I’m a nutritionist – which is why fixing your 3pm Diet Coke won’t help you beat the afternoon slump.

The UK is a nation of drinkers, ranking seventh as the world’s highest drinker, but while many like to enjoy their afternoons with good food, nutritionists warn that it may not be the right way to provide power.

Among fizzy drinks, Diet Coke has recently become the most popular of Gen Z’s ways to get ready with TikTok videos around the drink that get millions of views on the video platform.

However, according to nutritionist Kyle Crowley of Protein Works, a sugar-free drink may be the opposite of providing an afternoon boost.

Diet Coke For Life has almost a million views on the app, and millions of people post daily videos on the popular caffeine drink – many calling it “DC”.

One creator has collected millions of views for the perfect ‘midday Diet Coke’ recipe where he reveals the long process of creating the delicious midday drink.

The recipe involves mixing frozen cubes of Diet Coke with a can of the drink, a frozen lime and a shot glass.

Meanwhile, it’s not just Gen Z who indulge in DC afternoons – the drink is also favored by American business owners Elon Musk and Warren Buffett.

Research from Protein Works has revealed that the 3pm slump is a real thing, with many people experiencing a significant drop in energy and alertness around this time.

The study found that coffee drinkers fell first, followed by those who had a high-sugar breakfast, those who had no breakfast, and finally, those who ate a high-protein diet. who have their decline later.

While Diet Coke doesn’t fall into any of the same categories, unfortunately for DC fans, the popular drink is still taking a hit.

According to nutritionist Kyle Crowley, the caffeine in soda is short-lived and the energy-boosting effects are only temporary.

‘Caffeine can temporarily increase your energy and concentration, but this boost is usually short-lived.

After the initial effect wears off, you may feel more tired than before.

‘This short-term effect of energy was particularly evident in our recent research which found that the participants who drank coffee for breakfast were faster to beat the night before noon.’

According to Kyle, even though the energy boost is short-lived, the caffeine circulating in the body can make you pay the price at night.

‘Consuming caffeine later in the day can interfere with your sleep patterns. If you drink a Diet Coke at three in the evening, it can still affect your ability to sleep at night, leading to less rest and more pronounced fatigue the next day,’ he explained.

However, the glorified fizzy drink offers nothing in terms of nutrients, making it an unsatisfying choice.

‘Diet Coke does not provide the necessary nutrients. Unlike snacks that provide protein or fiber, Diet Coke does not contribute to long-lasting energy.

“It fills a craving without providing any nutritional benefits, which can leave you feeling unsatisfied and prone to energy crashes,” Kyle said.

Instead of reaching for a soft drink, Kyle recommends hitting the water with a filling snack instead, suggesting that protein-rich foods could be the answer.

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

In addition, choosing an energy drink can improve the effects 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, which support good health and sustained energy. It also helps the metabolism, making it a healthy, balanced way to combat the 3pm slump.’

For snacks, Kyle suggested hard-boiled eggs, nuts and seeds, hummus and vegetables, a protein smoothie, or Greek yogurt, to sustain energy throughout the afternoon.