I haven’t had diet soda since July 6th.

I know that isn’t a really long time but it is huge for me given the amount I was drinking before. Now, I have noticed I have been substituting it for black coffee (decaf always.) I not only find it soothing but it helps to flush anything out that may be “problematic” for me. I absolutely hate it when the output isn’t liquid. It makes me so nervous that something isn’t going to be able to come out and I will have to go to the ER. It is also more of a pain to empty but mostly, I want it as liquidy as possible so I know everything is coming out of me. Not to sound gross or anything. (Do any of you who have ostomies find that to be the case?)

In a weird way, drinking it and knowing it is in my system makes me feel safe.

I have always known that my diet caffeine free soda is so unhealthy but I love it and it helps my stomach. It is hard giving it up but I have noticed I am drinking a tremendous amount of water now. I am starting to keep track of my liquid intake each day, along with other things I am putting in my body.

32oz water bottle

It feels good to know I can do something to improve my health. Cutting the diet soda out and replacing it with a ton of water and black decaf coffee has been good for me.

Just wanted to share something I am trying food wise

Plus, I get to drink my coffee out of the mug my best friend and sister, Sara, gave me.

#Sarisa. Love you Sadie<3

I wouldn’t have had the motivation or inspiration to do this if it wasn’t for my brother, Jeremy. When he came to visit a little while ago, he mentioned a lot to me about my diet. It was done in a non judgmental way and I appreciated him reaching out and wanting to help me. He is huge with nutrition and exercising and all of that. His diet is truly amazing actually. I wish I was able to incorporate fruits, veggies, and pretty much anything I desired. Would be nice not to have to micromanage things which is why I think I stayed away from focusing on my nutrition. I sort of thought that as long as I was eating healthy (i.e. not junk food) that I was doing my job and that was all I could do.

But because of Jeremy, I started to realize that I do have to really focus on putting good foods in my body. Making sure I get enough water in me everyday and good calories is something I have been working on for a couple of weeks. Given my physical and mental limitations and issues when it comes to food, I began to find things I could eat that I would also enjoy.

I have been the cottage cheese queen lately. Also, yogurts, egg whites and string cheeses. I am trying to make it a point to have at least one cup of V8 or V8 fusion a day to help give me whatever nutrients I am missing by not consuming fruits and vegetables. I even have a yam every once and a while. Not great for my stomach (thickens things up) but it is worth it because it makes me feel like I am eating a real, healthy food with good nutrients. Plus, it tastes good.

Do any of you do anything similar? Are you a soda drinker? Do you prefer the output to be thicker or more of a liquid consistency?

I always find it fascinating how different some of our responses are to these questions!