13/2006 Here's another recipe featuring my favorite ingredient, diet soda. I must admit I have not tried this recipe yet but I plan to this weekend. I'll let you know how it tastes but I must warn you, my cooking skills are not exactly up to par. http://www.ilovedietsoda.com/2006/01/diet-strawberry-pie.html 01/11/2006 We had our annual Health Fair at work today. As I walked into the office this morning some people were looking unusually nervous and jumpy. Doctors came to test everything from blood pressure to cholesterol to hearing to lung capacity. http://www.ilovedietsoda.com/2006/01/health-is-funny-thing.html 01/09/2006 I’m so very proud of my hometown paper, the Atlanta Journal Constitution, for including an article about weight lose during the New Year. Even more pleasing is the fact that they including diet soda as a tool for losing weight. The article provides readers with 25 tips for losing weight in 2006. The tips range from eating breakfast to finding support and all of them are really about lifestyle changes instead of quick-fix gimmicks. http://www.ilovedietsoda.com/2006/01/diet-soda-fits-into-lifestyle-changes.html 01/06/2006 An article from Medical News Today indicates that drinking diet soda may actually reduce your risk for esophagus cancer. Researchers previously hypothesized that soda, due to its acidic contents and carbonation might increase a person’s chance for esophagus cancer. “We found that contrary to the hypothesis put forth by other researchers, carbonated soft drink consumption was inversely associated with esophageal adenocarcinoma risk, mainly attributable to diet soda, and that high intake did not increase risk of any esophageal or gastric cancer subtype in men or women,” notes lead researcher Susan Mayne, professor in the Department of Epidemiology and Public Health at Yale School of Medicine and associate director of the Yale Cancer Center. http://www.ilovedietsoda.com/2006/01/diet-soda-may-reduce-risk-for.html 01/03/2005 Apparently more and more companies are implementing programs to help employees lose weight. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), obesity costs American companies $56 billion in lost productivity caused by disability, illness and death. That’s a lot of money! http://www.ilovedietsoda.com/2006/01/companies-reward-weight-loss.html 12/29/2005 I just want to wish everyone a wonderful New Year. Just in case you're curious, I've decided to share my three New Year's Resolutions with you. http://www.ilovedietsoda.com/2005/12/have-safe-and-wonderful-new-year.html 12/28/2005 I’m very impressed with the progress fast food restaurants are making in their food products. Burger joints such as McDonald’s and Burger King have come out with healthier options for the calorie-conscious and now Dunkin’ Donuts is following suit with Latte Lites. http://www.ilovedietsoda.com/2005/12/dunkin-donuts-helps-make-world-little.html 12/21/2005 The holidays are finally here, and boy am I ready for a break! I will be taking a break from blogging over the holidays but have no fear – I’ll be back next week. http://www.ilovedietsoda.com/2005/12/happy-holidays.html 12/09/2005 Over the weekend I had an epiphany: I love the taste of diet soda so much, why not try adding it to some recipes? After a quick Google search I realized that there are a ton of recipes that call for diet soda. So, every once in awhile I will be providing a recipe that calls for diet soda that I have actually tested out. Here's one that I tried this weekend and loved: http://www.ilovedietsoda.com/2005/12/diet-soda-recipe-delicious.html 12/16/2005 I just received some good news via an article in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: the average American only gains one to two pounds during the holiday season. With all the decadent food surrounding me throughout this 6-week period, this news makes me feel a lot better. http://www.ilovedietsoda.com/2005/12/holiday-weight-gain-not-as-bad-as-you.html 12/12/2005 A recent study from the University of Minnesota indicates that bake sales may contribute to the rising rates of childhood obesity. Additionally, the study found that 69 percent of U.S. schools use sweets, pizza and non-diet drinks as incentives in the classroom. http://www.ilovedietsoda.com/2005/12/bake-sales-make-kids-fat.html 12/06/2005 While searching the Internet for recent diet soda news, I came upon this article. The article conveys the notion that many of us assume only overweight people use low-calorie sweeteners. I use these sweeteners and while I have some extra poundage in a few places, I do not consider myself to be overweight. http://www.ilovedietsoda.com/2005/12/low-calorie-sweeteners-help-cut.html 11/30/2005 I’ve got a case of the ickys. In case you don’t know what the ickys are, let me explain. It starts with some mild tension in the front of the head, followed by scratchiness in the throat. Lower back pain is sometimes present as is a runny nose. Severe grouchiness is a strong indication that someone either has the ickys or they’re just a bah-humbug. http://www.ilovedietsoda.com/2005/11/case-of-ickys.html 11/28/2005 After indulging in way too much food and not enough exercise over the long weekend, I feel a little sluggish on this rainy Monday morning. When my alarm went off at 6:30 a.m. I almost burst into tears. The weekend’s over! I have to go to work! Nooo… http://www.ilovedietsoda.com/2005/11/getting-fit-with-low-calorie-and.html 11/23/2005 It’s turkey time! I love this time of year – the leaves are falling, friends and family gather together and there’s tons of food. My roommate and I will be cooking our first Thanksgiving dinner for about 15 friends and this promises to be an entertaining affair. Neither of us is what you would call a gourmet cook but we’ve vowed to try our best and if all is fails, McDonald’s is always open :) http://www.ilovedietsoda.com/2005/11/happy-thanksgiving.html 11/21/2005 According to a recent study from McGill University in Canada I have a justified reason for eating ice cream and cake when I get stressed out. The study monitored the eating habits of 277 participants and found that women are more likely to eat comfort foods high in fat and sugar when they are in a high-stress situation. I can relate… http://www.ilovedietsoda.com/2005/11/women-love-sweet-stuff.html 11/18/2005 It’s the end of the week and I couldn’t be more excited to do absolutely nothing this weekend. Week after week I’ve traveled to Athens, GA to watch my beloved Bulldogs play but after last week’s devastating loss, I don’t think I can muster the energy to make the trek down there this weekend. Don’t get me wrong, I still have faith in my boys, I’m just not too worried about them beating Kentucky. http://www.ilovedietsoda.com/2005/11/tgif.html 11/17/2005 The good people at iVillage generously provided a list of their favorite sugar free candies. While I agree with many of their selections, I thought I should create a list of my own. Here goes, counting down to number one… http://www.ilovedietsoda.com/2005/11/my-picks-for-best-sugar-free-candies.html 11/15/2005 In hopes of shedding the pounds I gained from my frequent pizza splurges, I recently bought some of those 100-calorie snacks. They’re great! You can get cookies, crackers and even microwave popcorn in 100-calorie servings. All of us have sat down with a bag of potato chips or cookies and polished off the entire bag before realizing it. I’m using 100-calorie snacks as a method to help diminish my frequent snack attacks and urges to speed-dial the pizza man. http://www.ilovedietsoda.com/2005/11/100-calorie-snacks-help-curb.html 11/10/2005 Much to my delight, Coca-Cola is rolling out two new flavors: Diet Black Cherry and Vanilla Coke and Black Cherry Vanilla Coke. These new additions to the bevy of flavors in the Coca-Cola vault will debut in January. "Cherry-flavored beverages are experiencing significant growth as are no-calorie soft drinks,” said Katie Bayne, senior vice president Coca-Cola North America. One of my coworkers believes these new flavors are a result of the recent success of Dr. Pepper's Cherry Vanilla variety and I tend to agree. http://www.ilovedietsoda.com/2005/11/coca-cola-gets-creative-with-new.html 11/08/2005 This time of year always seems to wreak havoc on my diet. I’m hungry all the time and find myself able to consume an entire pizza in one sitting. I don’t know what it is about cold weather that kicks my appetite into overdrive. Maybe it’s the delicious fat-laden foods that warm my belly or knowing I can hide that extra bulge with a sweater and loose pants. http://www.ilovedietsoda.com/2005/11/fighting-battle-of-bulge.html 01/04/2005 Until reading this article, "Soft-Drink Pairings Have Uncanny Way of Giving Foods Bubbly Personality," I'd never thought about the ability of a soda to enhance the flavor of a meal. Apparently this is not a new trend - pairing root beer with barbecue, sausage with orange soda and hoagies with diet soda. I for one, can drink diet soda with almost anything but I agree with writer Kristen Turner that diet soda and birthday cake is a bad idea. The sweetness of the cake is a bit too much when paired with a sweet diet soda. http://www.ilovedietsoda.com/2005/11/diet-soda-is-like-fine-wine.html 10/31/2005 The King of Blues is a sugar-free enthusiast and that makes my love for these products even stronger. I grew up listening to B.B. King yet it wasn’t until my college days that I began to appreciate his music. As a little girl, my dad would blast his music around the house and while I couldn’t understand the subjects he spoke of, I had a feeling he was saying something significant. Now as a mature 23-year old (ha, ha!) I can appreciate the manner in which he sings of hardships and triumph. http://www.ilovedietsoda.com/2005/10/bb-king-goes-sugar-free.html 10/25/2005 An article from Newsweek details a recent health trend: DNA testing. When I first came upon this article I was very skeptical. How could an expensive DNA test help to improve my health? Well, more and more consumers are seeking out such tests to determine the various diseases and deficiencies they are at risk for. For example, let’s say you didn’t know it but your great-grandfather had heart disease. By taking this test, it’s possible (note: I say possible) for nutritionists to determine your risk for heart disease and recommend various foods and activities to reduce such a risk. http://www.ilovedietsoda.com/2005/10/dna-testing-to-improve-health.html 10/21/2005 Get ready folks because TaB is ready to make a comeback. This hard-to-find diet soda has a loyal fan base, and people to willing to drive for miles in search of a cold six-pack. I suppose the love for TaB goes beyond its taste--it’s a drink with character. You know you’re a special diet soda when people don t-shirts with your logo on them! http://www.ilovedietsoda.com/2005/10/tab-makes-comeback.html 11/17/2005 Just in time for Halloween... http://www.ilovedietsoda.com/2005/10/trick-or-sugar-free-treat.html 10/14/2005 No-cal soda, the original diet soft drink creation is being brought back to life for a taste of diet nostalgia. Originally invented in 1952 in New York, the beverage was created as a sweet treat that even diabetics could indulge in. A new company -- INOV8 Beverage Company -- has decided to launch their business with the re-release of the initial zero-calorie drink. Although it originally came in one singular flavor, the new release has four types: Cherry Lime, Chocolate, Clementine and Vanilla Cream. http://www.ilovedietsoda.com/2005/10/no-cal-comeback_14.html 10/13/2006 You may call it laziness since technically I'm not coming up with my own blog fodder, but I call it resourcefulness. I found the following article over the weekend from Texas A&M's Battalion. Great articulation of the lack of personal responsibility when it comes to our nation's view of health, and the resulting obesity "epidemic." http://www.ilovedietsoda.com/2005/10/personal-responsibility-in-obesity.html 11/07/2005 It's the little things that get you through a Friday afternoon... like offering commentary reviews on diet soda flavors. Eh -- it's ok, it's Friday. (Johnny will be proud of that one.) http://www.ilovedietsoda.com/2005/10/new-fresca.html 10/06/2005 Try this innovation on for size... a new twist on the bubbly stuff by Lynn Ogden, a food science professor at Brigham Young University, has resulted in something truly remarkable -- carbonated yogurt. It's made by combining everyday yogurt with dry ice (basically frozen carbon dioxide). http://www.ilovedietsoda.com/2005/10/carbonated-yogurt.html 10/04/2005 Anyone heard about the new "lifestyle" known as Calorie Restriction? It's called CR for short. The idea is that consuming a low number of calories on a daily, life long basis will create health and anti-aging benefits... basically increasing a person's lifespan. In fact, there is an entire advocacy group centered around this idea -- the Calorie Restriction Society. Nutribase.com (fitness and nutrition company, associated with the CR Society) describes it as a diet, "in which people eat fewer calories while maintaining - and often improving - their nutrition. The CR Diet is not a weight-loss program although weight loss is usually a natural consequence." http://www.ilovedietsoda.com/2005/10/calorie-restriction-to-extreme.html I got a really nice comment from a fellow diet soda lover recently... a Mr. Jimmy Moore, author of the "Livin' La Vida Low-Carb" blog. He writes all about health via his journey through a 180-lb weight loss (through low-carb dieting), as well as a new outlook on nutrition. http://www.ilovedietsoda.com/2005/09/diet-soft-drinks-bridge-gap.html 09/23/2005 While searching through the their web site, I came across this great op-ed piece from an August issue of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Richard Berman writes a great article entitled "Soft drinks in schools aren't to blame for obese children." I really like this article because it succinctly articulates the ridiculosity (poetic license taken) of blaming a product for a wide-range and multi-faceted problem such as childhood obesity, or even obesity in general. And because I like it so much, the entire text is included here, so I apologize for the length... http://www.ilovedietsoda.com/2005/09/soft-drinks-and-diet-soft-drinks-in.html 09/22/2005 November 23, 2005 -- It's here -- RENT, the movie! http://www.ilovedietsoda.com/2005/09/la-vie-boheme-where-we-only-drink-diet.html 09/21/2005 The first negative-calorie soft drink, Celsius, is available in major convenience stores in your area. You read it correctly... not zero calorie... NEGATIVE calorie. Sounds hokey right? http://www.ilovedietsoda.com/2005/09/celsius-negative-calorie-diet-soft_21.html 09/15/2005 It's like an evil eye... one that speaks only the language of ominous foreboding. It laughs at me in its sinister way. It stares menacingly not only at myself, but at all who dare to come close, to try and push it's button. The bright light glares, taunting me. My palate is threatened. My afternoon a wash of disappointment. The idea of wrapping myself in the fetal position in the middle of the break room crosses my mind. My very productivity stands on the brink of disaster. It is the intent of the Soup Nazi. No diet for you! http://www.ilovedietsoda.com/2005/09/red-light-district.html 09/14/2005 A blog buddy reminded me that not only can the little things make others feel better, they can make ME feel better. So here's a rundown of my Humpday (today) day-savers: http://www.ilovedietsoda.com/2005/09/sugar-free-gum-saves-day.html 09/13/2005 So despite having a hard time concentrating on normal life these days, I have come to the conclusion that there is something I must force myself to concentrate on -- the extra 12 pounds that attached themselves to me in a matter of 4 weeks and have been clinging to my frame since mid-July. Honestly -- Who gains weight that fast? Especially when you have stayed the same weight for 1 year? Bleh. http://www.ilovedietsoda.com/2005/09/inner-reflection-to-drop-pounds.html 09/12/2005 Found this post this morning on NOLA.com's blog -- despite the devastation left in Katrina's wake, those in charge of Mardi Gras events in New Orleans, plan on a premier 2006 event: http://www.ilovedietsoda.com/2005/09/mardi-gras-2006.html 09/09/2005 If every little bit helps, then I think I will send some evacuees some diet soda along with a load of blankets, toiletries, clothes and things. Those struggling with this disaster get thirsty too! Goodness knows if I was in their position, I would need many things, but having the creature comfort of a Diet Coke would really make my day. In such overwhelming times, it's the small things that make you smile, and the little familiarities that warm your heart. http://www.ilovedietsoda.com/2005/09/sending-diet-soda-and-love.html 09/08/2005 ATL represent. Thank goodness I've found others who share my emotion... http://www.ilovedietsoda.com/2005/09/shared-grief-in-atlanta_08.html 09/07/2005 I just convinced a friend to help me figure out how to set up the trackback feature for my blog through HaloScan. Turns out it was elementary level easy. But for whatever reason the thought of trying to figure out techy things on my own gives me hives. It's just overwhelming to me and my liberal arts mind. So yay for friends and figuring out technology. Now if I could only master the art of RSS, I can become a "real" blogger someday. http://www.ilovedietsoda.com/2005/09/i-aint-no-trackback-girl.html 09/06/2005 Obviously I have been slacking in the blog arena as of late -- I just can't think of anything important enough to blog about. Let me rephrase that... I can't think of anything more important than Katrina, or rather its aftermath. Nutrition, obesity, diet soft drinks... just not on my list of priorities right now. http://www.ilovedietsoda.com/2005/09/emotional-exhaustion-when-diet-soda.html 08/19/2005 Random Musings... What is This World Coming To? http://www.ilovedietsoda.com/2005/08/its-friday-thats-all-i-got.html 08/12/2005 A few weeks ago, I wrote, in jest, about the concept of taking diet drinks to a whole new level - the negative calorie level. I wrote in the way of farce and complete lack of seriousness that I normally do (A very odd sense of humor, that is. If you even think I have this sense at all). Alas... apparently I was onto something... http://www.ilovedietsoda.com/2005/08/skinny-drinks-trump-diet.html 08/04/2005 Pepsi announced they plan to open 3 mall lounges in the near future. http://www.ilovedietsoda.com/2005/08/ode-to-free-time.html 08/03/2005 News from yesterday's USA Today proclaimed the official downfall of Atkins Nutritionals, as the former diet god filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. Can it be true? Has the low-carb craze officially passed us by? Will I again be able to order pasta at a restaurant without a look of disgust from the server? Can I once again serve loaves of french bread at meals without my guests feigning feelings of fullness as they ask me to pass the meatballs? Can it be true?! http://www.ilovedietsoda.com/2005/08/has-low-carb-officially-fizzled.html 07/28/2005 With so many “diet” products out there, why haven’t they come up with a low-calorie chocolate bar yet? Where are the good for you gummi bears? Who overlooked my zero-cal French fries? With all the innovation we are capable of these days, why are we focusing on making watermelons seedless and peppermints calorie-free? Do those foods even matter?! http://www.ilovedietsoda.com/2005/07/facts-figures-and-lifes-toughest.html 07/25/2005 Learned some interesting info today during a Web search. Joel Achenbach of Washington Post fame explains how a can of Diet Coke floats in water, while a can of regular Coke sinks. http://www.ilovedietsoda.com/2005/07/titanic-of-soft-drinks.html 07/21/2005 Today’s inspiration comes from a Star Tribune (Minneapolis) writer named James Lileks. I’m impressed, because not only is he on to something, he’s not afraid to make people laugh while reading a (semi) major U.S. Daily. http://www.ilovedietsoda.com/2005/07/lipo-in-can-who-knew.html 07/19/2005 Well listen here buddy -- I’ll have you know that to me, blue is refreshing. It tastes better than the “other colors.” I may be a lot of things, but I am NOT old… yet. So I live alone, taking companionship from a cat. So what if I choose to wear the same brand of hairpins that my grandmother does. And who cares that I consider the Music Man a fine piece of musical theatre? http://www.ilovedietsoda.com/2005/07/hail-to-blue_19.html 07/15/2005 Since I scoffed at the news of the Texas study that suggests that diet soft drinks are making people more prone to gain weight… I’ve gotten some interesting feedback from some buddies of mine who read my blog, but are “above” publicly commenting on it. So instead they call me up and bug me while I’m trying to be a productive adult at work. http://www.ilovedietsoda.com/2005/07/yes-it-will-make-me-crazy.html 07/11/2005 A recent story out of the University of Texas has been pushed into the diet and nutrition spotlight as of late. The researchers from Texas’s Health Science Center presented their findings at the annual scientific meeting of the American Diabetes Association. The findings suggest that drinking diet soda in middle age increases a person’s chance of gaining weight. http://www.ilovedietsoda.com/2005/07/diet-soft-drinks-wont-make-you-fat-but.html 07/07/2005 Explosions rocked through London this morning. Reports are still coming in, and the only sure thing is that no one knows for sure. Well at least those below optimum level security clearance. However there is great speculation the blasts are the work of terrorists... possibly Al-Qaida... and are connected to the G8 Summit in Scotland. http://www.ilovedietsoda.com/2005/07/london-bombing.html 07/05/2005 I made it! Finished the Peachtree in about 49:00 mins... even on only 4 hours of sleep. It was a faster clip than I was planning on, but my buddy that I was running with was in a mood to get moving. I was expecting to jog it easily, but we pushed it just a tad through the hilly course. Another buddy of mine actually finished #213 out of 55,000 runners. Wow. Just a bit humbling. :o) http://www.ilovedietsoda.com/2005/07/finished.html 07/01/2005 So here it is once again... time for my annual jog through the city that I have called home for 23 years. This coming Monday, July 4th, I will participate in the 36th Peachtree Road Race, running 6.2 miles through the ATL from Lenox mall to Piedmont Park. http://www.ilovedietsoda.com/2005/07/celebrate-4th-10k-style.html 06/30/2005 Do you ever have so much to do at work (or in life for that matter) that you feel absolutely paralyzed? You don't know where to start, everything's high priority, everything needs to get done... and just the thought drains all energy from your very being. It's one of the most uncomfortable and overwhelming feelings known to me... and it describes my state of being at this exact moment. http://www.ilovedietsoda.com/2005/06/diet-humor-to-rescue.html 06/29/2005 Anyone seen the new Coke Zero commercial? Man you've gotta love G. Love... from the days of "Baby's Got Sauce" and "Cold Beverages" and beyond. The commercial is set in G.Love's hometown of brotherly love -- Philly, PA -- and shows the singer jamming along with some other Gen Y'ers (I guess that's what we're called?) on the roof of a building. According to this article in Beverage World, it's actually a play on a 1970s Coke commercial called "Hilltop." The updated version (nicely coined "Chilltop") is supposed to target 18-24 year olds. I guess they figure we weren't alive for the original commerical, so we won't mind a recycled version. http://www.ilovedietsoda.com/2005/06/g-love-and-special-diet-soda.html 06/24/2005 Whew! Crazy past few weeks have sadly stolen me away from my blogging adventure. (Though still not sure whether I am trekking steadfastly to the summit or slogging away in the jungle, becoming breakfast for a world of cyber-mosquitos.) http://www.ilovedietsoda.com/2005/06/little-feedback.html 06/10/2005 Coke has done it again - redemption is theirs. http://www.ilovedietsoda.com/2005/06/bring-back-aspartame-ace-k-addition.html 06/06/2005 This is a fun site to poke around on for those who have a cultural draw to soft drinks... http://www.ilovedietsoda.com/2005/06/pop-vssoda.html 05/27/2005 Hold onto your hats... what you are about to experience may be underwhelming. http://www.ilovedietsoda.com/2005/05/everyone-remembers-their-first.html 05/26/2005 Coca-Cola North America announced yesterday that they would be adding some life back into their Fresca brand this fall. By September they expect to roll out Fresca with a brand new image, new packaging, and some additional flavors. The original flavor will remain unchanged (Sparkling Citrus), and they’ll add Sparkling Peach Citrus Fresca and Sparkling Black Cherry Citrus Fresca to the mix. Empty of calories, full of diet soft drink goodness. http://www.ilovedietsoda.com/2005/05/coke-giving-fresca-new-lease-on-life.html 05/24/2005 It’s official… Pepsi Edge is now a relic, a part of history, something that I will convey to my children with stories beginning with, “Back in my day!” Pepsi announced last Thursday that they would be sending their mid-calorie cola to soft drink heaven by the end of this year. That is of course unless destination is dictated by performance, in which case it may not make it past Purgatory. http://www.ilovedietsoda.com/2005/05/pepsi-edge-has-emptied-for-last-time.html 05/20/2005 Today's discovery introduces a cola "micro-brew." That's right, not beer... cola. Diet Cricket Cola - a combination of green tea and cola. Not to be confused with the sad little guys I used to feed Leon, my pet lizard. It also comes in a regular version, but we all know what I really care about here. The schtick is a cola and diet cola with high-quality, minimally processed ingredients. I think it has been around since early 2003, but I'm having a hard time digging up its history. Although it is spreading throughout the U.S., it's not sold in major retailers and is absent from most convenient stores. I believe it's only sold in specialty shops around the country. http://www.ilovedietsoda.com 05/17/2005 The past few days kicked my butt. I feel emotionally and physically drained... which is probably why I found myself laid up in bed all day yesterday. I hate calling in sick, but sometimes my body's aversion to homeostasis makes such things necessary. http://www.ilovedietsoda.com/2005/05/where-it-all-began.html 05/15/2005 What happens when a day of triumph turns sour? Not the sour of upsets and the empty necks of those leaving a race course without a winning medal. But the inexplicable fragility of life. http://www.ilovedietsoda.com/2005/05/once-rower-always-rower.html 05/12/2005 I'm leaving in a few hours for the airport - flying to Philly for the Dad Vail Regatta this weekend. The race counts as the "national rowing championship" for club, DII and DIII programs. UGA is racing, so I have to go back and support my alma mater...show those uptight northern teams that southern kids know how to compete. I know this is so nerdy, but I am extremely excited. Though it is kind of sad, since this weekend will mark the one-year anniversary since I was last on the water. http://www.ilovedietsoda.com/2005/05/leaving-on-jet-plane.html 05/10/2005 A friend of mine recently returned from a trip to England. He had a great time, traveled to historical sites, visited multiple breweries, he even went by Buckingham Palace. However, his trip was not complete without (in true American sardonic fashion) standing in front of said palace and loudly chanting, "No taxation without representation!" No wonder Europe hates us. http://www.ilovedietsoda.com 05/05/2005 While I will admit the new Coke/Diet Coke with Lime commercial is remarkably catchy (who wouldn't love the punny masterpiece of "Put the Lime in the Coke you nut!"), I still am not sold on the flavor. Not that it's a bad product, I just don't particularly enjoy it. http://www.ilovedietsoda.com/2005/05/new-zealands-got-it-made.html 05/02/2005 Happy beginning of May! Hopefully the next few weeks will see warmer weather, less pollen, more sunshine and the winning lottery numbers. What... have I asked too much? http://www.ilovedietsoda.com/2005/05/april-showers-bring-may-products_02.html 04/28/2005 I have been reeled into a project at work- something my co-workers are calling a "Task Force." What does this even mean?? When I think task force I don't think endless meetings trying to nail down huge grandiose ideas. In fact... http://www.ilovedietsoda.com/2005/04/cubicle-task-force-tangent.html 04/25/2005 A terrific tongue-in-cheek Op-Ed piece published in Saturday's New York Times pokes well-meaning fun at perfect bodies everywhere. The author, John Tierney, also pokes fun at another group - anti-food activists. He discusses the absurd irony inherent in the arguments of those he calls "fatophobes." He describes these fatophobes as people who routinely preach that the obesity epidemic is upon us, and who use this idea to attack those of the flabbier persuasion. However, as Tierney points out, these junk-food fighters are the same people that are the first to scream and moan when food companies reduce their products' calorie or fat content by using additives like Olestra or aspartame. http://www.ilovedietsoda.com/2005/04/crusade-of-fatophobes.html 04/22/2005 Looks like a new diet soft drink formulation is on the quickly approaching horizon. Cadbury Schweppes announced today that they will be introducing a new formula of Diet 7 Up. The new version will be sweetened with sucralose (Splenda brand sweetener) and is due to appear on shelves nationwide beginning May 23, 2005. This will make Diet 7 Up the only diet lemon-lime carbonated drink currently sweetened with sucralose. http://www.ilovedietsoda.com/2005/04/diet-7up-changes-formula.html 04/20/2005 Reading an online article from Sunday's Chicago Tribune I am reminded that just because we have the knowledge to make something, we shouldn't necessarily MAKE that something... http://www.ilovedietsoda.com/2005/04/some-developments-should-just-be.html 04/18/2005 I'm curious about recent name changes implemented by diet soft drink companies. Diet Sprite became Diet Sprite Zero and Diet Sierra Mist was changed to Sierra Mist Free, both within the past year. But why? What are we as consumers trending towards with our purchasing power to cause such changes? Or are they merely experimental? I have discussed the possibility before that companies are changing the names of drinks to remove the word "diet" and appeal to a more masculine audience. But what about the women - How are the companies appealing to them? Or do the companies have demographic research showing that women don't really tend to buy lemon-lime type drinks? It's quite fascinating if you think about it... are colas more female-friendly? http://www.ilovedietsoda.com/2005/04/whats-in-name.html 04/11/2005 For those of you trying to shop grocery shelves a little more diet-conciously, we now have a little guidance from one Food/Beverage conglomerate. Last fall, Pepsico launched their "Smart Spot" label initiative. Although it was officially launched about 6-7 months ago, I just caught word of the Smart Spot labels being rolled out recently (or should I say, I dug my head out of the sand and finally noticed the labels during a recent grocery store outing). The Smart Spot label is a symbol that Pepsico has placed on various food and beverage products that meet certain nutrition criteria such as: http://www.ilovedietsoda.com/2005/04/smart-spot-for-consumer-well-being.html 04/07/2005 I had a chance to try the Diet Soda Cake recipe earlier this week and it was suprisingly successful! I tried a white Funfetti cake mix with Diet Sprite. The cake was moist, tasty and reduced-calorie. I added Cool Whip on top for icing (the Lite kind of course) and it was really enjoyable. Although, I guess it's not so "reduced-calorie" if you eat most of it yourself. So upon feeling tempted, I just brought the rest to my brother's apartment so he and his roommates could dive in. Crisis averted. http://www.ilovedietsoda.com/2005/04/diet-dessert-success-not-to-mention.html 04/04/2005 I received a post recently, and feel it a good idea to go ahead and reply in an entry for all to see . http://www.ilovedietsoda.com/2005/04/viva-la-diet-drinks-aspartame-and-all.html 03/30/2005 FINALLY! Spring is forcing it's way into Atlanta. I know temperatures will be up and down and the sun will continue to fight the rain for the next month or so, but the days are finally getting a little longer and most importantly - I am wearing open-toed shoes to work today! Last night I was so excited about the warm weather, I decided I HAD to go for a run around 7pm. Well, the days aren't THAT long just yet, and I literally "ran" out of sunlight. Running alone in the dark is not one of my favorite pastimes. In fact, it scares the poo out of me. The thanks I get for trying to be healthy. http://www.ilovedietsoda.com/2005/03/diet-soda-cake.html 03/28/2005 I spent most of Saturday at a regatta (that's a rowing race in layman's terms) in Clemson, SC watching my boyfriend and some other friends compete. Lounging lakeside in beautiful weather while spectating at my favorite sport made for a great day. But while stopping at a local grocery store to pick up snacks on my way to the race site, I made a discovery any diet drink lover could appreciate, making the day even better. A fairly new product from Crystal Light, aptly named Crystal Light On The Go are individual packets of Crystal Light powdered mix that you pour into the average sized bottle of water (16.9 fl. oz. or 1/2 Liter), shake up and presto - instant flavored water goodness! Simply ingenius. http://www.ilovedietsoda.com/2005/03/diet-drinks-for-modern-girl.html 05/23/2005 Headline on CNN.com this morning: “Coca-Cola, Pepsi in Calorie Battle; Arch rivals Plan Salvos of New Diet Colas, Pepsi ONE and Coca-Cola Zero.” http://www.ilovedietsoda.com/2005/03/cola-wars-or-sweetener-preferences.html 03/21/2005 I am a firm believer that full-time jobs exist for two reasons. First, it offers a paycheck that provides a livelihood and financial support. Secondly, it makes us appreciate the time which we can afford to spend in idleness and vacation. Yes of course there are a million other less important reasons that one should appreciate a full-time job... pride in accomplishments, independence, security, being able to relate to Dilbert, blah, blah, etc, etc. But how can you truly enjoy and appreciate a vacation - the majestic sight of the ocean and beautiful coastal sunrises - unless you can compare them to the less than stellar view of your cubicle and the morning glare of a freshly booted computer screen? http://www.ilovedietsoda.com/2005/03/battle-of-sexes-diet-version.html 03/14/2005 I received a comment on an earlier post... figured I could comment on the comment. Can I say comment 1 more time in the course of a sentence? Anyway, the post from "anonymous" asks: http://www.ilovedietsoda.com/2005/03/whats-online-buzz.html 03/08/2005 Just got back from lunch... but not a normal lunch where you get to sit down and chat with people and eat a nice satisfying meal. Rather, a lunch that consists of taking your car to the shop for a $25 oil change, and leaving with a $225 bill because in addition to oil, you also need 2 new tires. My isn't that nice... The annoying thing is that my car and its tires only have 16,000 miles on them. http://www.ilovedietsoda.com/2005/03/driving-freight-truck-has-its-perks.html 03/08/2005 What a whirlwind weekend! Amidst birthday celebrations for my brother, lots of errands, apartment cleaning, etc. I managed to fit in a workout - a 10k race on Saturday morning. It was a qualifier for the Peachtree Road Race on July 4th. Basically if I did well enough, I should get a good spot in the Peachtree RR. I've been running the Peachtree ever since high school, but since I never run a qualifying race, my number comes pot luck. http://www.ilovedietsoda.com/2005/03/against-wind.html 03/03/2005 It's a small world after all... among diet drink lovers I mean. http://www.ilovedietsoda.com/2005/03/drink-like-rock-star.html 03/01/2005 It's a slow morning in the office. Not that I don't have tons to do... moreso because the vending machine is empty of Diet Coke AND Diet Dr. Pepper. What's a girl to do? Despite the unexpected snow that dusted the metro ATL this morning, and my thirsty palate, the office space beckons. http://www.ilovedietsoda.com/2005/03/pop-culture-where-refreshment-meets.html