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I am a creature of habit, steadfast in my daily rituals. One such ritual is my 10am routine of savoring a crisp Coke Zero, ideally poured into a glass over ice.
If I’m out and about, I can settle for a can, though it’s not my first choice, and it’s unthinkable if it’s not chilled. Diet Coke is off the table, and only a regular Coca-Cola will suffice after a heavy night.
There are slight variations to this routine, but for the past four years, I’ve stuck to this self-imposed rule religiously.
Reflecting on the last time I went a day without my cherished Coke Zero, and realizing I couldn’t remember such a day, I felt a twinge of guilt and decided it was time for a shift. This week, I vowed to break away from my habit by going cold turkey.
On day zero, the eve of my lifestyle overhaul, I found myself in the supermarket, instinctively reaching for a bottle of Coke, and made it all the way to the checkout before it hit me that I was supposed to be quitting, reports Surrey Live.
It reminded me of the automatic shopping habits I’d formed during the first week of Dry January, where I’d subconsciously reach for a cider without a second thought.
Day one without Coke Zero
The first day arrived, and 10 am passed without incident. I was practically buzzing with energy.
I had prepared myself for headaches, but thankfully they didn’t appear. What did strike me, however, was an intense craving that seemed to infiltrate every part of me.
I found myself longing for a Coke Zero with an intensity I hadn’t expected. Settling for a Ribena, I sighed at the thought of four more days without my beloved Coke.
What happened when I stopped drinking Coke?
Surprisingly, cutting out Coke did affect my sleep. I had expected improved sleep due to less caffeine in my system, but the actual experience was quite the contrary.
Throughout the week, my sleep quality plummeted. It took me longer to unwind, getting comfortable became a struggle, and I noticed that I was waking up more frequently during the night.
Whether this was directly related to the lack of Coke Zero, I can’t definitively say – but it was certainly a strange coincidence that I’m not keen on repeating. Thankfully, poor sleep was the only physical symptom I experienced.
Despite hearing terrifying tales about withdrawal symptoms after quitting Coke, I was perfectly fine. I attribute this to my morning coffee, which likely staved off any potential headaches or mood swings.
The most significant change was that I had eliminated a source of happiness from my life. While I recognize it’s not the healthiest habit, after a week without it, I have no intention of continuing my abstinence.
Once this article goes live, I plan to revert to my usual Coke Zero consumption because, let’s face it, life is hard enough. Why make it harder?
