July 27, 2006

Monkey On My Back

My family and friends, and some of my blog readers, know that I have a problem. A big problem. I am pathetically, hopelessly addicted to Coke. I just can't get enough of that sweet brown liquid.

I know many things that should make it easy to stop.
When I quit drinking it...

  • ...the pounds fall off. If I quit, 10 pounds would disappear without any other effort.
  • ...my skin improves. I can stop wearing make-up, I look younger, the breakouts stop.
  • ...I have more energy. I sleep better and find it easier to wake up, I don't drag during the day.
  • ...my headaches all but disappear. After the initial withdrawal period when I feel like my head is locked in a vice, I can count on head pain being considerably less frequent.
  • ...I have more money. Two Cokes a day, minimum, equals two bucks a day, minimum. Two bucks a day, $730 a year - minimum.
So the question is, why is it so hard for me to give it up? I need help, that's for sure.

I am asking those of you who know me, if you see me with (or reaching for) a Coke, call me on it. I have got to get out from under this addiction.

Posted by Vox at July 27, 2006 02:53 PM | TrackBack | personal
Comments

And what -- the Diet, caffeine-free versions just don't work as well for you?

Actually, sugar-free I can do pretty effortlessly. But sugar-free, caffeine-free is a VERY weak brew.

Posted by: Special Agent Johnny Utah at July 27, 2006 10:35 PM

i'll be honest with ya... i cut out the soda and had crazy headaches for like the first week. it was like my body was trying to flush out the extra caffeine. after that its been smooth sailing. i've seen the weight come off a little easier (45.5 total so far in 23 weeks, thank you very much) and my need for that stuff has dwindled too.

i find mixing a couple of sprinkles of crystal light into a 32oz nalgene filled with water and ice does the trick perfectly.

Posted by: sofa king at July 27, 2006 11:49 PM

I am addicted to Diet Coke. EVERY morning I have one or two to get started. I don't like coffee.

Good luck on quitting, Vox, but if Coke is your greatest vice, more power to you!

Posted by: Woods at July 28, 2006 01:10 AM

Can't do that diet caffeine free - the diet version still has the nasty chemicals I want to avoid, and if you aren't having caffeine well, why bother? ;-)

I have gotten off the stuff before a couple of time. Last time I kinda I cheated. When I had surgery a couple of years ago I knew I would be on pain killers for a while, so that's when I quit. I was heavily medicated through the withdrawal headaches. I managed to stay off of it for about a year, but then I started in with, "well, 1 won't hurt me..." "well, 1 a day won't hurt me..." It really didn't take long to be tightly in it's clutches again.

I guess you're right, Woods, as far as vices go it's a nerdy one :-D Cola & clutter (especially magazines) are my weaknesses. I don't think either one will kill me ;-)

Posted by: Vox at July 28, 2006 12:34 PM

It's funny you posted this because today when I was at the Circle K I saw they had coke in the glass bottles and not those short ones either. So I bought one - I have always loved Coke in the long, slender glass bottles! mmmmmm... Coca-Cola it's the real thing!

Posted by: Lori at July 28, 2006 11:52 PM