Diet Cokes - Accepting Lisa's Challenge -

[Mr. Bloom]

Hey BleeckerSt_Girl !

As you know, I've been addicted to Diet Drinks - drinking about 8 to 10/day.

On Tuesday, I was sitting at work and was overcome by an intense feeling of "saturation"...:eek:similar to the one I got a few weeks ago when I was guzzling electrolyte for a colonoscopy:eek:

I took this as a sign and remembered your challenge to me!;)

That day, I had about 12 glasses of water and bought fruit juice on the way home. To avoid withdrawal, I'm only having 1 Diet Coke/day - for now.

I've been feeling well, but now I'm feeling even better. I feel less depressed and moody AND I'm sleeping like a baby!

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Well I don't think I really 'challenged' you- just expressed my alarm at anyone drinking 8-10 cans of cola per day and knowing that this can only be BAD for your health.
I think it's WONDERFUL that you are trying to break that addiction- you GO! :D

[Running Mommy]

Now if I can only get running hubby off the gallons (and I mean GALLONS) of diet pepsi and iced tea... UGH! :o

[jesvetmed]

Keep us posted, Mr. Silver! That's a HUGE change!
AND.. think of all the aluminum cans or plastic bottles that won't get consumed just b/c of YOU! WIN-WIN.

[KnottedYet]

Hooray! You can get that monkey off your back!

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Hooray! You can get that monkey off your back!
http://www.denvercokemonkey.com/images/Denver-Coke-Monkey.jpg

[Tuckervill]

After a while, anything carbonated will make you feel bloated. At least that's been my experience. When I have soda now, I have a good one, like a Jones, with real sugar, not corn syrup. But they still make me feel bloated.

I gave up DC for tea, and then I got tired of paying the same for tea that I paid for Diet Coke in restaurants ($1.89 for unsweetened TEA?), so I switched to ordering water. Now I only drink unsweetened tea from McDonald's, every once in a while, because it's only a $1.00 for the large. ;) (at participating locations!)

Go ahead and give up that last one. You won't miss it.

Karen

[Trek420]

Go Mr Silver, Go! And what jestvetmed sed about the bottles and cans can't help but be better for the planet.

[indigoiis]

When I quit drinking alcohol, I started drinking diet coke. I have maybe one or two on a weekend day. But it's the same kind of anticipation and attempt at moderation - in other words, the same addictive voice that leads me to go for that silver can in the fridge.

I know it's a beast and I should drink water instead. But I haven't been able to kick it. This is inspiring, Mr. Silver!

[Kano]

Go ahead and give up that last one. You won't miss it.

Karen

Actually, yeah, for a while, he might. Quittiing that stuff "cold turkey" can be pretty miserable, especially if it's the caffeinated ones. I've done it, and suffered nasty, almost debilitating headaches for the first week or so that were NOT relieved by aspirin type meds. Only a Diet Coke could fix those headaches. And that was quitting from one or two a day!

Good for you, Mr. Silver! I knew a young man who's dead now of other things, who once went to the ER because he was peeing brown. They couldn't find anything wrong with him that cutting back on cola beverages didn't fix!

Karen in Boise

[solobiker]

Go Mr. Silver!! Many years ago I used to drink at lest 3 diet drinks a day. Now I drink only 1. I am working on not drinking any at all. Good luck and you have my support!!:D

[roadie gal]

You go, Mr. Silver!

When you get a jones for a soda try mixing about 1/2 cup of juice (or lemonade or limeade, etc) with a glass of club soda. It's minimal calories and you still get the carbonation. And it tastes much better than commercial soda.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

You go, Mr. Silver!

When you get a jones for a soda try mixing about 1/2 cup of juice (or lemonade or limeade, etc) with a glass of club soda. It's minimal calories and you still get the carbonation. And it tastes much better than commercial soda.

I second this.
You can't really go around drinking quarts of juice all day, even though it's good for you! I find a bit of OJ mixed into club soda is pretty refreshing.
Mostly I make pitchers of iced tea though. My favorite light iced tea is this:
I throw 2 bags of plain peppermint tea and 3 bags of green Japanese tea (I like Gen-MaiCha or Jasmine green) into a pitcher and pour in hot water. I add a LITTLE sugar just to take the edge off. The mint makes it super refreshing and light. :p Just takes a minute or two to make every other day.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

SO........MR SILVER?????............how's it going? :cool:

[smilingcat]

http://www.denvercokemonkey.com/images/Denver-Coke-Monkey.jpg

This is so sad. the poor rhesus monkey being addicted to human vice. Couldn't he have been given a fresh fruit or something... this reminds me of Chinese etchings of opium smoking dens and the abasynthe drinker from Picasso's blue period. It's depressing.

If you must, take a bottle of carbonated water from Trader Joe's, squeeze, juice of one lemon (preferably Meyers instead of Eureka), add simple syrup to your taste. You have a very nice "homey" carbonated soft drink. Simple syrup is 1/4 cup water and 1/4 cup sugar. microwave about 30seconds to a minute. if not dissolve stir carefully as the mixture is very hot. Chill first before adding to the lemonade. The carbonated water from trader joe has minerals in it and it does have a distinct taste. little bit of salt and other stuff. I can't figure it out but it makes for a really refreshing soft drink.

And good for all of you to get off the DC and regular soft drinks with high fructose corn syrup. BAD STUFF!!

smilingcat

[mimitabby]

Don't feel too bad about the monkey, he's an opportunist. his next meal might be a bug or a road kill squirrel.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

You can beat this, Mr. Silver!

http://weblog.timoregan.com/uploaded_images/lennon-snorting-coke-733511.jpg

[Mr. Bloom]

Well, I'm averaging one/day. In a period of intense pressure today (I hate quarter-ends), I resisted the temptation and drank water.

I feel good and expect to sleep like a baby tonight!

In a few days, I'll be comfortable dropping the one/day...but I'm avoiding massive changes right before RAIN.

Tonight, I stocked up on juice and didn't buy any soft drinks at Kroger.

[sgtiger]

YAY! Mr. Silver. You can do it!

[tulip]

GO MR SILVER GO!

That's great. When I gave up coffee, I felt so much better, and still do. In fact, now when I have caffeine (other than my morning cuppa tea), I get jittery and angry. It's awful!

Try that mint tea (iced) and juice/soda water combo. Those sound great. I have big Mason jar full of ice and water all the time. I just keep filling it up and drinking it down.

[Mr. Bloom]

Well, I didn't sleep like a baby last night. Maybe I'm having that insomnia effect of withdrawal...or maybe it was leaving the windows open and deer & opposum's playing in the backyard;)

[tulip]

I think the sleeping better will come. Make sure you're hydrated with water all day.

The think I notice is that it's so much easier for me to wake up. I wake up in a good mood more often than not, whereas I used to wake up dragging and with a bad attitude. Of course, there's more to that story than just no more caffeine, but that's part of it.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

How would 8-10 cans of Diet Coke make you sleep better?? :confused:


GO GO GO Mr Silver!!!!

[OakLeaf]

When I've had caffeine withdrawal, the insomnia went away after about a week.

Good luck! You're doing great!

[OakLeaf]

Speaking of opportunists, this one's taking the Pepsi Challenge:

http://www.news-journalonline.com/downloads/0708head.jpg

[lovelylibrarian]

We used to drink diet coke at dinner every night. My husband and I would share a can. I realized that it was just silly to keep buying it. Now, I only occassionally order it when we go out to eat and it's more of a treat (as strange as that sounds). We just drink water with dinner now.

[solobiker]

I have cut back to about 2-3 a week. It actually does not even taste good anymore.

[Mr. Bloom]

A single one this morning...about 20 glasses of water during the day - Really!

This combined with nothing but fruits and veggies for my meals...I think I taste a detox coming on...:o

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Don't forget your needed protein and carbohydrates! :o

I am impressed.

[Blueberry]

Kudos to you for giving them up. I used to drink them only at work - left the job, and left the diet drinks (mine was diet mtn dew). I haven't looked back. I still get some caffeine from hot tea, but otherwise it's water (and very occasionally fruit juice or choc milk after a long ride...). I really think it's all about finding a new routine (brewing tea now works instead of popping the top...). Today's treat: Key lime juice + water + stevia. Yummy!!

CA

[Mr. Bloom]

Don't forget your needed protein and carbohydrates! :o


Two tablespoons of peanut butter (softened for 30 seconds in the microwave), mixed with honey and raisins. Makes for a wonderful dip on my apple slices. I'm actually eating like a horse right now! I figure Saturday's ride will burn about 11,000 calories!

[BlueVet11]

Great job Mr. Silver! In case youre ever having a hard time trying not to drink those diet cokes, my hubby's boss was also addicted. He was diagnosed with colon cancer last year and had surgery to remove the mass and chemotherapy. His oncologist attributed it to the mass amounts of diet coke that he has drank for so long... probably about 8-9 a day as well for him. So just think of that when youre about to fall off the wagon!

Hope that wasn't over any line I wasn't supposed to cross as a newbie!! But great job quitting the diet sodas!!

[tulip]

And even though it's diet, the carbonation can wreak havoc on your teeth.

You are on the right track! Go Mr. Silver!

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Go Mr. Silver!!!!!
Your kidneys, bones, and teeth will thank you!!!! :p

[Mr. Bloom]

Hope that wasn't over any line I wasn't supposed to cross as a newbie!! But great job quitting the diet sodas!!

Welcome aboard!

I passed my colonoscopy last month and a stress test a couple weeks ago...so I think I'm on the right track!

One more day...one more diet coke. One more tomorrow and then I'm done!

[madscot13]

congratulations Mr. Silver!

just a bit of personal info: I gave up all sodas in junior high. a root beer every now and then. But pop, as we say in MN, is too sugary and bubbly for my refined palate.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

One more day...one more diet coke. One more tomorrow and then I'm done!

So, tell us about what kind of drinks you have replaced it with- any favorite things?

[Mr. Bloom]

So, tell us about what kind of drinks you have replaced it with- any favorite things?

Right now, it's mostly water. But in the evening when I crave something with taste or texture, I'll have a glass of Bolthouse Farms Juice (http://www.bolthouse.com/juice_main.html). I also like white grape juice...remember, teas are not on my menu.

My problem is that I get addicted to a need for texture in my food (like the "burn" that comes from the carbonation in Diet Coke). That's why water is best. It doesn't trigger the texture craving.

Any other ideas?

[Blueberry]

I really like homemade limeade - take a glass of water, and add lime juice and the sweetener of your choice to the mix. Yummy! (and I totally know what you mean about the diet coke mouth feel..)

[tulip]

I really like gingerale, and I'll have one from time to time, especially after a long ride.

Mostly I drink hot tea in the morning, and water during the day. I like it with ice. I also like iced tea, but I'm careful to not drink it all day.

Iced mint tea is mighty fine, though, and it's herbal and not caffeinated, so I drink that when I remember to make a big batch.

With dinner I'll usually have a glass of wine or sometimes a beer. And more water.

[BlueVet11]

What about sparkling water mixed with some lemonade... you get the "burn" of the carbonation but not the bitterness of sparkling water.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Right now, it's mostly water. But in the evening when I crave something with taste or texture, I'll have a glass of Bolthouse Farms Juice (http://www.bolthouse.com/juice_main.html). I also like white grape juice...remember, teas are not on my menu.

My problem is that I get addicted to a need for texture in my food (like the "burn" that comes from the carbonation in Diet Coke). That's why water is best. It doesn't trigger the texture craving.



I think you have a good grasp of the situation there. :)

[Mr. Bloom]

OK, I'm going on 48 hours will no diet drinks. I only bought 'clear' juices at Kroger tonight.

No cravings! This is good!

[Tuckervill]

You know, those juices have calories! Watch out for weight creep!

eta: Oh, Congratulations!!

Karen

[Andrea]

Somewhat off-topic: I use a protein powder that's sweetened w/stevia and like it. Does it have any undesirable taste/aftertaste when you use it in a more "obvious" drink- like lemonade, etc?

[Blueberry]

For stevia, I've found that it varies widely depending on what brand you buy. This is the one I use (and the only one I've found that I like): http://www.sweetleaf.com/category.php?subcat=products&subpage=steviaclear

I still get a little "something" in the flavor, but it generally complements what I'm drinking. Most stevia just tastes bitter to me (even in very low doses).

CA

[solobiker]

I have not had a soda since the 4th of July..I don't even miss it!!:D

[Mr. Bloom]

I've not been able to acquire a taste for stevia...and I'm thinking of diluting the fruit juices...more flavor than I need right now.

[Blueberry]

Mr. S -

I wouldn't give up on it. I HATED it until a friend offered a new one for me to try. Night and day. So - maybe one day you'll find one you like.

In the meantime, fruit juice + carbonated water is tasty:)

CA

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Yep- just mix 1/2 fruit juice and 1/2 plain seltzer water in a big glass with some ice....refreshing! To make it less calories still, use 1/3 juice and 2/3 seltzer. I think you'll find it less addictive than cola so you probably won't feel the need to drink 8 glasses a day to replace the 8 colas you were used to.
Keep up the good work- I am totally impressed! :)

[Geonz]

I love a shot or three of OJ and the rest fizzy water. Get a penguin and you can even make your own water :) http://www.sodaclubusa.com/Penguin/index.htm

Good on ya for making changes!!!

[luv'nAustin]

Hi, my name Karri and I'm also a diet coke adict :o It has been over a week since I've had my last sip :p

I've replaced the above mentioned beverage with iced tea and water. I'll be weaning myself from the tea soon by replacing it with "spa water" that I'll make myself. I think I'll start with some cold filtered coors light, oops, I mean filtered water and try different combos of sliced oranges, grapefruit, lemon, limes and cucumbers. Maybe one day I'll do berry water for a change of pace.

[pll]

One of my favorites in the summer is mineral water <san pellegrino or gerolsteiner for tiny bubbles... i might be picky; I have a couple of bottle cases delivered to my apartment...>, sometimes with some lemon squeezed in there.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

I went to a friend's house for dinner and she served a big pitcher of ice cold water with a bunch of cucumber slices in it- it was so refreshing and delightful on a hot summer's day!

[dex]

Cucumber water is the yum. Last summer I would drop a few cucumber slices and some ice cubes into my Nalgene bottle whenever I left the house, and have yummy. cold, lightly-flavored cucumber water while out running errands. Soooo good. :D

This summer I'm addicted to mineral water. I haven't tried putting cucumber slices in it, but that may have to be on tap for the weekend.

Cucumber is also great in a Hendrick's (gin) and tonic. Mmm...

[tulip]

I love Gerolsteiner. Trader Joes used to have cases for a $1 a bottle. But I don't know if they still do since I don't live near a TJ anymore.