Why is Diet Soda discouraged...

Why is diet soda discouraged during the Ideal Protein Weight Loss Method?


All diet drinks (i.e. sugar-free, carb-free) are NOT contraindicated on the Ideal Protein Weight Loss Method. The problem that can arise is imbalances in acid / base regulation. Our protocol is very alkaline and this is why we do not see complications common to other "protein type diets", namely kidney stones, gout, bone spurs, etc.

Some diet drinks (Crystal Light for example) are mixed with water and these are acceptable. Many others (flavored Aqua-fina, Dasani, etc.) contain a lot of phosphoric acid. This is a very strong acid and will play havoc with the body's bicarbonate buffering system. The same goes for diet sodas...particularly the "brown ones": Coke, Pepsi, Dr. Pepper, root beer, etc.). Flavored seltzers are usually OK, just read the label and make sure it is carb-free and contains no phosphoric acid. Carbonated beverages contain CO2 which, when dissolved in water becomes a weak acid known as carbonic acid (unlike phosphoric). To have a glass occasionally would not be a problem, but consuming large amounts (like in place of the 2 liters of water per day) would not be a good idea. The pH of Perrier is about 5.7, weakly acidic. Our protocol provides so many health benefits besides weight loss; it would be a shame to compromise some of the benefits by consuming these products.


Acid / base balance plays a major role in physiology, particularly in such conditions as osteoporosis, gout, "hardening of the arteries"; and a more acidic blood does not carry oxygen as well. Using sugar-free, carb-free drinks and diet sodas will not compromise your weight loss (providing you drink extra water if these drinks contain caffeine, remember an extra cup of water for every cup of coffee you drink, same thing here). The dieter who chooses to use these products a lot, will not receive all of the wonderful benefits of the program.