Diet Melanie, Caffeine Free (and Blog Candy)

No, this is not a new soda, this is the new and improved me, soda free! (I've never been a big caffeine person, I would just drink an occasional soda (coffee smells and tastes heavenly, but it makes me jittery, I really don't need the extra energy, I'm kind of already a little hyper as it, you know? (can you tell how fast I'm going?!) so I almost never drink it, we're talking like a couple times a year, when I go get my favorite lavender mocha) but I have been a fan of Coke Zero for quite a while. I'd have one every other day, maybe once a day as a treat. They're calorie free, so what could it hurt? Well. It got really, really, REALLY hot here this summer. And sodas were on sale... so I bought a stash of Vanilla Coke Zero AND Diet Coke with Lime in addition to my regular Coke Zero. And being as hot as it was... my once-a-day soda, turned into about three. I noticed my sleep was a LOT more disrupted than usual. I'd also been having trouble being able to donate blood because my iron was too low to qualify. I found out caffeine blocks your iron absorption. Although my husband had been telling me for quite awhile that soda doesn't hydrate you (but he drinks them, too!), I finally started to believe him.

So now, water is my friend. I haven't had sodas for over three months and I am completely OVER it! My mood is so much more even and I sleep like a baby, go down quickly and wake up 8 hours later in pretty much the same position I lay down, feeling alert and rested. Wow! Nice! I've noticed too I don't feel all bloated, and I've read many times that drinking diet sodas make you want to eat more, because of the empty calories. I believe it! Anyway, I don't miss the soda. What do I drink now at my desk? Water. Wonderful caffeine free teas.

Just thought I'd share in case maybe any of you have wondered how much caffeine affects you, or maybe even very small amounts could be throwing you off. It can be hard to quit because you usually get headaches from withdrawal, no fun, but when you stay super-hydrated, you really don't and being hydrated is key. Unfortunately, my iron was still too low to donate blood these last two months, I wondered how could my iron be low now? Get this: I am so hydrated my blood is "runny" says the tech, and it's diluting my iron! Huh, go figure! It's a better problem to have, for sure.

I am also super excited to tell you about my recent weight loss (10 pounds and counting!) and the huge changes I've made in how I eat, I hope it will inspire and encourage you, I just really needed to finish and post this since I started it for you at the end of the summer! Hello Fall! (I am also trying to get my craft room super clean so I have room to craft, that was getting a little out of control, too!)

Have you made a healthy change in your life/schedule recently? Please share! Leave a comment below, I will draw one name tomorrow to win a copy of my set "Spring Basket", great for mixing with my most recent sets: Holiday Basket, Basket Additions, and Basket Buddies! (BTW, I am so stinkin' excited for you to see what I have coming out for you in a couple weeks, eek!)

Have a terrific day! (tea-rific! I really should go make a tea card with Mugs and Kisses...hmmm...) :)