Monday June 4, 2007
It’s been about a week since I last had a drink of Coke (or any carbonated beverage for that matter). I’m almost embarrassed to admit how hard it’s been. For reasons that can only be attributed to addiction, I’ve really been jonesing for that sweet carbonated rush. Curse you, Coke.
My parents never let me drink soda when I was a kid, and I often wonder if that contributed to my avid adoption of carbonated beverages later in life. It doesn’t help that many restaurants still don’t offer very many non-carbonated, non-caffeinated options. Almost all restaurants offer water, which is all good and fine, but it’s a dice roll — at least here in Plano — as to whether that water will be filtered or “au natural” (aka “it tastes like a dirty lake” — which, unsurprisingly, is where our local water comes from). Some places offer bottled water, which is nice but annoyingly more expensive than soft drinks (consider the cost of a second bottle of water versus free refills for soda). Not that I’m a big penny-pincher, but it does ruffle my feathers.
Should there be any question as to why I’m quitting soda, and Coke specifically, I believe this appetizing link (debunked) should paint the picture with HD clarity. Even if all of these creative applications of Coke apply only to the concetrated syrup, it’s still pretty disgusting. And I’m sure Coke is not the only soft drink that can eat a steak in a matter of days, thus influencing my decision to cut out all of Coke’s cousins and half-siblings as well.
So this is goodbye, Coke. You’re addictive, but I’m determined. If I ever see you on the street, please don’t take it personally when I punch you in the throat and run away. It’s how I cope.
Abel Rios » 4249 days ago #
Good luck, my friend. Water is water, and even if it tastes of dirty lake, it’s much better for you than Coke. It’s tough quitting cold-turkey style, so you should use Coke as a treat, after a week of swigging swamp water. Try for a month or so, and then drink one as well. You’ll notice that coke has a slightly different taste than what you’re used to.
I wouldn’t be surprised if Coke reads this and sends you a year’s supply to change your mind. In such a case, ‘u r doomd’. :D
Richard » 4249 days ago #
Did you read the link to Snopes just after that article? Just so you know, that article has been linked to, emailed, sent in chain letters, etc., in one way or another for years. It’s a hoax, or at least parts of it are. The acids and carbonation in Coke are no more harmful than the acids in orange juice or the carbonation in club soda.
If anything, don’t drink as much Coke because it has something like the equivalent of ten teaspoons of sugar. But the other “harmful effects” are hearsay and a popular scare tactic.
NatalieMac » 4249 days ago #
I never became a Coke drinker because when I was little, my mom would go to the pharmacist and buy CocaCola syrup to give me whenever I had an upset stomach. Now that flavor just makes me feel nauseated.
Dr. Pepper is another story – there was a time in my life where nobody saw me without a Dr. Pepper in my hand. Then my body decided to mysteriously start having fits about caffeine, so I had to let go of caffeine, and in the interest of health, let go of sugar-drinks and carbonation too.
It was tough at first, but now I actually prefer water most of the time. I have a Dr. Pepper every couple of weeks for a treat. It’s still sooo good. Hang in there, it’s tough at first, but it gets easier. Get a slice of lemon with your water. It helps.
Erik Sagen » 4248 days ago #
@Keegan: Thanks for the book recommendation. I’ll have to check that out.
@Jared: More power to you for quitting ‘cold turkey’. I’ve tried several times to stop drinking soda/coke/cola/caffeine sludge and just don’t have the willpower… yet.
The day will come however and I feel it will be sooner than later considering I’m developing a strong distaste for it, the more I ingest it.
There was a time (in high school) and my wife can attest, where I was drinking 1-2 liters a day! I’ve since cut that down to once a day or sometimes 2-3 16 oz. a week, roughly, which still isn’t good.
One nice side effect or just a result thereof is that you’ll feel healthier and lose a few pounds (not saying you need to). I managed to quit drinking a few years ago for about 6 months, a record for a “cocaholic” like me and I remember feeling a lot better off than I was.
Good luck man.
Aaron Christensen » 4242 days ago #
I fully support this effort. I myself will likely not completely cut carbo bevies anytime soon, but I try to limit the intake, and drink more water than bubbly syrup. Dr. Pepper is also my drug of choice. Coke is not a temptation, though I’ll down one if nothing else is available.
I quit soda cold turkey for a couple of years once, so I know I could do it. I’m more concerned about the kidney stone an in-law passed (though it may or may not be related to his near 2-liter a day habit). Either way, saying “no” to a product of a huge corporation like Coca-Cola elicits an enthusiastic “rock on”
