Pop: I cut back today. Being cool. Just discovered “sugar withdrawal”.

[snoringdog]

In the Midwest (where I'm from), it's "Pop".

In the more cultured areas like NYC it's "Soda", and we lift our pinky finger while holding the can and sipping.

Sometimes it's called "Soda-pop" too.

And weirdly, in the South everything is a "Coke". You'll hear it like this -

"I'd like a Coke".

"What kind?"

"A Pepsi".

https://www.southernliving.com/culture/why-do-southerners-call-soda-coke

https://emojicut.com/knowledgebase/what-do-people-in-the-south-call-coke

[rivergirl]

Thanks for sharing the soda pop info, SD!

My dad's people were from Iowa, even though he was born here in CA.

That's funny about the Southern "Coke".

I had a daily Pepsi habit for many years, gave it up almost entirely, and recently have been drinking 2-3 per week again. I usually drink unsweetened black iced tea, so the Pepsi often doesn't even taste good to me. I think I'm just seeking comfort (it's like a phantom limb from my previous habit).

If you don't mind, Oak, I'll join you in cutting back. In solidarity with your effort!

[oak]

If you don't mind, Oak, I'll join you in cutting back. In solidarity with your effort!

Please do, RiverGirl!

Edit to add: and to emulate my halting efforts, I do kindly insist on you following my example: this whole experience is all cool like. We're going to be cool.

And yes, Mio Energy is the only sugar-substitute that doesn't nauseate me. Otherwise I would have switched to Coke Zero several years ago.

Also, Mental Fairy: yes, language is a fascinating and charming thing! Considering the amount of sorrow we've all had in 2023, I celebrate all forms of mirth and smiles

An update, a week in

Friends, I accomplished my initial goal, which seemed so unlikely a week ago today: I cut my pop down by 2/3.

I averaged one pop a day, always because I was "stressed" or HALT, and never because I wanted the actual pop.

I'll have more updates as I trudge through this.

[oak]

Friends, I am back on the wagon of reducing my pop.

This has been a journey.

[manuel_moe_g]

Good luck, Oak

[snoringdog]

How to keep blood sugar on an even keel?
(I've never liked soda pop too much, except for Vernor's Ginger ale from the Motor City).

I've been in the habit of having dried dates on hand, picked up from a local Egyptian grocery store.
(The really dry ones, almost wooden when you first bite into them, but they're sweet, and do the trick).