I’m a Nutritionist – Here’s Why Your 3pm Diet Coke Fix Won’t Help You Beat the Afternoon Slump
The UK is a nation of fizzy drinks lovers, ranking seventh in the world for its consumption. While many people enjoy brightening up their afternoon with a sweet treat, nutritionists warn that this may not be the healthiest way to get energy.
Of these popular soft drinks, Diet Coke has recently become one of the most popular ways for Gen Z to relieve themselves, with TikTok videos featuring the drink racking up millions of views on the video platform.
However, according to nutritionist Kyle Crowley of Protein Works, the sugar-free drink may actually be counterproductive when it comes to providing an afternoon energy boost.
Diet Coke For Life has nearly a million views on the app, with millions of people posting videos about the popular caffeinated beverage every day. Many are calling the afternoon favorite a “DC.”
One creator has racked up millions of views for her perfect recipe for ‘Diet Coke for Afternoon,’ revealing the lengthy process for creating the perfect afternoon cocktail.
Of these popular carbonated drinks, Diet Coke has recently become one of the most popular ways for Gen Z to get their fizzy fix, with videos about the drink receiving millions of views on Life.
Pictured: A creator has racked up millions of views for the perfect ‘afternoon diet cola’ recipe, revealing a lengthy process for creating the perfect afternoon drink
For this recipe, you mix frozen Diet Coke cubes with a can of soda, a frozen lime, and frosted glass.
Meanwhile, it’s not just Generation Z who likes to take an afternoon nap in a DC: American entrepreneurs like Elon Musk and Warren Buffett are also fond of this drink.
Protein Works research shows that the 3pm dip is a real phenomenon, with most people experiencing a noticeable drop in energy and alertness around this time.
The study found that coffee drinkers were the first to experience a dip, followed by those who ate a high-sugar breakfast, those who didn’t eat breakfast, and finally those on a high-protein diet. For them, the dip came later.
While Diet Coke doesn’t fall into any of these categories, the popular drink is unfortunately causing a crash for DC lovers.
According to nutritionist Kyle Crowley, the soda contains very little caffeine and the energy-boosting effect is short-lived.
Caffeine can temporarily increase your energy and concentration, but this boost is usually short-lived.
‘After the initial effect wears off, you may feel even more exhausted than before.
‘This short-term energy boost was particularly evident in our most recent study, which found that participants who drank coffee with breakfast were most likely to experience an afternoon slump.’
According to Kyle, the energy boost is short-lived, but the caffeine flowing through your system can leave you feeling the effects in the evening.
“Consuming caffeine later in the day can disrupt your sleep patterns. If you drink a Diet Coke at 3 p.m., it can still affect your ability to fall asleep at night, leading to poorer rest and more pronounced fatigue the next day,” he explained.
Moreover, the glorified soft drink contains no nutrients at all, making it an unsatisfactory alternative.
‘Diet Coke does not provide essential nutrients. Unlike snack foods that contain protein or fiber, Diet Coke does not contribute to sustained energy.
“It satisfies sweet cravings without providing substantial nutritional benefits, which can leave you feeling unsatisfied and more prone to energy crashes,” Kyle says.
Recently launched by the brand with cans with names. Unfortunately for DC lovers, the popular drink still results in a crash in energy
Instead of reaching for a soda, Kyle recommends overcoming the energy slump by eating a snack. He suggests a high-protein mini-meal could be the answer.
Instead of opting for a soda, Kyle recommends fighting the energy dip by eating a snack. He suggests a high-protein mini-meal might be the answer.
He said: ‘Protein helps to stabilise blood sugar levels and makes you feel full. This can prevent energy dips that lead to cravings for quick fixes such as diet cola.’
You may also choose to take a longer-lasting energy drink, which can enhance the effects in the last hours of the day.
Kyle suggests matcha, which is “rich in antioxidants and essential nutrients like vitamin C, potassium, and magnesium, which support overall well-being and sustained energy. It also aids in metabolism, making it a healthier, more balanced alternative to combat the 3pm slump.”
For snack lovers, Kyle recommended hard-boiled eggs, nuts and seeds, hummus with veggies, a protein smoothie, or Greek yogurt to stabilize energy for the rest of the afternoon.
