$aving Money=Saving Calories!

I am slowly coming around from my Diet Coke Cold Turkey withdrawal...and "slowly" is being generous! I could barely move for a good chunk of the day yesterday (compounded by a flu bug, nice double whammy!) so I got close to nothing done yesterday with my jewelry biz. However, I figured I could do one thing to help me out of my stupor...how much MONEY would I save if I no longer drank Diet Coke???


Trying to find the silver lining in this dark withdrawal cloud, I put pen to paper.

Check out this math:

My last 12 pack of Coke cost $2.50
Plus Ca. Redemption Value** $ .60
Total Cost of 12 pack of Diet Coke $3.10

(**I am not factoring out the CRV as I do recycle, but do not recycle to recoup that amount**)

I figured, on an average day, I would drink a minimum of 6 Diet Cokes. I will fully admit to the fact that there were days where I came close to killing that 12 pack! But, I will say that I drank an average of 6/day:

Total Cost of 12 Pack $3.10
Divided by 12 in Pack 12
Total Cost per Diet Coke $ .25

Total Cost per Diet Coke $ .25
Times 6 Diet Cokes per Day 6
Total Daily Diet Coke Consumption Amount $1.50
Times 365 Days per Year 365
Total Cost of Yearly Diet Coke Comsumption $547.50

WOW! That is an amazing figure...and truly...on the low side. This is not taking into account the Diet Cokes I had in restaurants, from fast food joints, etc.

That could be a new Coach bag for me! Now, kickin that Diet Coke addiction feels mighty awesome! Or, I could set that money aside for an upcoming vacation...or to buy new skinny clothes! I will be so proud that I did this, mostly for my wellness, but also for my pocketbook!

What is your expensive vice...and what would you save if you kicked that habit???

Grouchy...

Arg...I am super grouchy today. I think that it had to do with quittin' Diet Coke COLD TURKEY. I have been drinking Diet Cokes since...college, I suppose. Diet Coke is what I wake up with, even BEFORE my cup or two of coffee! And, a Diet Coke or two while I work and create jewelry (such an inspiration!), one maybe with lunch...one while the kids do homework...and at least one more with dinner. For years...


And, I love all of the Diet Cokes, even before they had the citrus versions, I would squeeze Lime or Lemon in them. Cherry Diet Coke...yummy. And, Diet Dr. Pepper is a another favorite. Did the Pepsi Challenge, always preferred Coke. For all of those Coke or Diet Coke haters out there, I went toe to toe with you to proclaim the wonderfulness of Coke products!

Those days are over. I need to do this to focus on my weight loss plan, and to truly focus on my health and wellness. Yes, I get the whole moderation thing, and I could just have like one a day, or two as a special treat. But, I clearly cannot get the moderation message when it comes to my addiction to Diet Coke.

I will miss that bubbly delight...I will miss the caffeine comfort...I just have to stay strong, be a grouch for a day or two (I apologize now to friends and family!) and with this willpower I will have made an important long term impact on my health.