Hi. My name is Patty, and I’m a Diet Coke Addict. Okay well, let me correct that….. WAS a Diet Coke addict. By the time this posts I will be on my third full day of kicking the habit.
I should probably back track a bit. Like most people who have taken up the diet soft drink habit, I started downing it while “dieting” back in the 80s. It’s CALORIE FREE ya know!!! Oh boy!!! An open invitation to fill up on the delicious, bubbly beverage. At the time, the fact that it was also nutrition free didn’t seem to matter. After all, I was “saving calories” by drinking by lovely carbonated joy. And I can recycle the cans and pay for yet more of it!!! How could this go wrong???
Now fast forward to today. I know that it’s pure crap. I know the dangers of aspartame, and thanks to www.sweetpoison.com I am a lot more educated. I had no idea that it erodes tooth enamel, is linked to cancer, causes kidney stones, vision problems and host of other ailments. Nothing like purposefully injecting poison into my otherwise healthy body. So why has this Paleo princess continued to hold on to her beverage of choice? I’ve been asking myself that same question for 7 months now.
Oh I’ve quit before, and attempted to quit on numerous occasions. Upon my first Paleo Challenge I tried to go cold turkey. At the very same I gave up coffee. It was painful to say the least! I decided at that time one withdrawal at a time was all I could handle. I knew once I was ready I could tackle this beast and move forward. After all, I recommend that clients battle the enemy one at a time, why sholdnt I. It’s only two little cans a day, right? How much damage can I be doing.
During each of my pregnancies and while nursing each of my daughters to nearly 2 years old I didn’t touch the garbage. It was easy then. I was doing it for these precious angelpies because I knew it wasn’t good for them. Now it’s time to do the same for myself – love myself enough that I quit putting this poison in a body I have worked so hard for. I am 7 months Paleo strong as I say to people. I fuel my body with quality food, and train my body with regular workouts. I owe this to myself to take the last step here I committed along with the other Delta5Fitness coaches to do this. I view it as a challenge to myself. How will this change my Paleo? How will this change how I feel? I can’t wait to share the process.
Whether you have one last vice to quit or a few to go, we are here to support and help you through the process. I’d love to hear your experiences!
Blessings
Patty
aka Cookie 
Comments (17) »
Congrats!
Is HERM quitting the crack as well?
Hey j9! Herm has been working graveyards for about 6 weeks and sneaking in a Coke Zero here and there. He was worried that my dirty little habit was becoming his too so he stopped as well.
We are feeling GREAT!! Even tried a few new things like cocnut water (YUMMY!)and Metro Mint water (Thanks Michelle).
Cookie- I am so proud of you! This is great news.
If you are craving the fizzies, seltzer is a great alternative to soda
It’s a daily struggle for me- coke zero habit… It really does feel like a crack addiction. I crave that fizzy burn in my throat every morning
Like you, I’ve quit before but it seems worse than ever lately! It’s my only vice.. I’ll start today as well! Thanks!
I’m not a soda drinker but I love my cup of coffee with cream, 1 pkt of Stevia and a dash of cinnamon. I’m not ready emotionally to give up my caffeine source. I will pass the word on to my clients about the dangers of Diet Soda! Thanks great article.
Cookie- stay strong!
We tell our members to give it up right away! I know a couple peeps that use it as part of their cheat meal only.
Ack!!! I just realized my draft printed!! I really do know what punctuation is- lol!!! Kat – WE CAN DO THIS!!!! Rebe – once you are ready, you know you have my support! Its’ pretty empowering to know I may want a Diet Coke, but I dont NEED it!! Thanks for the encouragement everyone!
Good for you Patty!!
I recently met up with a childhood aquaintance on FB. She remembers thinking (about me), “What kid would rather drink water than soda?” when our families would go out for pizza. That was more than 30 years ago! LMAO!
Still soda free!!
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I am so proud of you!! You are my hero!! Thanks for being an awesome role model for me!!!
I am beginnig day number 3 of no diet coke and no coffee. Last night I had the worst headache but got through it with some relaxation and ibprofen:) I know it will be worth it when i can move past the withdrawls and what keeps me focused is the fact that I cant believe that you go through withdrawls from coffee and diet soda..how lame is that?! I dont think I want that in me anyway…but I will miss having that crutch in the morning and afternoon pick me up! Oh well
Hi Patty! I quit diet sodas (after a 18-year-long love affair) just last month, so I can totally relate! My drug of choice was Diet Dr Pepper. I gave it up cold turkey in early February . . . and I have to say, the first week sucked a lot. I had a headache most days and just felt mentally and physically off-kilter. After that first week, though, I started to feel much better. I still do get some cravings but it is manageable. Good luck to you—you can do it!
attagirl Patty – I count myself fortunate that I’ve never gotten hooked on any soft drinks. I DID however get totally stuck on MetroMint water, which I finally gave up due to its price!
To all who have kicked or are kicking that soft drink habit, big hugs
I gave up diet coke for nearly five years – pregnancy and nursing three kids. I know I can do it, I’m just not ready yet.
One of my other faves to drink is diet tonic water with a slice of lime. No gin or vodka though!
Patty – for what it’s worth, I posted some “Before” and “During” pictures of myself on my blog. 35 down, another 10 – 15 to go!
Gretchen&Hilary – WOWZERS!!!! I checked out both blogs – truly amazing ladies!!! Being ready took awhile. I actually was going to start on Saturday, but ran happily into 7-11 to buy “just one more” 2-liter
Keri – yay! We are in this together girl! Cyn – oooooh the Metro Mint was yummy, but I’m gonna try my darndest to stick with water. You all have made my day with your suggestions& inspiration!
As I sit here at the computer with my 44oz Speedway diet pepsi mixed with a splash of code red; I want to stop. I have been trying since January…help!
AMY!!! You *can* do it!!! I used to drink the huge ones also. I whittled down to two cans a day, started getting real with myself about what is in the stuff and went from there. Set small goals before you make the leap. My tummy is not bloated this week and food more flavorbul. Im here for you girl! You can also contact me at my gym http://www.delta5fitness.com