Lifestyle changes are hard. I should know. I've been off caffeine (i.e. Pepsi) for two weeks now. It is the longest I have ever gone without a caffeinated beverage. Like since I was a teenager, I think. The reasons are two-fold. I was so addicted to caffeine that I couldn't go a day without it. There would be days when I was sick or just didn't feel like drinking a Pepsi, but I would, JUST to avoid the withdrawal headache that I knew I would get.
The second reason is that I'm really trying to get in better shape. I know that drinking so much soda was not helping my waistline. A lot of people keep telling me I don't need to lose weight. Well, that's not the reason I'm doing it. I don't necessarily care how much I weigh, but I do care about where it all sits (my waist, hips, thighs, butt...you get the picture.) So in general, trying to limit the amount of sugary drinks and snacks has been a goal. Without the Pepsi, I have found myself craving more snacks, though.
I will say that I have had a few non-caffeinated sodas over the past two weeks. A few Sprites as well as a root beer. But if I'm going to kick this habit, I am trying to avoid it as much as possible. There have been so many days when I am just jonesing for a Pepsi. I think "No one has to know. I can sneak one. It doesn't mean that I'll drink one tomorrow. I just need to get through the day." Sound like an addict???
The other lifestyle change I'm making is trying to get more exercise. I have been doing a 2-mile walk/jog every other day for the past two weeks. I force myself to do this even if I don't want to crawl out of bed a half hour early. There are also some exercises I'm trying to do to tone my arms, etc., but those are harder to do religiously.
So my willpower is steadfast and my motivation is strong. I really hope to make this a permanent lifestyle change. Wish me luck.
