Diet Cokes

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Munchkin Man
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Diet Cokes

Post by Munchkin Man »

Greetings To All:

The Munchkin Man has now gone five (5) days in a row without drinking a single Diet Coke, or any other carbonated diet beverage.

The Munchkin Man has had a major Diet Coke addiction for years and years and years.

The Munchkin Man was drinking 8 to 10 cans per day.

The Munchkin Man's most intense cravings for a Diet Coke would usually occur when the Munchkin Man first woke up in the mornng and when the Munchkin Man would wake up from an afternoon nap.

The Munchkin Man has never understood why.

There is a soda machine outside the downstairs lobby of the Munchkin Man's high rise apartment building.

Every day the Munchkin Man would make at least two trips down to that soda machine to buy some Diet Cokes.

When the Munchkin Man would come home from a tutoring session, the Munchkin Man would set the Munchkin Man's books down upon the floor, right in front of the soda machine, and buy some more.

This was a lot of effort for the Munchkin Man.

Every now and then, the Munchkin Man would drive out to a local grocery store and buy two or three 12-packs on sale.

But the Munchkin Man hated lugging those heavy 12-packs up to the Munchkin Man's apartment unit.

The Munchkin Man much preferred the instant gratification of a 12-ounce can of Diet Coke that was already nice and cold, in spite of the higher cost per can.

Diet Cokes have been on the Munchkin Man's "Quit List" for quite some time.

But the Munchkin Man kept putting it off.

A couple of months ago, the Munchkin Man set a "Quit Date" for December 31, 2011.

For a while, the Munchkin Man tried substituting Coke Zero for Diet Coke.

At first, the Munchkin Man liked the taste of Coke Zero more than Diet Coke.

Coke Zero had a sweeter taste and tasted closer to "the real thing" than Diet Coke.

One day the Munchkin Man went out and bought two 12-packs of Coke Zero.

The Munchkin Man loved them at first.

Then suddenly they began to taste too sweet to the Munchkin Man.

In spite of this, the more Coke Zero the Munchkin Man drank, the more the Munchkin Man wanted.

The Munchkin Man probably went through that second 12-pack of Coke Zero in one day.

This made the Munchkin Man finally decide: "This can't be good."

The Munchkin Man began to read up on Diet Cokes, and other carbonated beverages with artificial sweeteners, from a number of Google searches.

The Munchkin Man was horrified by most of what the Munchkin Man read.

One thing that really bothered the Munchkin Man was a claim that the chemicals in Diet Cokes can have the effect of suppressing weight loss, in spite of their absence of calories.

As some of you know, the Munchkin Man has been trying to eat a healthier diet and lose some weight.

The Munchkin Man concluded that continuing to drink Diet Cokes would only serve to sabotage the Munchkin Man's diet program.

As a result, the Munchkin Man moved up the Munchkin Mans's "Quit Date" to September 1st, 2011.

Then something strange happened last week.

The soda machine outside the downstairs lobby of the Munchkin Man's apartment building broke down.

There was a sign taped on the machine saying that it is being taken out.

This is when the Munchkin Man decided:

"Why not now?"

The Munchkin Man decided to quit the Diet Cokes right then and there.

The Munchkin Man had the Munchkin Man's last Diet Coke on the afternoon of last Friday, August 5th.

The Munchkin Man hasn't had one since.

The only related beverage the Munchkin Man has had was a glass of unsweetened green tea from Starbucks.

The Munchkin Man has read of the health benefits of green tea, in spite of the caffeine.

The Munchkin Man prefers cold liquid drinks to hot liquid drinks.

The Munchkin Man has never cared for hot tea.

The Munchkin Man has never even liked coffee.

From what the Munchkin Man has read, however, it is not the caffeine that what makes Diet Cokes so potentially hazardous.

Instead, it is the aspartame and all the other chemicals that are added.

When the Munchkin Man decided to quit the Diet Cokes, the Munchkin Man was fully prepared to endure the massive withdrawal headaches the Munchkin Man had read about.

Other than a mild headache last night, they haven't come.

The only possible side effects the Munchkin Man has endured has been a few days of an itchy nose, watery eyes, and a scratchy throat.

However, this could be related to the Munchkin Man's allergies, instead of a withdrawal reaction from the Diet Cokes.

As a substitute for the Diet Cokes, the Munchkin Man has been drinking lots and lots of water.

The Munchkin Man has been drinking mostly bottled water, due to the fact that the Munchkin Man's tap water has a nasty taste.

So far the Munchkin Man's favorite brand of bottled Water is Fiji.

It doesn't impart that "plastic taste" that many other brands have.

On the downside, this brand is very expensive.

The Munchkin Man is trying to figure out how to lower the cost of the Munchkin Man's bottled water.

In the meantime, the Munchkin Man is hoping the Munchkin Man can stick this out.

The Munchkin Man is still having cravings for Diet Coke.

The Munchkin Man has been using sheer willpower in order to abstain.

But if the Munchkin Man can go five days..................

The Munchkin Man should be able to go all the way.

That is what the Munchkin Man wants to do.

In closing, any words of support or ideas and suggestions you may have for the Munchkin Man would be deeply appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

Good luck to all.

Best Wishes,

Munchkin Man
harrychan
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Post by harrychan »

Good luck MunchkinMan. I have a reverse osmosis system at the house so my water tastes very good. When I do have the urge to drink something of taste, I have a pitcher of barley tea that is chilled in the fridge. Barley tea is very healthy like green tea without the caffeine. I also have a large cup of coffee in the morning which I cannot go without. I may come to a realization similar to yours soon.
This is not legal or certified financial advice but you know that already.
greensky
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Post by greensky »

Good Job Munchkin Man! I've heard that it takes 4-6 weeks before sugar cravings go away, I'm not sure about diet coke, but I bet it's a similar time-frame.

I'm not sure about beverage suggestions, but hopefully this helps you on the motivation side of things.

There is a very strong correlation between carbonated beverage consumption and esophageal cancer.

http://heartburn.about.com/cs/complic6/ ... r_risk.htm

Additionally the carbonation in soda wrecks your bones and kidneys.
MWCA
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Post by MWCA »

I stopped using substitute sugar. Never had the cravings. Just have a normal beverage every once in awhile. I have to add. I drink quite a bit of water.
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scouter
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Post by scouter »

Way to go, MM! Congratulations!

I stopped drinking sodas almost 31 years ago. That was before you could buy bottled water and I was traveling, so there were times when I was thirsty and there wasn't anything to drink except soda. If there wasn't a water fountain around, I would visit the nearest restroom and cup my hand under the cold water tap to get a drink.

About a year ago, my wife had an upset stomach and was drinking a Coke. I was curious and took a sip to see if it tasted like I remembered from 31 years ago. It seemed stronger, sweeter, and more acidic than I remembered, and I didn't enjoy it.

Funny how you can get so used to something and even crave it, then get away from it for years and not even like it anymore.
E-M-H
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Post by E-M-H »

Thanks MM, very motivational. I need to do the same. Good luck.
Easy Rhino
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Post by Easy Rhino »

I, personally, have a deep love of diet soda, and am not that worried about any possible effects on insulin or whatever (it's the calories that really matter).

I do, however, weep for all the money you spent at that vending machine. how much per can?

I buy my sodas in 2-liters or racks of cans at costco.
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Aptenodytes
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Post by Aptenodytes »

I had a similar habit. I spent a week in a remote part of Japan in a building with no diet sodas; the vending machines and cafeteria had iced tea. I drank the iced tea and when I came back to the U.S. I never started up again with the diet soda.
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Blue
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Post by Blue »

I've never been convinced diet soda is all that bad for you in the grand scheme of things. It seems as if it is prevalent enough drink that if there is a substantial adverse health effect it should be easy to identify and document in the peer reviewed medical literature.
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FrugalInvestor
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Post by FrugalInvestor »

Blue wrote:I've never been convinced diet soda is all that bad for you in the grand scheme of things. It seems as if it is prevalent enough drink that if there is a substantial adverse health effect it should be easy to identify and document in the peer reviewed medical literature.
I agree Blue. It's my drink of choice other than water (I drink quite a bit of both) so I get concerned when I read about the possible negative side effects. But when I then dig into it I never find any substantive medical evidence indicating that it is particularly bad for you. I have asked various doctors and am typically told that if that's the worst 'vice' I have then I needn't worry.
Have a plan, stay the course and simplify. Then ignore the noise!
Triple digit golfer
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Post by Triple digit golfer »

Hi Munchkin Man,

I gave up Diet Pepsi just under a year ago. I typically drank 6-8 per day.

I went through absolutely horrible withdrawal headaches. I would get a sudden, sharp, throbbing headache followed by the shakes. It was some of the most intense pain I ever experienced.

I would drink half of a Diet Pepsi and within seconds, literally, the headache would be COMPLETELY GONE.

I clearly had a bad addiction to the caffeine or chemicals in the Diet Pepsi.

Over the course of about a week, I refrained from drinking Diet Pepsi, except when the headaches would come on. Then I'd drink half a can.

After about a week, the headaches got less severe so I made it less than half a can. A few days of that and I never got another headache and thus got over my addiction.

I still drink a Diet Pepsi on the weekend with my cheat meal. Burgers and fries or pizza or chicken wings or something. But other than one, MAYBE two a week, I don't drink any pop.

Great job so far and keep it up!
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mr_bunny
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Re: Diet Cokes

Post by mr_bunny »

Munchkin Man wrote:As a substitute for the Diet Cokes, the Munchkin Man has been drinking lots and lots of water.

The Munchkin Man has been drinking mostly bottled water, due to the fact that the Munchkin Man's tap water has a nasty taste.
Great job, Munchkin Man!

Eliminating sugared beverages from your diet is one of the best things you can do for your health.

<side-story>
I've recently given up on sugar entirely. It is a struggle. Once you start down this path, you realize how much American food has added sugar in it (in a typical grocery store, it's almost everything, except vegetables, fruits and milk). This simple change has lead to a huge change in my diet and my daily happiness. Without sugar, I feel much more balanced, clear-headed and rested. I no longer "crash" when I grow tired, I'm just tired. I still am surprised that changing my diet can have such an effect on how I function mentally.
</side-story>

As for the water, I have a few suggestions.

1. A few months ago we bought a PUR MineralClear Water Filter. It attaches directly to your kitchen faucet. Before we got it I wasn't excited about the idea, as I thought a waste of money to filter perfectly potable water. But I quickly started to use it all the time. We live in an old house, and it does a great job of filtering sediment that drops off our old pipes. The water tastes better, and I drink more of it.

2. Sometimes I miss the fizz that I'd get from soda. So I bought an old-timey Seltzer Boottle. Previously, my only experience with these had been seeing them used to comic effect in old cartoons. But it turns out they also make good fizzy water. Sometimes it's what I want; the fizz helps settle my stomach. It's also a much more frugal choice long-term than buying bottled seltzer water or Pellegrino.

In any case, I wish you continued success in your stated goal of eliminating soda from your life.
- Chris
tj218
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Post by tj218 »

Munchkin Man:

It sounds like you had a caffeine addiction. Diet Coke, Coke Zero, etc. all have caffeine in them.

You felt like you needed to have it when you woke up in the morning, or after a nap. Headaches when you don't have it? That's caffeine causing that, not fake sugar.

Regardless, soda w or w/o caffeine is bad for your teeth and non-diet soda is really bad for your waistline.
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wilpat
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Diet Cola "Addiction?"

Post by wilpat »

I quit alcohol, cigarets and caffiene all the samt day 21 years ago. I had some very minor cravings, but they went away in a couple of weeks.( I do now cheat on the caffiene some, but that is very little -- no coffee).

Water is generally considered the best thing anybody can ingest. There are filters that make it significantly less costly.
gabbar
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Post by gabbar »

Addictions are cruel.

I really enjoyed the gambling high - poker to be more precise. Would drive to the casino, about 70 miles away from home to do it. I wanted to quit but could not resist the urge.

Solution - Sold my car, and started bicycling to work.
Result - Cold turkey stop to gambling at casino, heath benefits are added plus
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LadyGeek
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Post by LadyGeek »

Congratulations, Munchkin Man! I too, used to drink Diet Coke (not Diet Pepsi). Why diet? Not for my weight, I just did not like sugared soda. (I'm ignoring how bad aspartame is for you.) That was many years ago. I also drank no more than 1 cup of coffee.

At some point, I realized that I was having a problem with cold hands. They would just get cold for no reason (a common problem with women, look up Raynaud's phenomenon). Caffeine is a vasoconstrictor, meaning it closes down the blood flow, which made my problem much more severe.

So, I stopped all forms of caffeine cold turkey. I felt lousy for about 4 days and had lots of low level headaches. After that, I felt great.

I take a thermos of filtered tap water to work with me and drink it like I would a cup of coffee. Doing it in this style is more of a habit to have something in your hand to drink. After a while, your body starts to crave water, which is a good thing. If I don't finish my thermos (about 2 cups), I will feel thirsty.

For lunch, I drink a 0.5 liter bottle of water. I buy the generic supermarket brand - no need for the expensive "brand name." Sure, I could just drink my filtered tap water, but I think it's more the idea that this is my "lunch" beverage.

When offered soda, I always decline. It does not taste good to me anymore. At business meetings, there's always left over water to take back to my desk, as everyone else grabs the sodas. Their loss, my gain.
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Post by jh »

...
Last edited by jh on Tue Aug 16, 2011 10:59 am, edited 1 time in total.
Die Hard
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Post by Die Hard »

Congrats, Munchkin Man! You can do it!!

For all of you that continue to drink that stuff, no embalming will be necessary :oops:
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FrugalInvestor
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Post by FrugalInvestor »

Triple digit golfer wrote:Hi Munchkin Man,

I gave up Diet Pepsi just under a year ago. I typically drank 6-8 per day.

I went through absolutely horrible withdrawal headaches. I would get a sudden, sharp, throbbing headache followed by the shakes. It was some of the most intense pain I ever experienced.

I would drink half of a Diet Pepsi and within seconds, literally, the headache would be COMPLETELY GONE.

I clearly had a bad addiction to the caffeine or chemicals in the Diet Pepsi.

Over the course of about a week, I refrained from drinking Diet Pepsi, except when the headaches would come on. Then I'd drink half a can.

After about a week, the headaches got less severe so I made it less than half a can. A few days of that and I never got another headache and thus got over my addiction.

I still drink a Diet Pepsi on the weekend with my cheat meal. Burgers and fries or pizza or chicken wings or something. But other than one, MAYBE two a week, I don't drink any pop.

Great job so far and keep it up!
Wow, that's amazing - apparently people have very different tolerances and reactions. I drink quite a bit of diet soda and occasionally stop drinking it for a variety of reasons (traveling, not available, etc.) and I suffer absolutely no ill effects. Just lucky I guess.
Have a plan, stay the course and simplify. Then ignore the noise!
Triple digit golfer
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Post by Triple digit golfer »

FrugalInvestor wrote:
Triple digit golfer wrote:Hi Munchkin Man,

I gave up Diet Pepsi just under a year ago. I typically drank 6-8 per day.

I went through absolutely horrible withdrawal headaches. I would get a sudden, sharp, throbbing headache followed by the shakes. It was some of the most intense pain I ever experienced.

I would drink half of a Diet Pepsi and within seconds, literally, the headache would be COMPLETELY GONE.

I clearly had a bad addiction to the caffeine or chemicals in the Diet Pepsi.

Over the course of about a week, I refrained from drinking Diet Pepsi, except when the headaches would come on. Then I'd drink half a can.

After about a week, the headaches got less severe so I made it less than half a can. A few days of that and I never got another headache and thus got over my addiction.

I still drink a Diet Pepsi on the weekend with my cheat meal. Burgers and fries or pizza or chicken wings or something. But other than one, MAYBE two a week, I don't drink any pop.

Great job so far and keep it up!
Wow, that's amazing - apparently people have very different tolerances and reactions. I drink quite a bit of diet soda and occasionally stop drinking it for a variety of reasons (traveling, not available, etc.) and I suffer absolutely no ill effects. Just lucky I guess.
I know. Bizarre, isn't it? I did drink a ton of pop for many years, so I guess I was just addicted.

Now my cravings for all types of junk food is way, way down as well. Additionally, I feel like I'm satisfied after a meal. Before, when I'd drink a pop with a meal, I'd want to keep eating or I'd want dessert. Don't get me wrong, I still get junk cravings now and then, and I enjoy about 8 million calories on Saturday nights, but the cravings are way, way down. A win-win.
SP-diceman
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Post by SP-diceman »

Hi Munchkin Man,

I don’t know if this helps but my family grew up on mild tea.
(I know, it sounds funny)

You take about two or three tea bags in a large jug of water.
(Lipton even has a “Cold Brew” tea that works in cold water)

The idea is the tea flavors the water but because its mild you don’t need things like sugar
to counteract the bitterness.

This leaves you with a healthy drink, more interesting and tasteful than plain water.
(I’ve never been able to buy water since it comes free from the tap)


Thanks
SP-diceman
texas_archer
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Post by texas_archer »

I stopped drinking soda's a year ago and have lost 158 lbs since (diet and exercise helped of course). I carry a Nalgene bottle with me everywhere and use a product called Tru Lemon when I want to add flavor. Its all natural and only has 5 calories.
rustymutt
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Post by rustymutt »

I've not had any kind of soda in over 7 years. The wife and I enjoy hot green tea after dinner together.
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tkc
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Post by tkc »

Congratulations Munchkin Man!

I was also addicted to Diet Coke. It was just about all I drank. One day I received a stern lecture from my father-in-law's oncology radialogist about the artificial sweetners used in diet drinks. I decided I would finish what I had in the refrigerator and that would be it. I had a few minor headaches from the lack of caffeine since I do not drink hot beverages or coffee. I have had two diet drinks in the last five months. The last one I had was awful! The craving is gone. I always have an insulated water glass with me and drink bottled or filtered water. An occasional lemonade or flavored drink packet added to my water takes care of the desire to have something different.

If I can do it, so can you! I actually keep a couple of Diet Cokes in the refrigerator for guests, but have no desire to drink them myself.
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dkdoy
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Post by dkdoy »

Good luck Munchkin Man, you are an inspiration. I also crave Diet Coke, keep us posted on your progress.
markpa
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Post by markpa »

The Munchkin Man might find carbonated water/seltzer water/club soda more appealing than tap water.

The Munchkin Man can make this from tapwater by buying a Sodastream.

The Munchkin Man can buy a kit at Sears for $60-80.00, or from BJ's wholesale for $80-95.00 with twice the CO2.

The Munchkin Man will fnd the reusable bottles stay carbonated for days or weeks after making the seltzer water.

The Munchkin Man can make 30 liters of seltzer per bottle of CO2.

The Munchkin Man can then pay $14 or so with coupon at Bed Bath and Beyond to exchange CO2 tanks.

Or the Munchkin Man can buy an adapter online or on ebay to refill tanks.

Or the Munchkin Man can buy an adapter to hook up to a bigger CO2 bottle.

Then the Munchkin Man can make seltzer water for a penny per liter.

We do this, and flavor with lemon juice, or nothing at all.
exigent
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Post by exigent »

I quite back in April. Took about a week before I stopped feeling like crap. I've had one Diet Coke since then (last week, while traveling). I don't really miss it, and honestly, I eat healthier now as I'm no longer craving a fountain Diet Coke at lunch time.
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jeh
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Post by jeh »

There is definitely something strangely addictive about Diet Coke to some people and I don't think it's good, so congrats for quitting. I don't think it is really about the caffeine, it is something else strange. I am currently trying to convince my sister she is on the road to addiction to caffeine free diet coke in an unhealthy way.

I have no problem with soda in moderation (I might go through a 12 pack of Diet Coke in 3 months, 12 pack of regular in 6 to 8 months but I admit it when I want a Coke nothing else will do).

I like water and drink lots, I second the suggestion of a PUr faucet mount or pitcher (I like my water cold other beverages I could often care less). I currently have a Brita pitcher but it cracked after 1 month, it is not leaking but my Pur pitcher never cracked and I had it for at least 3 years.

I do like to flavor my water, my different containers in the fridge currently have sprigs of basil, slices of cucumber, etc. Makes me feel like I am at the spa. But I also have plain water but since I almost only drink water I like the variety.

I also make all kinds of tea (green, black, herbal) and sometimes infuse them with herbs as well, sometimes it turns out weird but sometimes good (lemon green w/ thyme -good, mango Darjeeling with sage - kinda weird).

I do like seltzer water a lot because I do love the fizz of soda just not all the sweetness. If they made Coke with half the amount of sugar and no artificial sweetener, I might be addicted to that. However, I don't think I have to worry about that product on the market. I've thought of getting my own seltzer machine, I might have to look at this more closely.
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Re: Diet Cokes

Post by MekongTrader »

Munchkin Man wrote:Greetings To All:

The Munchkin Man has now gone five (5) days in a row without drinking a single Diet Coke, or any other carbonated diet beverage.

The Munchkin Man has had a major Diet Coke addiction for years and years and years.

The Munchkin Man was drinking 8 to 10 cans per day.

The Munchkin Man's most intense cravings for a Diet Coke would usually occur when the Munchkin Man first woke up in the mornng and when the Munchkin Man would wake up from an afternoon nap.

The Munchkin Man has never understood why.

There is a soda machine outside the downstairs lobby of the Munchkin Man's high rise apartment building.

Every day the Munchkin Man would make at least two trips down to that soda machine to buy some Diet Cokes.

When the Munchkin Man would come home from a tutoring session, the Munchkin Man would set the Munchkin Man's books down upon the floor, right in front of the soda machine, and buy some more.

This was a lot of effort for the Munchkin Man.

Every now and then, the Munchkin Man would drive out to a local grocery store and buy two or three 12-packs on sale.

But the Munchkin Man hated lugging those heavy 12-packs up to the Munchkin Man's apartment unit.

The Munchkin Man much preferred the instant gratification of a 12-ounce can of Diet Coke that was already nice and cold, in spite of the higher cost per can.

Diet Cokes have been on the Munchkin Man's "Quit List" for quite some time.

But the Munchkin Man kept putting it off.

A couple of months ago, the Munchkin Man set a "Quit Date" for December 31, 2011.

For a while, the Munchkin Man tried substituting Coke Zero for Diet Coke.

At first, the Munchkin Man liked the taste of Coke Zero more than Diet Coke.

Coke Zero had a sweeter taste and tasted closer to "the real thing" than Diet Coke.

One day the Munchkin Man went out and bought two 12-packs of Coke Zero.

The Munchkin Man loved them at first.

Then suddenly they began to taste too sweet to the Munchkin Man.

In spite of this, the more Coke Zero the Munchkin Man drank, the more the Munchkin Man wanted.

The Munchkin Man probably went through that second 12-pack of Coke Zero in one day.

This made the Munchkin Man finally decide: "This can't be good."

The Munchkin Man began to read up on Diet Cokes, and other carbonated beverages with artificial sweeteners, from a number of Google searches.

The Munchkin Man was horrified by most of what the Munchkin Man read.

One thing that really bothered the Munchkin Man was a claim that the chemicals in Diet Cokes can have the effect of suppressing weight loss, in spite of their absence of calories.

As some of you know, the Munchkin Man has been trying to eat a healthier diet and lose some weight.

The Munchkin Man concluded that continuing to drink Diet Cokes would only serve to sabotage the Munchkin Man's diet program.

As a result, the Munchkin Man moved up the Munchkin Mans's "Quit Date" to September 1st, 2011.

Then something strange happened last week.

The soda machine outside the downstairs lobby of the Munchkin Man's apartment building broke down.

There was a sign taped on the machine saying that it is being taken out.

This is when the Munchkin Man decided:

"Why not now?"

The Munchkin Man decided to quit the Diet Cokes right then and there.

The Munchkin Man had the Munchkin Man's last Diet Coke on the afternoon of last Friday, August 5th.

The Munchkin Man hasn't had one since.

The only related beverage the Munchkin Man has had was a glass of unsweetened green tea from Starbucks.

The Munchkin Man has read of the health benefits of green tea, in spite of the caffeine.

The Munchkin Man prefers cold liquid drinks to hot liquid drinks.

The Munchkin Man has never cared for hot tea.

The Munchkin Man has never even liked coffee.

From what the Munchkin Man has read, however, it is not the caffeine that what makes Diet Cokes so potentially hazardous.

Instead, it is the aspartame and all the other chemicals that are added.

When the Munchkin Man decided to quit the Diet Cokes, the Munchkin Man was fully prepared to endure the massive withdrawal headaches the Munchkin Man had read about.

Other than a mild headache last night, they haven't come.

The only possible side effects the Munchkin Man has endured has been a few days of an itchy nose, watery eyes, and a scratchy throat.

However, this could be related to the Munchkin Man's allergies, instead of a withdrawal reaction from the Diet Cokes.

As a substitute for the Diet Cokes, the Munchkin Man has been drinking lots and lots of water.

The Munchkin Man has been drinking mostly bottled water, due to the fact that the Munchkin Man's tap water has a nasty taste.

So far the Munchkin Man's favorite brand of bottled Water is Fiji.

It doesn't impart that "plastic taste" that many other brands have.

On the downside, this brand is very expensive.

The Munchkin Man is trying to figure out how to lower the cost of the Munchkin Man's bottled water.

In the meantime, the Munchkin Man is hoping the Munchkin Man can stick this out.

The Munchkin Man is still having cravings for Diet Coke.

The Munchkin Man has been using sheer willpower in order to abstain.

But if the Munchkin Man can go five days..................

The Munchkin Man should be able to go all the way.

That is what the Munchkin Man wants to do.

In closing, any words of support or ideas and suggestions you may have for the Munchkin Man would be deeply appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

Good luck to all.

Best Wishes,

Munchkin Man
Best of luck Munchkin Man! And keep us posted.

Another incentive for you quitting may be the financial side. Put all the money aside you would spend on sodas on a daily basis. It should quickly add up and you can use the money and add to your investments.

I have noticed that for many American people sodas are like an accessory. Other people have a handbag or brief case, these people carry a soda can. I work in a very big office building, people from all over the world. Many American people always carry a can of soda. Many of these people are massive in size. They are not big or fat, they are giants. Their (tiny) Vietnamese co-workers are intimidated by some of these peoples size. So big! Everything about them, every part of their body is massive. Some of them are like giant babies with their Coke cans. I say so because where I come from (old Europe) soda is typically being served at kids birthday parties and this is one occasion we were allowed to have soda. I was taught soda is bad. When I was a kid all we had for drinking was milk. I envied friends who were allowed to have Fanta, Sprite, Coke or Mezzo Mix (Fanta and Coke mixed).

I remember when being in the US and going to the local super market. The soda aisle was out of this world. The selection, the bottle sizes (!): unbelievable.

I have a little baby girl now and because of that no more sodas in the house.

MT
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Christine_NM
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Post by Christine_NM »

Good going, MM.

I gave up all carbonated stuff about 12 years ago. A handy inexpensive thing is a Brita pitcher to keep chilled filtered water. My tap water is not bad so the real advantage is the chilling. Add a bit of lemon juice (no sweetener).

I tried giving up coffee for a couple of years, but that did not work as well. Maybe if it stays so expensive I'll try again.
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Lumpr
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Post by Lumpr »

Munchkin Man -

With regard to a good source of water, you may want to consider getting a water cooler. Considering the price of bottled water, it is fairly economical alternative.
cheesepep
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Post by cheesepep »

Wow, amazed to hear the stories here. 6 cans of coke a day? At most, I do 2 cans and that is rare. I usually drink 1 can a week if that.

For me, I drink water during work, and pu er tea at night. I also drink black sesame based drink.
Manbaerpig
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Post by Manbaerpig »

I do 2 coke zeros, a cup (or 2) of coffee and then green tea in the afternoon

my productivity at work is off the charts :P

I see no reason to quit. once in a while I'll go to (1) coke zero instead of 2 in the morning..
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touchdowntodd
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Post by touchdowntodd »

munchkin man sounding a bit like buffett LOL ...

my father used to drink 2 - 2 liters of coke a night .. and would literally get near violent if there was none in the house ..

its addicting .. i havent drank a soda in 10 years ... atleast

drink water, tap water .. its great
tryin to do this right... thanks guys
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mmmodem
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Post by mmmodem »

Congratulations MM. I hope you success.

I was a 1 can a day Coke drinker. It was my first love. I once had to choose between dropping a 2 liter into 10 feet of powdered snow or helping a buddy who was sinking deeper and deeper into it so that only his shoulders was still above. It was a painful decision.

I quit twice a couple of years ago. It only lasted me 2 or 3 weeks each time. And each time, I responded by downing a 2 liter in one day. So I decided that cold turkey wasn't for me. The last time I "quit" I said I would stop buying Coke myself. But, I wouldn't turn it away if it came to me for free, like at a company lunch, a party, or is compulsory with the hotdog purchase at Costco my wife loves. This has worked brilliantly for me the past two years. Sometimes, weeks may go by before I get a taste. I still crave it but know it will come to me sooner or later.

On what to drink instead, I was drinking fruit juices but this got expensive and they sometimes have more sugar than Coke. I hate the taste of water. So I purchased a Sodastream. The soda I get from it is not as good as my first love so I don't really need to drink it. It's there as an alternative to water.
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aja8888
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Post by aja8888 »

Keep up the good efforts, MM.

I quit cigarettes cold turkey when I was 30.
I quit alcohol cold turkey when I was 61.

I drink a few diet Pepsi's now and then. My wife goes through 24 diet Coke's per week. We need to slow this down. We both enjoy a couple of cups of coffee each morning.

If we give up diet soda, our vices will be limited to just coffee.

I may try that water purifier and try to convince my wife to get off the diet coke (wish me luck) :roll:
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SpringMan
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Post by SpringMan »

I think caffeine is what makes diet soft drinks hard to give up. They make diet soda with or without caffeine. I prefer them with. I am addicted to caffeine but normally get it in the form of coffee. I get a low grade head ache when I skip my morning coffee. Diet soda will help if it has caffeine. I don't worry too much about it but admire those that decide to give it up.
Best Wishes, SpringMan
marie17
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Post by marie17 »

MM - Congrats on giving up Diet Coke.

I had a similar addiction (although I was more like 2-3 per day).

I gave it up by replacing it with a soda stream system where I carbonate water and drink seltzer. I don't add anything to it except maybe some fresh lemons or limes.

I would impart you to try to give up the bottled water too if you can. Buying a water purification system of some sort will get you the taste you are looking for (i think). Bottled water is expensive and wasteful.
Flashes1
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Post by Flashes1 »

jeh wrote:There is definitely something strangely addictive about Diet Coke to some people and I don't think it's good, so congrats for quitting. I don't think it is really about the caffeine, it is something else strange. I am currently trying to convince my sister she is on the road to addiction to caffeine free diet coke in an unhealthy way.
My wife and I are deeply addicted to Diet Coke, and I don't think it's the caffeine at all. I believe it's more the instant enjoyment we get from the carbonated fizz, and the general all-around taste of the product that we enjoy.

I'm not going to have my mid-afternoon Diet Coke as a result of this thread! (4 can a day habit currently......going to try to cut back to 2/day).
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HomerJ
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Post by HomerJ »

Haven't any of you heard of moderation?

Seems most of the people on these boards are teetotalers..

I usually have 2-3 Diet Cokes at lunch (it's free at my work)....

I have found that if I drink 2 MORE Diet Cokes at night for dinner, I'm less likely to work out, and I feel bloated...

So I usually drink skim milk for dinner (unless we're having pizza... come on, milk with pizza? Yuck).

I just don't like water with my meals... I like soda or milk when I'm eating.

Rest of the day I drink tons of water... seriously a ton... I'm pretty sure I dilute my lunch Cokes pretty well.

I see no reason to give it up 100%... Millions of people drink it. If there really was an overt health risk, I'd think it would be noticeable by now.
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Munchkin Man
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Post by Munchkin Man »

Greetings To All:

The Munchkin Man would like to thank each and every one of your for your very inspirational words of congratulations.

Please accept the Munchkin Man's apologies in advance for not having the time to write and thank you all individually.

In any event, the Munchkin Man has now made it six (6) days in a row without drinking a Diet Coke or any other type of carbonated beverage.

The Munchkin Man is still craving a Diet Coke when the Munchkin Man wakes up in the morning.

On the positive side, the Munchkin Man did not crave a Diet Coke after the Munchkin Man's afternoon nap today.

In addition, the Munchkin Man did not experience any headaches today.

The Munchkin Man has only noticed one other side effect.

Ever since the Munchkin Man quit drinking Diet Cokes six days ago, the Munchkin Man has noticed what feels like a "tightening" of the Munchkin Man's throat muscles.

The Munchkin Man read somewhere that the "fizz" from carbonated beverages can have the effect of relaxing the throat muscles.

Maybe the Munchkin Man's throat muscles are going through a "cold turkey" of their own and are trying to rebel.

In any event, the Munchkin Man will continue to take this one day at a time.

Thanks again to all.

Good luck to all.

Best Wishes,

Munchkin Man
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Munchkin Man
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Post by Munchkin Man »

harrychan wrote:Good luck MunchkinMan. I have a reverse osmosis system at the house so my water tastes very good. When I do have the urge to drink something of taste, I have a pitcher of barley tea that is chilled in the fridge. Barley tea is very healthy like green tea without the caffeine. I also have a large cup of coffee in the morning which I cannot go without. I may come to a realization similar to yours soon.
Greetings harrychan:

Thank you very much for your well wishes and for your suggestion of barley tea.

Barley tea is something the Munchkin Man has never considered.

The Munchkin Man also likes the idea that you drink it chilled from your refrigerator.

The Munchkin Man has always preferred chilled beverages to hot beverages.

The Munchkin Man is going to check this out some sources of barley tea.

Thanks again!

Best Wishes,

Munchkin Man
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Munchkin Man
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Post by Munchkin Man »

E-M-H wrote:Thanks MM, very motivational. I need to do the same. Good luck.
Greetings E-M-H:

You are very welcome.

At one time, giving up Diet Cokes was one addiction the Munchkin Man never thought the Munchkin Man could kick.

The Munchkin Man has succeeded in doing so, at least for the first six days.

If the Munchkin Man can do it , you can do it.

Take it one day at a time.

Good luck to you.

Best Wishes,

Munchkin Man
epilnk
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Post by epilnk »

Our tap water also has a taste I don't care for. But I'm too cheap to buy bottled water. When I gave up Coke I switched to tap water with a little bit of something added to flavor it - a splash of juice, or a slice of lemon. I finally hit upon a brand of unsweetened iced tea that I really love. I couldn't drink a lot of this straight, but I find that a light splash of it in my water is very refreshing. I drink this all day long now.
Atilla
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Post by Atilla »

markpa wrote:The Munchkin Man might find carbonated water/seltzer water/club soda more appealing than tap water.

The Munchkin Man can make this from tapwater by buying a Sodastream.

The Munchkin Man can buy a kit at Sears for $60-80.00, or from BJ's wholesale for $80-95.00 with twice the CO2.

The Munchkin Man will fnd the reusable bottles stay carbonated for days or weeks after making the seltzer water.

The Munchkin Man can make 30 liters of seltzer per bottle of CO2.

The Munchkin Man can then pay $14 or so with coupon at Bed Bath and Beyond to exchange CO2 tanks.

Or the Munchkin Man can buy an adapter online or on ebay to refill tanks.

Or the Munchkin Man can buy an adapter to hook up to a bigger CO2 bottle.

Then the Munchkin Man can make seltzer water for a penny per liter.

We do this, and flavor with lemon juice, or nothing at all.
Who is "we"?

At our house we refill water bottles with tap water run through a Pur filter and put them back in the fridge. My wife claims to tell the difference with the water filter; I cant.

Guests get new bottles that crack when you open them.
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Munchkin Man
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Post by Munchkin Man »

Easy Rhino wrote:I, personally, have a deep love of diet soda, and am not that worried about any possible effects on insulin or whatever (it's the calories that really matter).

I do, however, weep for all the money you spent at that vending machine. how much per can?

I buy my sodas in 2-liters or racks of cans at costco.
Greetings Easy Rhino:

Thank you very much for your message.

The Munchkin Man enjoyed your comment and question in regard to how much the Munchkin Man was paying for a Diet Coke at the vending machine in the Munchkin Man's apartment building.

The Munchkin Man has now been living in this apartment building for 20 years.

When the Munchkin Man first moved in, a Diet Coke, as well as each of the other carbonated beverages offered in the vending machine, was 50 cents each.

This price seemed very reasonable to the Munchkin Man.

Fifteen years later, the price of these carbonated beverages at this vending machine was still only 50 cents each.

This was considerably less than the price of carbonated beverages at just about all of the other vending machines the Munchkin Man saw elsewhere.

Then about four years ago, the price of a Diet Coke from this vending machine was raised to 65 cents.

The Munchkin Man still didn't complain.

And now the vending machine is out of order, with a sign on the front, saying that it is being taken out.

For some reason, there seems to be some delay in having it taken out.

The Munchkin Man is guessing that it will eventually be replaced with a more modern soda vending machine, along with a substantial increase in price.

Although the Munchkin Man never complained at the time, the Munchkin Man is also now wondering how much money the Munchkin Man wasted on all those Diet Cokes.

Thanks again for your message.

Good luck to you.

Best Wishes,

Munchkin Man
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Munchkin Man
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Re: Diet Cokes

Post by Munchkin Man »

mr_bunny wrote:
The Munchkin Man has been drinking mostly bottled water, due to the fact As for the water, I have a few suggestions.

1. A few months ago we bought a PUR MineralClear Water Filter. It attaches directly to your kitchen faucet. Before we got it I wasn't excited about the idea, as I thought a waste of money to filter perfectly potable water. But I quickly started to use it all the time. We live in an old house, and it does a great job of filtering sediment that drops off our old pipes. The water tastes better, and I drink more of it.

2. Sometimes I miss the fizz that I'd get from soda. So I bought an old-timey Seltzer Boottle. Previously, my only experience with these had been seeing them used to comic effect in old cartoons. But it turns out they also make good fizzy water. Sometimes it's what I want; the fizz helps settle my stomach. It's also a much more frugal choice long-term than buying bottled seltzer water or Pellegrino.

In any case, I wish you continued success in your stated goal of eliminating soda from your life.
Greetings mr_bunny:

Thank you very much for your post and for your suggestions for the Munchkin Man.

Many thanks for your suggestion of the water filter.

However, the Munchkin Man must confess that that Munchkin Man has always been a little afraid of those things.

The Munchkin Man has always been intimidated by "mechanical" contraptions.

Nevertheless, the Munchkin Man owes it to the Munchkin Man to give a water filter device a try.

At the rate the Munchkin Man has been drinking bottled water during the past six days, the Munchkin Man has not been saving any money over the Munchkin Man's previous Diet Coke expenses.

Many thanks also for your suggestion of the "fizzy water."

The Munchkin Man now believes the "fizz" from the Diet Cokes was a part of the Munchkin Man's addiction.

It also helped to relax the Munchkin Man's stomach.

If the Munchkin Man can find some "fizzy water" which contains no additives, such as sugar, artificial sweeteners, caffeine, or any other chemicals, the Munchkin Man may give it a try.

Thanks again for your suggestions and your wishes for the Munchkin Man's continued success with the Munchkin Man's elimination of Diet Cokes from the Munchkin Man's diet.

Good luck to you.

Best Wishes,

Munchkin Man
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Munchkin Man
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Post by Munchkin Man »

jh wrote:I only drink sodas when I am eating out at a restaurant, which I don't do very often. I drink bottled water otherwise.
Greetings jh:

The Munchkin Man is glad you brought this up.

There is one thing the Munchkin Man is worried about.

As the Munchkin Man described in another topic thread, there is a breakfast restaurant the Munchkin Man likes to go to once a week.

For years, the Munchkin Man would always order their "Early Bird Special", which consisted of eggs, bacon, hash browns, and toast.

During the Munchkin Man's last two visits, however, the Munchkin Man ordered their oatmeal, instead.

This was before the Munchkin Man gave up the Diet Cokes last Friday.

The Munchkin Man has not been back to this restaurant yet this week.

Although they now know about the Munchkin Man's switch to oatmeal, they do not yet know that the Munchkin Man has given up Diet Cokes.

The problem is that the manager, as soon as he sees the Munchkin Man walk in the door, usually proceeds to get the Munchkin Man a Diet Coke, which is all ready for the Munchkin Man, even before the Munchkin Man sits down.

This puts the Munchkin Man in an awkward position.

The Munchkin Man has to find a way to alert the manager right away, as soon as the Munchkin Man walks through the door, to bring the Munchkin Man a glass of water of instead of a glass of Diet Coke.

If the Munchkin Man fails to get his attention in time, resulting in the manager bringing the Munchkin Man the Munchkin Man's usual glass of Diet Coke, then the Munchkin Man will have the unpleasant task of having to tell the manager that the Munchkin Man no longer drinks Diet Coke.

The Munchkin Man will feel guilty about the wasted Diet Coke this will cause for this restaurant.

The Munchkin Man will just have to do the Munchkin Man's best to get the manager's attention as the Munchkin Man walks through the door during the Munchkin Man's next visit.

Thanks again for your message.

Best Wishes,

Munchkin Man
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Munchkin Man
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Post by Munchkin Man »

texas_archer wrote:I stopped drinking soda's a year ago and have lost 158 lbs since (diet and exercise helped of course). I carry a Nalgene bottle with me everywhere and use a product called Tru Lemon when I want to add flavor. Its all natural and only has 5 calories.
Greetings texas_archer:

Wow!

Losing 158 pounds during the course of a year is quite an accomplishment.

Congratulations!

The Munchkin Man has some serious weight to lose as well.

So far the Munchkin Man has lost 15 pounds since the Munchkin Man started the Munchkin Man's new and healtheir diet.

Many thanks also for your suggestion of the Tru Lemon product you suggested.

The Munchkin Man has just found and bookmarked their website.

The Munchkin Man has been looking for some healthy alternatives to plain water, which can become a bit monotonous after a while, if the Munchkin Man drinks nothing else.

Thanks again!

Best Wishes,

Munchkin Man
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Munchkin Man
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Post by Munchkin Man »

Triple digit golfer wrote:Hi Munchkin Man,

I gave up Diet Pepsi just under a year ago. I typically drank 6-8 per day.

I went through absolutely horrible withdrawal headaches. I would get a sudden, sharp, throbbing headache followed by the shakes. It was some of the most intense pain I ever experienced.

I would drink half of a Diet Pepsi and within seconds, literally, the headache would be COMPLETELY GONE.

I clearly had a bad addiction to the caffeine or chemicals in the Diet Pepsi.

Over the course of about a week, I refrained from drinking Diet Pepsi, except when the headaches would come on. Then I'd drink half a can.

After about a week, the headaches got less severe so I made it less than half a can. A few days of that and I never got another headache and thus got over my addiction.

I still drink a Diet Pepsi on the weekend with my cheat meal. Burgers and fries or pizza or chicken wings or something. But other than one, MAYBE two a week, I don't drink any pop.

Great job so far and keep it up!
Greetings Triple digit golfer:

Thank you very much for sharing your testimony.

It sure sounds like your withdrawal ordeal from Diet Pepsi was a very agonizing one.

For some reason, the Munchkin Man never cared for Diet Pepsi.

Maybe Diet Pepsi has a different forumula of chemical ingredients than Diet Coke, which makes it potentially more addictive.

The Munchkin Man is very glad to hear you got through it and that you are now able to enjoy one in moderation on occasion.

Many thanks also for your words of encouragement.

Best Wishes,

Munchkin Man
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