Monday, May 18, 2009

The Coke Battle


I'm Melanie, and I'm a Coke-aholic.

Not Diet Coke.
I understand that I'm 31 and female, but I HATE Diet Coke.
We're talking full octane Coca-Cola here.

It all started in high school. I blame Whitney, really. She got me hooked on Big Gulps and Biggie sodas at Wendys. . . and it's been down hill from there.

I went through times where I did better than others, but the caffeine addiction has been my constant companion for at least 15 years, give or take. The longest I went without was the first trimester I was pregnant with Nolan. 9 weeks (since I didn't know I was pregnant right away). And then the dr. said a little was OK, and I was back on the sauce.

I hate to admit how much I consume. . . I'm not even sure I know. I would say on a GOOD day, 32-48 oz. On a bad day, at least twice that. Which is a LOT of sugar, besides the caffeine. . .

And I wonder why I keep gaining weight? Maybe it's connected to the millions of migraines I keep getting? (obviously that's hyperbole, but I AM getting between 8 and 10 migraines a month, even with everything I've tried)

So I've made a plan.

Cold turkey has never worked well for me, so I have been weaning.

So far, I am down to 24 oz or less a day, NONE of which is allowed after 5 pm. I have cheated twice in 2 weeks, and once it was 6:30 when I had my glass of goodness.

The result?

I haven't lost a single pound. I still have headaches (though they have surprisingly not gotten worse). And I am EXHAUSTED!

But I WILL power through it. It has to be good for me in the end, right?

Wish me luck!

9 comments:

Amanda said...

That is SO hard. I have that problem with Diet Coke, even similar amounts consumed. I prefer the zip of battery acid ~ even early in the morning. In fact, I was just sitting here trying to justify going to Walgreens for just a 20 oz of the sweet nectar.

GOOD LUCK! YOU can DO IT!!!

Emily S. said...

I am SO rooting for you! Seriously so hard. And I am really really proud of the progress you have already made!

(LOVE that Amanda commented! COOL!)

jennyharhar said...

I've gone back to regular Coke - I don't think Diet really helps and you're getting even weirder chemicals. But I also have been significantly cutting back. It certainly can't be helping your headaches (and have you looked into hormone imbalance as a source of those?). I'd recommend finding something healthy that you enjoy - substitution instead of just cutting it out. Good luck! :)

Stefanie said...

If I was a good friend, I would say that I would quit the addiction with you. I know that Amanda has tried in the past. I agree with her that the zip of battery acid is addicitive!

I'll have to ponder this one...but if I stop the diet coke, can I still drink a cup of coffee each morning?

If you say yes, I might consider doing the battle with you.

Angie said...

Good luck, I'm rooting for you!

Susanna said...

Yikes! Sounds like you've got a good plan though. I'm sure you can do it.

ps. those pictures Emily took are beautiful.

Melanie said...

Stef, YES!!! Kicking the Diet Coke is a HUGE step! if all you keep is your coffee, you're still much better off.

Jason S. said...

I used to think I wasn't addicted to the "sauce", but if I don't get some at lunch, and maybe some in the evening, I have started getting awful headaches. That has only started since I moved to NH. Before that I was a happy (if unaware) addict for 13 years. In fact, I have decided to blame you for my addiction!
But seriously, good luck, and keep us all posted on your progress.

Beth said...

Wowza. You are strong. I can't give up caffeine. I'm too addicted.... and I LOVE Diet Mountain Dew. Good Luck Mama!

On a separate note, I know you're trying to give it up, but have you tried Coke Zero? It really does taste more like regular. Just and idea.... and then you could cut a lot of sugar out.