I’m gonna’ go for it.
I’m going to quit diet pop. And real pop for that matter, although the last time I took a swig of regular pop was probably to wash down the spaghetti-O’s I was eating hungover at noon on a Thursday in my freshman dorm room circa 2001.
You’ve been there.
At any rate, after all your encouraging comments and ideas (half POM juice/half sparkling water? Love it!) I decided that it could most definitely be done.
That still didn’t make my 2pm slump any easier. The craving came like clockwork around 2:18 this afternoon. I wanted that ice-cold can of Diet Mt. Dew in the mini fridge just steps away from my desk so bad I could literally taste it.
"This is insane! I can’t just stop cold turkey!" I tried to reason as I got up out of my chair to snag the freezing cold can out of the fridge. But then, I stopped.
"Really, Kristin? REALLY?!" My conscience shouted at me. "You can’t go ONE afternoon without pop?"
Eek. Shame face. Of course I could!
A mug of Trader Joe’s Vanilla Cinnamon Black Tea (the only tea I like, but only available around Christmas – dislike!) came to my rescue and heroically curbed the craving…this time.
The road is going to be hard, and temptations will be around every corner, but I’m pretty good about doing something once I’ve set my mind to it. Plus I know that quitting diet pop has more benefits then just nixing artificial sweeteners. Like that friend in Jr. High your mother warned you to stay away from, diet pop leads me to crave and/or want to make bad food choices every single time I drink it, especially at night after dinner. One sip and I’m searching for something salty. Two sips and I’m making single-serve cookie dough. It oddly triggers something in my brain to go get junk food. Not cool!
Now, I’m a realist and shouldn’t say that I’m quitting diet pop for good. I’ll probably treat myself to one or two on the weekends – and I guess this is all easy for me to say after one measly day – but you’ve got to start somewhere, and I believe that even small changes in life can make a big difference. Who knows, maybe not drinking pop during the week will cut my cravings so that I won’t even want one on the weekend!? One can only hope. 
SO – thanks for sharing your thoughts and opinions on the matter. I’ll keep you posted on my progress, setbacks and successes. Whee! 
In other news, tonight I made super-quick dinner utilizing one of my new, very-favorite things: Pretzel Bread!
I’ve bought pretzel bread from my local grocery store before but, unlike their meh/slightly soft/mostly hard pretzel bread, Trader Joes’ pretzel bread is uber-soft, doughy and salty. It’s basically a Super Pretzel in loaf form. Boom.
Except there’s no preservatives and it’s $0.99. Hello!
I cut a loaf in half to make two Turkey Cheddar & Canadian Bacon Pretzel Bread Sandwiches. I started by layering on smoked deli turkey,
lean Canadian Bacon,
and cheddar cheese,
then broiled the sandwich until everything was warm, melty and gooey.
Insanity!
One bite and I knew. I knew this was the sandwich to compare all future sandwiches to.
The pretzel bread was warm & doughy, and the turkey, cheese and Canadian bacon absolutely melted together. It was soooo good!!!
When thinking about the sandwich this weekend while meal planning, I was trying to think about what would make it pop. Bacon, obviously, came to mind, but it’s already incorporated into two of the four meals I have planned this week. My rings became tighter at the mere thought.
The thin crust Hawaiian Pizza Ben and I enjoyed on Saturday night actually sparked the idea to replace the bacon with Canadian Bacon! Lean, light on salt and high on protein. And super tasty, to boot. 
I also wanted to try and figure out a way to steam these babies a la Chicago Bagel Authority and the General Store in Valley Junction (local peeps – if you haven’t tried them – Go. Now. Run!) but couldn’t figure a way to do it without soggifiying the bread. Luckily the broiler did a fabu job of warming, melting and softening the flavorful ‘wich.
Served with steamed broccoli on the side, because it’s Ben’s favorite. Quick: do you know what your significant other’s favorite vegetable is?
Yum, yum, yum. Ben and I were mmm’ing during the entire meal!
Tonight I am rewarding a tough workout this afternoon (30-20-10 workout using this routine for the treadmill portion and alternating each minute between 70 & 90 steps a minute during the stair step machine portion – made it fly!) with some No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls while enjoying The Bachelor. Oh. Yes. Recipe and photos (of the PB balls not The Bachelor) to come tomorrow!!
Have a good one!
~~~~~
Do you typically have an after dinner/before bed snack? Salty or sweet? It is usually the same thing?
I’ve been snarfing Trader Joe’s mini crispy chocolate chip cookies like it’s my job lately!
I stopped drinking soda a couple years ago and I’ve never looked back. Sure I’ve had a can or two every so often (like 2x a year) but I feel so much better without it in my system. You won’t miss it soon enough.
From the title alone, I thought you meant you quit your job!!!!
Oh…this sandwich looks amazing!! I need to go to TJ’s ASAP to get a loaf of that bread!! My hubby’s favorite veggies are anything that doesn’t come from a can. He hates the canned stuff, but will eat mostly anything else!
Good for you! I should probably do the same. I was completely off artificial sweeteners for over a year, but after my mother died in the spring of 2009, I found Coke (“Crack”) Zero strangely comforting. That led the way to other diet sodas, and to artificially sweetened yogurt. I’ve cut back on soda thanks to the cold weather—and I do love hot tea—but cutting it out entirely probably wouldn’t hurt me any.
Teh Husband’s favorite vegetable? Asparagus! We both love it, so I have to buy plenty or we’ll stab each other over the last spears.
He also loves cauliflower, which I’ve warmed to in the last year. I still feel like I’m cheating when I choose it over other vegetables, though, because it’s not green. Weird? Probably.
And yes, if I don’t have something before bed, I am likely to wake up hungry in the middle of the night and raid the dry Cheerios. While I was actively losing weight, a nightly hot chocolate was my treat to myself. It’s still a staple, but I might also choose popcorn or “one-ingredient ice cream.”
Two things:
1-I am SO excited to hear about your *no diet soda* adventures! I’ll be doing it right alongside you!
2-General Store-Is it sad that I’ve considered moving to Valley Junction just to be next it? Their pasta salad~yes please.
Snacking is my downfall!
Oh, I’m totally with you on the Diet Pop {in my case Diet Coke} addiction. I HAD to have one a day for years….like seven years. I turned thirty in October and that was the impetus to just stop cold turkey. I haven’t had once since Oct. 17. I drink a lot of water, tea, and sometimes apple cider. It’s really, really hard. I think eventually I’ll be able to have it in moderation, but I just needed to stop for good for a while. It does feel nice not to have the once-a-day addiction. I also feel like I snack less and my energy is more level throughout the day.
yuuuum. Those sandwiches look awesome!
and you CAN do it! Once you quit, you wont want it ever again. Promise. I rarely ever drink pop anymore, and when I do I dont even really enjoy it. Itll be worth it in the long run
I couldn’t give up my pop just yet. I loveeeee a good cold pepsi or coke.
I’m on board. I swear we are twins. I have the same problem. Cravings. Diet mt dew for me= wheat thins, popcorn, chex mix… etc. Not good. I know the two are connected, but I can never just DEtach from the stupid stuff. I am going to try my best. Thanks for the inspiration and swift kick in the butt.
Good for you girl! You’ll do it, I know you can. If people who have smoked for 20 years can give up cigarettes in a day, you can give up the soda!
Trader Joe’s makes pretzel bread now? Say what?
Congrats on giving up the soda! I think you’ll end up feeling a TON better.
And I have something sweet every night – I’ve switched away from the chocolate and candy and switched to grapefruit!
Have you ever tried Lipton pyramids VANILLA CARAMEL TRUFFLE? These are my favorite, and they sound similar to your “only available at Christmas” flavor. Maybe you could sprinkle in some cinnamon?
Good for you on quitting pop!!! Have some Excedrin migraine on hand for the first couple of days that you go low on caffeine and it’s smooth sailing after that!
How have I never noticed this pretzel bread from TJ’s before? And why do I have to drive so far to get to TJ’s?
yay!!! you got this:)
i have something sweet after dinner. a hersheys kiss or a small piece of chocolate at least:)
Ooo that pretzel loaf sounds amazing! Will definitely have to scope that out next time I hit up TJ’s!
Before bed I almost always eat one of these two items: 1. big bowl of homemade popcorn OR frozen berries with yogurt!
Long time follower but have never commented- BUT after I read this post I took it as a sign today because I have been meaning to quit pop for SO long and if you can do it I can too:)! Im in it with ya! No more D.Coke for this one
I rarely drink soda as well; I can’t remember the last time we bought a case of soda. We stopped buying it because it was so expensive, not because of the proper, moral reasons. We mostly drink crystal light now-which I’m sure has artificial sweetners. I actually don’t drink soda because of the caffeine, not because of the chemicals. I should read up on that….
Good luck with quitting!
okay and p.s. my go-to tea (the best kind I swear by it) is good earth tea. Heres the link, it is amazing!!
http://www.goodearth.com/
congrats on deciding to quit!
i’m a total coffee drinker, i don’t think i could ever give it up!
that sandwich looks ammmmmazing!
when i would eat an early dinner i would ALWAYS have to have a snack after…but now i eat dinners later, so now i have a late afternoon snack instead…not sure which is worse!
Are you serious? I was literally in the middle of google searching recipes for pretzel bread when I checked my feed and saw this post! Gahhhh I want it even more now. Will go to TJ’s sometime this week, I don’t really shop there but it is worth the special trip I’m sure.
Also I’ve given up pop for the most part. I still have it sometimes but it doesn’t appeal to me like it once did. The times that I do have sugary cherry coke I swear it tastes like liquid crack.
Godspeed!
Good luck with quitting! Seriously – there will come a time that you won’t miss it. Plus it’s just so much healthier to go without it! The sparking mineral water (various flavors) from Trader Joe’s is really good. I know it’s not caffeine, but it’s a nice treat. You might like it!
If you’re ever on the east coast, Wegmans (grocery store) makes the best pretzel rolls! They’re tiny, but pack so much flavor!
That’s so awesome that you’re going to quit!! Your pretzel bread sandwich looks so yummy!! I always love the sandwiches you come up with!!
I buy that Canadian Bacon from TJs nearly every week since I use it at home in our McMuffins.
Have you tried Diet Hansen’s Soda? They sell it at TJs and I think it is made with Stevia. My favorite is Pomegranate. I drink it every day at 3 pm (since I am apparently predictable like that).
I quit diet soda after being a soda fiend for YEARS. You can do it! I promise life is SO much better once you know longer need it.
Ugh, I wish I could quit pop too! BUT a diet cherry Dr. Pepper just can’t be beat…
Girl I am so proud of you!! Try yerba mate if you absolutely must have caffeine, but otherwise try a high-protein snack! It will wake you right up:)
Slash I eat at ALL times of the night, I need to find some pretzel bread, it sounds out of this WORLD
You can do it! Its really not too bad once you get over the hump ~ 3-4 days for me.
My hubby fav veg is brussels sprouts, I’m pretty sure. He cant get enough!
I like a sweet snack at night – something small like a rice cake w/ choc chips, a mini candy, or a little cookie is usual.
Nice work on quitting soda. I will look forward to hear how its going! Pretzel bread is the BEST!!
That’s great news and I’m glad that you were vulnerable enough to share your intentions on your blog! We’ll all be rooting you on from the bloggy sidelines as you attempt to nix diet pop for good. It’s a worthy effort.
My hubby’s fave veggie is broccoli, too. Must be a man thing.
And as far as an after dinner snack goes, I don’t have something every night. But if I do it’s always sweet, as I’m not a big salty fan. I either go for a piece of dark chocolate or a little ice cream treat. And if I’m being really good, I’ll just have a cup of tea.
My boyfriend doesn’t eat vegetables…….
…..
He’s worth it!
Congrats on the giving up soda! We only use it when we are sick or as a splurge, but never on a daily basis. I happen to have two litters in my fridge as I type this! Ginger ale and 7up! We are not feeling good round here!
You can do it!
And that sammy looks de.lic.ious!!!! Mmmmmm
I love chocolate and sadly have trained myself to eat dessert. Maybe I’ll take on your giving up diet soda challenge and cut back on the sweets… just maybe…
I actually have given up soda. It is really hard at first, but about a month or two later you can’t even believe you used to drink it daily. Hang in there, the rewards are worth it!
I hope my TJ’s has that bread!!! I love pretzel bread.
So your sandwich made me decide what my dinner is going to be tomorrow night! I don’t really drink pop, but I do like a diet coke with a Subway sandwich…but I would prefer water any day! And I have a hard time not snacking after dinner, but I like a piece of dark chocolate.
You are so brilliant! I never would’ve come up with a pretzel-bread sandwich! Sweet and salty before bed is ALWAYS a must – i usually do a handful of raisins, almonds, and maybe a M&M or two…
Once you give up the soda…I bet you won’t want to go back. It’s been 2 years and I haven’t! For some reason when I think about drinking soda, I automatically get a headache.
I’m sure you’re gonna do great!
I always have a snack after dinner that usually resembles dessert more than a snack. I try to make it yogurt or fruit, but it usually ends up ice cream or cookies. Or let’s face it, ice cream and cookies. Have you ever tried Trader Joe’s Sutter’s Formula cookies? It’s basically a peanut butter cookie with chocolate chunks in it. My waistline is not happy I’ve made this discovery, but nom nom nom.
You make the best looking sandwiches. I love pretzel bread!
You are a brave, brave soul. I am hopelessly addicted to Diet Pepsi…..and nothing goes better with pizza than Pepsi in a can! I know diet pop is not the best for you, but I am not ready to give it up just yet
I would definitely still have to have my coffee if I did. But kudos to you for giving it a go!
Do you have some hookups? Can you get us a TJ’s in Muscatine? Puhleeeeez?? Or maybe in Iowa City. I work up there so that would work too. I tried HyVee’s pretzel bread last week and while it was good, it was kind of hard. More like you would eat with a cheese dip or spread. Next time I come out to Des Moines I am going to bring a cooler (or two) and stop at TJ’s!!
Yes! Good job on making the choice to quit the pop! I used to be the same way with diet pepsi, but it’s been 1.5 years since I’ve had diet pop. The first week is the hardest, but the easiest way to change a behavior is to replace it with another one. Experiment with what you like–for me it’s soda water with a splash of cranberry juice–fizz, flavor, and hydration. Your body will thank you in years to come for no artificial sugar. As for the craving in the afternoon, I had to learn to let myself FEEL tired, bored etc. and that it was ok to feel that way, I didn’ have to get rid of that feeling with pop. I agree with the moderation approach, I will sometimes (like 2x per month) have a diet 7up on occassion, I enjoy it but do not crave it. Way to go!!
That bread looks delicious!
You can do without the soda! Seriously, the first week is the hardest! Promise. I drink a can of Zevia, stevia flavored soda, every few months or so now just as a treat. Of course, I love iced tea. That helps me battle the mid afternoon wall!
my downfall is ice cream!! i am addicted…i eat it every night and sometimes when i run out i think i wont buy anymore and that same night i will make a special run just to get ice cream!!
I gave up diet pop for a month last spring. It was awesome. I slept better, made better food choices and just felt better. But then I let myself have one, and that has brought me back to my daily habit. I need to quit again. For good. Maybe let myself have one on the weekends, but then I worry about falling back into it again. I don’t know. I will definitely try. That POM/sparkling water combination sounds awesome.
Good luck kicking the habit! I quit drinking regular soda (mostly mountain dew) 3 weeks and 1 day ago
It was very difficult but I actually found out that I thought I needed a soda to keep me awake but when I stopped drinking it I actually started sleeping BETTER at night so I wasn’t as tired! I still have cravings though. Good luck!!
I couldn’t give up diet soda completely, but I only drink it on either Saturday or Sunday afternoons (one or the other). I figure that is WAYYYY better than my old 1-a-day habit!
Good luck girl!
Hey! Canadian here…. conferred with the hub on this one – and he agrees… that’s not Canadian bacon, not how we know it anyway. It looks more like ham? Canadian bacon is typically peamealed bacon, or at least that’s what we’re buying here
I quit pop cold turkey several years ago and I miss the flavor of Dr. Pepper most. There’s nothing like it. But, now I’m so far into my pop-free streak, I don’t want to break for ANYTHING! No punch with soda in it, no mixed drinks with soda, no sparkling water, nothing. It’s actually kind of fun to keep it going.
Don’t worry – after a couple days without diet soda, it will be okay. I use to be addicted to the stuff, now I can’t even finish a can!
Pretzel bread looks amazing, btw. My stomach is growling just looking at it.
I recently gave up diet pop too. I NEVER thought that it would be possible, but after a few days the cravings go away. I’ll still have one every now & then, but it causes me to crave candy & snacks so much that it’s not really worth it anymore. Good luck!
good luck girl! i have one diet coke a day and don’t know how i could get through 10+hrs at work without it… i’d love to hear your progress!
that sandwich looks killerrr