I am a creature of habit, unwavering in my daily routines. One such routine is my 10am ritual of enjoying a refreshing Coke Zero, ideally served in a glass with ice.
If I'm on the go, I can make do with a can, though it's not my preference, and heaven forbid it should be warm. Diet Coke is a no-go, and only a full-fat Coca-Cola will do after a heavy night out.
There are minor variations to this routine, but for the past four years, I've adhered to this self-imposed rule without fail.
Reflecting on the last time I went a day without my beloved Coke Zero, and realising I couldn't recall such a day, I felt a pang of guilt and decided it was time for a change. This week, I resolved to break free from my habit by going cold turkey.
On day zero, the eve of my lifestyle change, I found myself in the supermarket, reaching for a bottle of Coke, and made it all the way to the checkout before it dawned on me that I was supposed to be quitting.
It reminded me of the mindless shopping habits I'd developed during the first week of Dry January, where I'd instinctively reach for a cider without giving it a second thought.
Feeling uneasy, my determination strengthened. I could do this.
Day one without Coke Zero
The first day rolled around, and 10am came and went. I was practically bouncing off the walls.
I had braced myself for headaches, but thankfully they didn't materialise. What did hit me, however, was an intense craving that seemed to permeate every fibre of my being.
I yearned for that Coke Zero with a desperation I hadn't anticipated. Opting for a Ribena, I sighed deeply at the prospect of four more days without Coke.
What happened when I stopped drinking Coke
Unexpectedly, abstaining from Coke did impact my sleep. I had anticipated better sleep with less caffeine in my system, but the reality was quite the opposite.
Throughout the week, my sleep was dreadful. It took me longer to relax, getting comfortable was more challenging, and I found myself waking up more frequently during the night.
Whether this was due to the absence of Coke Zero or not, I can't say - but it was certainly an odd coincidence that I'm not eager to experience again. Thankfully, poor sleep was the only physical symptom I noticed.
Despite hearing horror stories about withdrawal symptoms following the elimination of Coke, I was perfectly fine. I believe my morning coffee prevented any headaches or mood swings.
The only significant change was that I had removed a source of joy from my life. While I acknowledge it's not the healthiest habit, after a week without it, I have no plans to continue abstaining.
Once this article is published, I intend to return to my Coke Zero drinking habits because, frankly, life is tough enough. Why make it tougher?
