I’m a Nutritionist – Here’s Why Your 3pm Diet Coke Fix Won’t Help You Beat the Afternoon Sluggish

The UK is a nation of fizzy drink lovers, ranking as the seventh highest consumer in the world, but while many love the sweet afternoon treat, nutritionists warn it could be an energy service It is not a healthy way to do it.

Among its popular fizzy drinks, Diet Coke has recently become a popular way for Gen Z to get their fix with TikTok videos surrounding the drink garnering millions of views on the video platform.

However, according to nutritionist Kyle Crowley from ProteinWorks, sugar-free drinks may actually be counterproductive for providing an afternoon energy boost.

Diet Coke for Life has nearly a million views on the app, with millions posting daily videos on the popular caffeinated beverage – many dubbing the afternoon favorite ‘DC’.

One creator has racked up millions of views for the perfect ‘Afternoon Diet Coke’ recipe where he reveals the lengthy process of preparing the perfect afternoon snack.

The recipe involves combining Diet Coke frozen field cubes with a beverage can, a frozen lemon and a chilled glass.

Meanwhile, it’s not just Gen Z who goes easy on the afternoon in DC – the beverage is also favored by American business owners Elon Musk and Warren Buffett.

Research from ProteinWorks has revealed that the 3pm slump is a real phenomenon, with many people experiencing a significant drop in energy and alertness at this exact time.

Studies have found that coffee drinkers are the first to suffer from lethargy, followed by those who eat lots of sugary foods, skip breakfast, and finally, those who eat a high-protein diet. .

While Diet Coke doesn’t fall into the same categories, sadly for DC fans, the popular beverage still results in accidents.

According to nutritionist Kyle Crowley, soda’s caffeine content is short-lived and only has short-term energy-boosting effects.

Caffeine can instantly boost your energy and focus, but that boost is usually short-lived.

“After the initial effects wear off, you may feel more refreshed than before.

‘This short-term energy boost was particularly evident in our recent study which found that participants who drank coffee in the morning were quicker to slow down in the afternoon.’

According to Kyle, although the energy boost is only temporary, carrying caffeine around the body can make you pay the consequences come nightfall.

Caffeine consumption later in the day can interfere with your sleep patterns. If you consume Diet Coke at 3 p.m., it will still affect your ability to sleep at night, leading to poor rest and more pronounced fatigue the next day.

Not to mention, the Jalali fizzy drink offers nothing in terms of nutrients, making it a poor choice.

Diet Coke does not provide any essential nutrients. Unlike snacks that provide protein or fiber, Diet Coke does not contribute to long-term energy.

“It fills cravings without offering significant nutritional benefits, which can leave you feeling unsatisfied and leading to an energy crash,” Kyle said. Kyle said.

Instead of reaching for a fizzy drink, Kyle suggests an energy dip with a filling breakfast instead, suggesting that small protein-rich meals may be the solution.

He said: ‘Protein helps stabilize blood sugar levels and keeps you feeling full, which can prevent the energy dips that lead to cravings for a quick fix like Diet Coke.’

Alternatively, choosing a more sustained energy-boosting drink can enhance the effect in the last few hours of the day.

Kyle recommends matcha, which is rich in antioxidants and essential nutrients like vitamin C, potassium and magnesium, to support overall well-being and sustained energy. It also aids metabolism, making it a healthier, more balanced alternative to combating that 3pm slump.

For breakfast, Kyle recommends a hard-boiled egg, nuts and seeds, hummus with vegetables, a protein smoothie, or Greek yogurt to sustain energy for the rest of the afternoon.