Cold Turkey

(Today's word will be in ALL CAPS, BOLD, ITALIC, and STRIKETHROUGH.)


Sometimes I think my brain likes to play "connect the dots"; except, instead of actually following them, and having a picture appear, my brain just makes up it's own picture.

That's how today's post came to be; I was thinking of ideas,(like quitting things cold turkey), which crossed with Thanksgiving and the two connected into what you're about to read.

To be honest, this post has nothing to do with Thanksgiving, or turkey. What it's about is something I started, (or I guess ended), nine weeks ago.

Awhile ago I had a post about losing a crown while eating smoked salmon. Since then, I've had increasing problems with swallowing. My throat tends to want to close up, making me choke. It finally got bad enough that I went to the doctor, who referred me to a specialist.

I'd always thought my problem had been caused from having bronchitis eight times in two years, (long story, I'll spare everyone); turns out that's not the case.

The main problem was massive quantities of Coca-Cola, chocolate, etc. Turns out caffeine can actually cause your throat to constrict if you have too much over long periods of time.

The specialist suggested cutting out all caffeine, the Coke, chocolate, tea, etc., as well as mint and tomato based products.

We're talking about someone who listed Coke, chocolate, and music as their life support, until September 22, 2011. On that day I finished off the last of my Coca-Cola and chocolate I had, and haven't drank, or eaten any since that day. I quit cold turkey, and surprisingly, it wasn't that hard. What keeps me motivated is, the longer I go without soda POP
and chocolate, the more I don't want to give in to the temptation. I just keep thinking, "if I give in, I'll have to start counting from day one again". Nine weeks is a long time to have to start at the beginning again.

The greatest benefit though is, since following the specialist's advice, I've only had one instance where my throat closed up; and that was shortly after I'd quit my vices.

If you'd told me ten weeks ago I'd have come this far without the Coke and chocolate I'd have laughed; not anymore though. I've learned there is life away from Coke and chocolate, and I'm happy for that.