Day 2: Temptation, Thy Name Is Soda

Less than 12 hours after I made my first post, temptation walked in the door. Quite literally. My roommate, a very thoughtful gentleman who was unaware of my decision to pick up this challenge and carry it forward, went to the store and returned home with soda.  Fortunately, my resolve is new enough that I am not overly tempted to drink it. If soda thought I was so weak willed as to give in this soon, it is sadly mistaken. I am determined to see this challenge through and to make the most of it.

To help myself resist the temptation on the basis of taste or thirst, I made up a very large pitcher of water into which I have put okra, lemons, and limes.  Okra, I have read, helps with the insulin resistance that comes from drinking soda and therefore can help the body re-establish normal responses to food.  Lemon and lime provide flavor and vitamin c.  The water not only makes sure I am kept properly hydrated, but since dehydration can also masquerade as hunger, it will help me to feel the need to eat less frequently.  In theory this combination should make the transition from soda drinking to not drinking much easier on my body.

I will note that it made me far less hungry than I expected to be. Whereas I normally don't find myself feeling full after eating a couple of helpings of pasta and sauce - my dinner of the evening - I was able to feel satisfied after just two bowls.  Furthermore, my hunger didn't return but my thirst made itself evident. It's becoming very evident to me that I was badly dehydrated. This morning I wake up to find that I'm feeling thirsty still, so I continue to drink the water I've prepared for myself. It may just be psychological at this point, but I do feel somewhat better.

Update this afternoon: Thirst levels are drastically reduced. I think I'm finally getting sufficiently hydrated. Temptations to drink the soda in the fridge have been surprisingly non-existent. Amount of food eaten today drastically reduced from my normal, not because I haven't been hungry but because I'm not taking as long to feel full when I'm done.