Sugar.

[oak]

The other day, at work, I had a chance to talk with a dental research scientist, who focused on prevention. After being useful as the tiny bureaucratic cog I was hired to be, I asked him about sugar. I stated that I only took up pop after stopping drinking. Sober guys love sweets.

He stated that since my teeth are in pretty good shape, I may want to consider it.

I decided, right then, to buy some caffeinated water that night. I felt ridiculous considering buying caffeinated water, but I remembered that the researcher said that I'd feel better and lose weight. Besides, I like someone, and want to be in good shape as I pursue her

I got two kinds of caffeinated water that night. One was terrible and just now I am drinking the other.

I haven't given up other sweets: goodness how I love candy. I even got Toaster Strudels. I still love pop, btw. Especially with sushi.

But day in day out, I'd like to replace two of my three pops a day with caffeinated water.

[Beany Boo]

That sounds like a solid plan.

Its good to see you carrying through on the principle of seeking advice from expert sources.

I've found in my own life that getting a surplus of the right information in place is more effective and less risky, than relying on willpower on its own.

Information is grease to action.

[manuel_moe_g]

Good luck, Oak! Keep us informed.

[HowDidIGetHere]

Oh man, sugar is a hard one to kick. It's everywhere. One thing I try to do (which it sounds like you are too) is at least be mindful of my consumption.

PS -- I haven't heard it called "pop" since college in Rochester. Might you be Great Lakes born and raised?

[oak]

Update!

I successfully went from three pops a day, to two. Caffeinated water replaced the third pop.

Today I decided to start replacing two pops a day with caffeinated water.

Generally, I feel great.

And yes, HDIGH, I have found, career-wise, a blue enclave in the Rust Belt.

[oak]

Two things.

1. I suppose I should have called this thread "Pop".

2. I probably should have included meat.

Unlike alcohol (gave up in 08) or tobacco/recreational drugs (never my thing), I've decided that, for now, I want some pop and meat in my life. Considerably less, but not none.

Particularly at work, five days a week, I am so busy that I sort of enjoy the caffeinated water and veggie burgers. I am so busy I don't taste anything anyway.

I estimate I've cut my pop consumption by 75%, and my meat consumption by 25%. 9 of 10 times I'll eat a turkey or veggie burger and like it just as much as the beef, chicken, or pork I used to eat at every meal.

While I was happily indifferent to abstinence from alcohol, I realize that I'm not ready for abstinence from pop and meat.

I intentionally keep pop around, cold, ready: if I know I am free to have one at any time there is no compulsion to have one.

[brownblob]

self care is always a good thing Oak. It can be hard to stick with. I cut back on the pop a couple of years ago after battling for years. I finally just lost my love of them. I'm wanting to start eating healthier but have a hard time staying out of snacks. I am making myself read all the nutritional information on the package when I do eat something. I think it will help with my gradual giving up of these things if I make myself aware of just what I am putting in my body.

[oak]

Yesterday, more exhausted than I should have been after work, I realized I had four pops, cake, skim milk, and oatmeal with refined white sugar. Sugar sugar sugar.

"I'm not sure how I'm going to get better, but I am" I told myself.

I threw the rest of the beautiful angel food cake out.

Thanks to that book "Salt Sugar Fat" I know that sugar is in almost everything, but I want to increase my natural sources of sugar (ie fruit) and decrease refined sugar. I don't want to feel like I did yesterday again.

[bridgetbones]

Cinnamon is supposed to cure sugar cravings/regulate blood sugar and added to green tea is a nice caffeine bump and good for your metabolism. Best of luck.

[oak]

Thank you @bridgetbones. I'll try that immediately.