March 12, 2012
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Amsterdam, Netherlands
Since mid January I’ve been trying to change my lifestyle quite drastically, all with the goal of getting more exercise and losing weight. Of course I started swimming and I’ve been doing that faithfully four times a week since then, but I also changed some of my food and drinks habits. When it comes to alcohol, I’ve almost completely stopped drinking beer (quite easy because I don’t really go out that much these days) and the rest (wine or whisky) is done with moderation. I don’t have in between snacks anymore, which means no sneaky chocolates at work and no late night examinations of whatever edible stuff (typically cheese) there might still be in the fridge. At work, I’ve reduced the amount of coffee I drink in the morning and I’ve also stopped drinking Diet Coke.
I switched to tea instead. I’ve done this is the past as well, but admittedly, it’s a difficult one. Tea can be quite bitter and I’m not always in the mood for that. I’ve always been more of coffee person, I’m afraid (with lots and lots of milk and sugar when I was younger, but much less so now) and apart from that, a hot beverage in the afternoon… well, let’s say that a cool Diet Coke can sometimes feel very refreshing – unlike a cup of tea (it’s a mind setting.) Nevertheless, I found some teas that I really like so yes, I’ve not drunk Diet Coke since the start of the year, and it’s working well. One of my favourite teas is called Sterrenmunt in Dutch, and it’s a herbal tea with quite a strong aniseed taste. I do really like it, but the packaging recommends no more than three cups a day, so I also drink rooibos or mint teas, for example. I wonder how long it will take before the call of the Diet Coke will once more become irresistible.
