That was me. Completely addicted to Diet Coke - NOT Diet Pepsi - DIET COKE. I don't like coffee, so I drank 2 cans of Diet Coke to perk me up during the day, some days it was more, but I at least had 2 cans per day. A coworker stopped drinking pop completely a few weeks ago, and she was a complete addict (4-6 Dr. Pepper's/day - not diet), so I was inspired to end my habit. I put it in my head that when my case that I had at home was finished, I would not buy more. Saturday I had my last 2 Diet Cokes. I savored them.
I didn't grow up in a house that had pop readily available. It was only purchased for special occasions and then it was bought in 2 Liter bottles. I don't want David to grow up in a house where pop is available either, so that was a motivating factor.
I'm on day 3 and doing OK. Yesterday I woke to feeling as if my legs were 100lbs each and my knees hurt...BAD. Someone texted me and said that Aspartame withdraw symptoms can include everything I was feeling - joint aches, limbs feeling heavy, mind fuzzy. These symptoms can last up to a month!!! I'm experiencing Aspartame detox - WHO KNEW!!!?? Today isn't so bad (yet), I'm definitely missing the fizzy cold of a Diet Coke, but I'm stronger than my habit. I have found some carbonated beverages that seem to help with that desire.
No, I have not given up caffeine - I'm not crazy!! I found some black tea that has the same amount of caffeine as a can of DC, so my 2 cans have been replaced with 2 cups. It's weird drinking a hot beverage though....not a huge fan, but I'm sure I'll get used to it.
I'm not giving up DC completely, I only want it to be a treat - a mixer with my rum, a special occasion...etc. I don't think that I'm crabby, but if I am, I'll just blame it on the DC withdraw - even years from now!
Steve did this a few months ago. He still has cravings, but he's been good. For him, it was much more about the ritual, and he definitely felt the withdrawal! Good Luck!
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