Note: I must admit… I haven’t kicked my pop habit. But I’m inspired by this guest post written by my frugal friend and frequent guest blogger, Susan. I’m still trying. I’m doing better… honest!
I once had a torrid affair with Diet Coke. And Coffee. And Mountain Dew. Oh, it was a blissful 13 years. Then I mentioned to my doctor that my heart sometimes did a funny thump, thump thing in the middle of the night. He got a little excited and after a close listen to my chest his recommendation was that I kick the caffeine.
So I did. Cold.
The first 3 days after I quit are a little fuzzy, but I do recall wanting to lay down a lot and my head really, really hurting. I think I was probably more than a little grouchy as several of my students asked if I was “in a better mood” the next week.
That was about 3 years ago and now I do enjoy a cup of coffee or a pop when I am tired and have to drive a long way. However, I no longer need to jump start my brain with caffeine and my heart is no longer going thump, thump, thump at the wrong times.
Christina is trying to quit pop and judging from the comments many of you are, too, so here are a few tips to help you along the way.
Know how caffeine works.
This is how I understand it. You brain is full of receptors for different chemicals and hormones. When certain receptors don’t have enough bits of chemical to fit in to them we feel tired. Feeling tired is actually your body say “go to sleep and make some more of the stuff that fits in this receptor”. Caffeine fits in to those receptors perfectly so when you first start drinking the stuff, it’s all magic and good. Then your brain figures out that you are tricking it by not getting enough sleep and it doesn’t like that. So, to get even with you it MAKES MORE RECEPTORS. So just to feel “normal” you need to fill those extra receptors with caffeine. The more caffeine you drink, the more your brain rebels against your efforts. However, once you stop drinking it, your body realizes that you have wised up and begins to dissolve the extra receptors. I don’t know how long it takes for most people but I felt better in 3 days. I should have started on a Friday. Let my mistake be a lesson for you.
Other than the caffeine, think about why you drink pop.
Are you just thirsty?
Drink some water and wait 5 minutes. Boring but it works.
Do you like the sweetness?
Try Good Earth Tea. It has none of the “tea” taste, all of the sweet of pop with no sugar. I don’t know how they do it but it’s amazing stuff.
Try making you own lemonade. Put 1 cup of water and 1 cup of sugar in something that will hold it (I use a glass measuring cup) and put it in the microwave for 2 minutes (this makes simple syrup). In a pitcher, Add the syrup to 1 cup of lemon juice and 3- 4 more cups of water. Add more water to taste.
Try turning milk into hot cocoa with sugar and cocoa powder. I use 1 part cocoa to 2 parts sugar. If you mix the cocoa powder and sugar together before you put it in the milk, it won’t get clumpy.
Try an herbal tea and sweeten it with Splenda. I like the Celestial Seasoning choices.
Do you like the convenience?
Get yourself a water bottle that doesn’t have BPA in it. Try REI or another sporting goods store for the Camelbak brand. I have the one with the straw built right in to it and love it. Get 2 so in case you leave it at work or in the car, you have a spare.
Is it habit to have something in your hand or at your desk?
Walk around with something else to drink. Fill that water bottle with water or tea or milk or something else until you get used to not having it.
Do you like the cold and bubbly effect?
Yah, me too. So, I keep a roll of quarters in my desk for the occasional trip to the pop machine. Sometimes I just need the sugar and cold and fizz to make it through the all-kindergarten afternoon. But that way it’s a treat, not a necessity.
Last but not least:
It’s not crack you are trying to give up. It will take time and effort but it can be done! Decide you are going to stop, decide when and how, and do it! If I can do it you certainly can!
Good luck, all you pop drinkers! I’ll be waiting to see you on this side of the habit!
~ Guest Blogger Susan
Be sure to check out other great frugal living ideas from Guest Blogger Susan!
photo credit: urbanwoodswalker
You may also like:
Comments on this entry are closed.