Debbie Cousins's Journal, 22 Mar 23

How much DC do you drink? Is it the sweetness? Or does the caffeine have you hooked? There is about 35mg of caffeine in a 12oz can. 

@ChristinDC, I had cut down to three cans a day, and was drinking at least 8 cups of water. Lately, I’ve had 5-6 cans a day. It’s not the sweetness so much as it’s a long-standing HABIT. I thought I had broken its hold on me, but the extreme stress of the past week drew me back to my old ways. I didn’t drink a drop of water today. I only put 3 cans of DC in the fridge for tomorrow. I’ve tried to give it up completely many times. I think I went a month without it one time, but then reverted to my old ways. Thanks for your input. 

Caffeine can be difficult to drop. I’m going on 60 days without it, and the first 20 were the hardest, after I tapered down at the beginning of the year. One thing that helped a family member of mine kick soda was drinking bubbly seltzer water, with a bit of fruit juice mixed in. If you like the taste of cola, and the refreshment of the carbonated water, consider tying Lacroix “cola” flavor, in the silver can. And I have no connection to that company. 

Hi Debbie! It sounds like the medicine is trying to retain moisture IN the body so you sweat less! But, the problem in the bathroom is because you absolutely MUST drink water to eliminate the bowels! And I mean A LOT of water. Start small - 1 liter. I use the smart water bottles (but I refill with tap water until the bottle is worn out or dirty or lost) I like the size because it's easy to carry with me - AT ALL TIMES! Then build up as needed. My husband is switching from soda to water and he is doing pretty well so far! I made the switch 2 years ago and now I get 4.5 liters down every day! (That's a bunch - I know and I will probably take some heat for advising a high water intake. I know this because it happens every time I mention the fact that I drink 150 ounces every day)(also I am NOT ADVISING ANYTHING - just saying what works for ME!!) But, anyway, I am used to it now and I'm not going to stop! It's SO good for you! (Also, have not had bathroom problems since I really got committed to the water.) I wish you all the best! Every day!!! 💪 💯 🌎 🫶 ☘️ 

We never grew up drinking water in my house. I "trained" myself to do it in my 20s. My memory is that it didn't take too long, maybe a month... but I wouldn't just choke it down. Have half a glass or something, consistently, or a can of seltzer... whatever's easy that moves the ball down the field. IMO trying to hit a certain number of ounces, or cups, or what have you, adds guilt to something that should be fairly natural. Just do a little bit and build on it... eventually your palate adjusts and you'll think of cola as more of a desert than something to hydrate or wash down food with, but give it time... it's not like the diet coke has calories. 

Thank you @johncip and @3dkids2 for your concern and input. I really DO need to start drinking water again - for my own constipation issues, and for my little grandson who has encopresis caused by severe chronic constipation! I need to set the example. I just briefly entertained the thought to try to cut DC out of my life completely. Of course, then I remembered that Publix has the 12-pack of cans Buy 2 Get 1 Free this week. Figures. Sigh. 

I drink a lot of water. I used to drink cola and then discovered what was in it. Put me off totally. Good luck with it.  

I grew up practically never drinking water. Now as an adult watching my health I have a policy. If it doesn't have a lot of caffeigne. alchohol, or vitamins..... then it has to be water  

In order to switch from sodas and beer and start drinking more water I started getting and making sparkling water and put some ice, fresh squeezed lime juice and a little splash of liquid stevia or honey in it. It really helped. After a while I slowly started just drinking water with the lime and stevia. Now a 0 calorie soda is like a treat I only have when I crave it. That’s maybe once a month. Good luck. 

And I would be remiss if I didn’t suggest getting a water filter of some sort. Even if you have a good municipal water source, the pipes in your home can affect taste. The pitcher style filters aren’t prohibitively expensive, in my opinion. It makes the water taste much better. And chilling it too, especially as we move into the warmer months.  

Seconded, a filter pitcher makes a big difference. 

I had a hard time drinking water too. I recently bought a Pure Pitcher, now it isn’t as hard to drink water. Another helpful for me at least was adding either a slice of lemon or cucumber to my water. 

I also recommend a filter. I would get a reverse osmosis filtration unit. Then you get cold clean drinking water on tap if you start making your own seltzer water. You can basically make your own lacroix’s whenever you want.  

Thanks for all the good suggestions, everybody! I drink Purified Water from BJ's, but I feel guilty about all of the plastic. I COULD refill the same six bottles with water from the fridge door, but I don't. I'm not very environmentally friendly. Great! Another thing to feel guilty about!