Sometimes it's the smallest decisions that can change your life forever.

What decisions will you make today?

05 August 2010

de·tox  

It's been five weeks since I successfully kicked caffeine!  I was one of those, "gotta have a fountain Diet Coke to get my day started" kinda girls  -- ever since college.  I'm not going to waste time beating myself up thinking about how bad all of the aspartame, saccharin & the ridiculous amount of caffeine I was ingesting was on a daily basis...

Rather, I am celebrating my life without Diet Coke.  I once learned in the past that the best way to quit caffeine was to gradually remove it from your daily regimen so as to lesson the side effects that take place.  While I'm sure this is what any doctor would recommend, this never worked for me.  Eventually I would work myself right back up to my daily ritual of grabbing at least 2 LARGE Diet Cokes from the fountain each day.

This truly was an addictive HABIT more than I ever realized until I finally kicked it.  Looking back, I now see that 1/2 the time I would run to the nearest quick mart to pick up my favorite treat - I wasn't even enjoying it.  

I made the decision to quit cold turkey at the beginning of July.  Those first few days were AWFUL!  Before, I had always been a lucky girl and I never got headaches in my day-to-day life.  Quitting caffeine brought on headaches I didn't know were possible!  And.... I felt like I wanted to sleep every time I stopped moving.  Seriously!  But... I plowed through it because I had truly made up my mind to make this change.  Now I am happy to say that I beat it!

I can honestly say the I am feeling better than I have in a very long time!  Years ago, I picked up a book called The Perricone Prescription.  

I was intrigued by what Dr. Perricone wrote about nutrition, but also about the side effects that caffeine has on the body.  

One thing that always stuck with me from that book [which I still have but need to dust off & pull of the bookshelf!] is the fact that caffeine causes inflammation.  I had tucked this little tidbit of knowledge into the back of my mind, but found myself thinking about it more and more.  Now that I'm living mostly caffeine free, I can absolutely see a change in my face & under my eyes --- no longer puffy in the morning!  And I haven't felt bloated at ALL.


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I've always been a big water drinker, but Diet Coke was my go-to when I wanted something fizzy.  I have since replaced the habit with Hansen's Natural Soda when I crave the fizz!  My favorite is Diet Pomegranate - but they've got lots of yummy flavors!
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CLICK HERE to shop Hansen's 


 Diet Pomegranate: naturally flavored with extracts of real California pomegranates for a delicious, slightly tangy flavor without the sugar. Our sodas contain all natural flavors and have no sodium, caffeine, aspartame, preservatives, or carbs.   Contains: Pure triple filtered carbonated water, natural flavors with extract of California pomegranates, citric acid, sucralose, acesulfame potassium.   Nutritional Facts: Serving Size 1 can Calories 0 Total Fat 0g 0%, Sodium 0mg 0%, Total Carb 0g 0%, Sugars 0g, Protein 0g 0%


133 Days & Counting




3 comments:

  1. HIGH 5!! That is seriously awesome!

    I can't wait to try the natural soda!

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  2. Hope you enjoy it! Not a replacement for water, but a great alternative choice to regular soda.

    Finally checked out your site - I really like the feel of it and look forward to taking part in following your journey and learning some great things from you along the way!

    Cheers :)

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  3. Reading this took me back to the days when we had to run over to mobile to get our "fix". I am so happy for you for making a point of being healthy. Something I know I need to do, but just don't have the motivation for.

    Now that I have found your journey to 40 I will be keeping track. Of course as you are on your journey to 40 I am on mine to 45! How did this even happen?

    Keep up the great work!

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