Long time no post...

So...I haven't posted in a while, but that doesn't mean I have been slacking off!  I've actually been keeping with my workouts and staying motivated.

Since I've started this process, I've lost 2" in my bum, thighs and hips.  I've got some stubborn belly fat that doesn't seem to want to get with the program.  Granted, I'm not being as diligent about what I eat as I was, so I'm sure that's part of the problem.

Surprisingly, the cellulite in my thighs and butt is getting the hint and slowly vacating the premises.  Woot!  All in all, I'm pleased with the progress I'm making.  My arms look great, and I don't hate my legs.  I've got some impressive little biceps and quads forming!

I'm still lifting, and loving it.  I'm up to 27.5lbs on my barbell, and I'm planning to increase another 5lbs next week.  Since I've incorporated the barbell and started doing deadlifts, My hamstrings have become more flexible.  There is a lengthening of all the muscles in my legs, and I'm finding them more aesthetically pleasing.  They're by no means perfect, but I don't hate them.

We haven't had aerial class since the end of June, so my upper body strength is decreasing.  I'm going to try to increase the number of pull-ups I'm doing in an effort to keep my strength up.  For when class starts in September.    

Challenging myself...

Fitocracy has motivated me to try exercises I've never done before.  I like it because it gives me variety in my workouts.  There are also groups that do monthly challenges, like the 30 Day Squat Challenge group.  

I know it says April, but I started at the beginning of June and plan to follow it through.  I usually do a few sets of body weight squats and move on to barbell squats.  I just upped my weight on the barbell squats and thought I would be feeling it today, but I have no delayed onset muscle soreness at all.  So weird.  

I'm also doing the 30 Day Abs Challenge.  I've altered the time for the planks, because the 10 seconds was way too easy for me.  I had no idea sit-ups could be this challenging, however.  Getting through 40 in one set is a chore, but I managed it yesterday.  I have a few days to catch up on, because I strained a muscle in my hand and wrist during Midsummer rehearsals and took two days off training all together, so I didn't injure myself further.

Then, there is the 30 Day Glute Challenge.  Obviously, this one is good for building a better booty.  I've seen so many women saying it's building their glutes, but my bum is actually decreasing in size!   This wasn't exactly the result I was looking for.  I simply wanted to tone the fabulous booty I already have.  I know the exercises are doing what they're supposed to do and turning fat to muscle, and once that part of the process is complete, the glute muscles will continue to develop, and my butt will...bounce back...HA!

One thing I've noticed since I've begun participating in these monthly challenges is that I'm losing weight instead of gaining.  I assumed that once I started lifting, I would be gaining rather than losing.  I'm not going to complain, though, because it's pushing me over the plateau I was on.  I was having trouble losing the last 9lbs of my weight gain, but now I'm down to only an extra 6!  And those 3lbs have come off in just the last week.

I'm not exactly sure where I'm losing this weight, other than losing 1" in my bum and legs. Even with that 1", there is a lot of dimpling and cellulite.  The boobs I was granted with my 30lb weight gain are still there.  My waist measurement is staying the same - my belly is trimmer, but it's still a bit fluffy.  So...I don't know where I'm losing the weight.  

But whatever!  I'm not going to look a gift horse in the mouth.  I look better than I have in the last five years, and I feel great.  I have lots of energy, and my blood pressure has calmed down.  I won't trade any of those things to go back to being the depressed, volatile, emotional mess I was.  I'm just going to keep doing what I'm doing and be the best me I can be.

Oops! Long time, no blog!

It occurred to me this morning that I have not posted in a while.  To be fair, I've been a busy little pixie.  

Festival is finally over, and I am almost recovered.  Almost.  However, I've been full-tilt going to rehearsals for Midsummer every night.  Then, there's aerial class.  AND after Midsummer ends this weekend, I am hoping to start taking more classes with Portico and eventually become a company member.  I really miss dancing, and the more I watch them, the more I want to fully be a part of what they do.    

I'm still struggling with losing the last 8lbs I have left.  However, the muscle tone I'm gaining from my workouts more than makes up for it!

I broke down and bought a barbell.  The barbell was 12.5lbs, and carrying it to the checkout station was a challenge, so I decided I would start with that and purchase weights as needed.  I increased my weight for the first time last week for a total of 17.5lbs.  I think I'll need to go up 5lbs more by Saturday!  

I'm really enjoying lifting.  I love deadlifts (Romanian and stiff legged) and the Pendaly Row.  It's challenging, and something I thought I would never be able to do.  But I can!  And I am stronger for it.  Bentover Barbell Row and I are having some issues, though.  You never really know how weak your back muscles truly are until you've done that move for the first time.  Oy.

Oh!  Oh!  Also, I'm up to 4 pull-ups in one set!  Um.  Yes!  I AM MIGHTY!!!!  AND I can do 5 full pushups in one set!  Crazy talk!  

I love the energy that working out on a regular basis has given me.  I'm not tired all the time,  AND I'm not a raging bitch 3/4 of the time.   I'm also loving the way I look in the mirror.  I still have some cellulite around the booty and thighs to get rid of, but I don't jiggle when I walk anymore.  

I'm still over the moon for Fitocracy.  I'm stunned by how supportive the community is.  And there are so many inspiring stories!  If you're a fitness enthusiast and you haven't checked it out, please do!  I'm LibasaurusRex, and I'll follow back :)

Staying motivated...

I've always found it difficult to stay motivated when I start a health and fitness routine.  This time, I seem to be having better luck at it than in the past.  Since I've started aerial, a long-time dream of mine, I've have a tangible goal to work toward.  

I know I need to increase my upper body strength substantially, so I've set a goal to be able to do an unassisted pull-up.  I'm reaching my goal faster than expected since I've been doing my bastardized pull-ups (standing on a chair and lowering myself to the ground as slowly as possible).  I started with one set of 8 reps and am currently able to do four sets of 8.  I also discovered this week that I am able to pull myself halfway up instead of just dangling there like a worm on a hook.  

Fitocracy is helping me stay motivated, because I have an entire community of people holding me accountable.  Every time I get a notification that someone has given me props, it makes it that much easier for me to do the next workout.  The point system certainly doesn't hurt.  I'm constantly striving to reach that next level.  

I've even been able to get off the plateau I'd been stuck on, and I'm closer to losing the last few pounds to get back to where I was before I gained 30 magical pounds this winter.  

AND!  I can see definition in my abs again!  I feel great about that.  I need to check my measurements, because I'm curious to see if I'm any closer to being able to wear my hugely expensive Ren Fest boots.  

I feel good, I have more energy, and I love what I see when I look in the mirror.  It's a great feeling.

Love my legs...

I've been concentrating mostly on my upper body as I've been getting back into shape, because have better arm, chest and back strength is a huge benefit in aerial class.  Now that my arms are shaping up, I'm ready to start incorporating other body parts.

It's been a long time since I've "loved" my legs.  Unfortunately, I carry all my weight in my lower body.  I'm very short, so it doesn't take much extra weight to make my lower body look dumpy.  I was okay with it until I put on my thigh high pirate boots, and they wouldn't lace.  That just won't do.  These boots were expensive and are one of my prized possessions, so it's time to start working the lower body as well.

I'm going to start biking to Midsummer rehearsals and to aerial class once I get new tubes for my bike.  But, I'm also going to do some sculpting exercises.  I found this routine on Pinterest last year before Ren Fest, and I love it.

There is really no down side to these exercises.  They work your core, glutes, and legs, and you will definitely feel it after just one circuit.  The routine is comprised of five ballet-inspired moves that really work your butt, core, and legs.  I'm going to add this back into my strength training and see what comes of it.

I addition, I have added wall sits to my routine.  I'm trying to do 8 one minute wall sits per day.  So far, I've not found any of the exercises to be limiting in any way.  In fact, I could probably add another couple circuits (if I have time).

Out of the fog

It didn't take as long as I expected to recover from my weekend at the Renaissance Festival.  All it took was reaching my water goal, eating good, clean meals with a balance of protein, carbs, and healthy fats and a good strength training session.  

I fell into bed after Midsummer rehearsal Monday night and slept through very well.  I woke up feeling like a rockstar!  My brain wasn't foggy, my motor skills were back, and I wasn't dreading trudging my way through an eight hour work day.  AND I lost 2.5 of the 4lbs I gained over the weekend! 

I decided to switch up my strength training, because I've noticed that I have these little bulgy bits near my armpits that make wearing tank tops and sleeveless bodices unsightly.  I've also been developing what I call a mini-muffin top.  As I was browsing the Fitness and Health section of Pinterest, I came across this workout that is supposed to work all the bits that regular moves miss.

http://www.prevention.com/fitness/strength-training/fat-burning-workout-routines-trouble-spots?cm_mmc=Pinterest-_-Fitness-_-Article-_-So%20Long%20Spillover%20Spots  

I did one set of each move in addition to the 2 sets of modified pull-ups I've been doing.  Once I'm more comfortable with the routine and don't have to check back to see what move is next, I'll add another circuit, possibly a third.

This morning, I woke up and looked down at my mid-section and could see ab definition.  That was exciting as I've not had any ab definition in ages. 

I'm feeling good and can't wait to conquer my next hurdle, whatever that may be!

  

Conquering the Crossback Straddle

Last night's aerial class was extremely gratifying.  After three months of aerial class, I have finally conquered the Crossback Straddle.  Combine that with performing Double Dance Wraps in the air successfully on the first attempt and performing the Marionette for the first time, and you had one happy pixie.

Combine that with dropping 6 of the 15 pounds I have left to shed, and I'm feeling pretty spectacular.  (Granted, after last night, I feel more than a little like someone beat me with a stick, but that will pass!)  My body is getting stronger, I'm getting leaner, my belly is flattening out, and I'm having a grand ol' time.

Mountain Climbers made easy?!

I've been trolling backonpointe.tumblr.com (as usual) and came across a core strengthening article.   In this article, there is what appears to be an amazing (to me) invention.  It's the Valslide.  I know it sounds ridiculous, and it sounds even more ridiculous when you know what it is, but I've seen how easy it makes Mountain Climbers (my fitness nemesis)!  And I want it!!!

Any person who has tried Mountain Climbers knows how difficult they are.  It is one of the most awkward fitness moves I've ever seen, and they are physically exhausting.  Humans just aren't meant to move that way!...Says the girl who spends a good deal of time upside down these days.

Seriously, folks.  Check out Coach Dos's video demonstrating a Mountain Climber variation using the Valslide pads:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aBdCXMSaZEw.

Pull-ups: A Pixie's Perspective

Pull-ups.  Oy.  Just the thought of me trying to do a pull-up makes me laugh hysterically.  I've tried.  There's no way.  I just wriggle about like a fish on a  hook.  

I made a Facebook post about not being able to do a pull-up, and my aerial instructor responded that it took her a year to be able to do her first pull-up.  o.O  A year!  This actually makes sense, because most women find their strength in their legs - especially dancers.  I knew immediately that aerial would be a challenge, because most of the climbs (except for the Taco Climb...gotta love the Taco Climb!) depend on your upper body to do most of the work for you; and I had little to no upper body strength when I started.

My instructor did, in her infinite wisdom, impart to me that starting by jumping up and lowering myself as slowly as possible would utilize the same muscles thus making those muscles stronger.  Good to know!

So, I tried it.  I'm glad I was alone in the house when I did, because I'm sure I looked ridiculous.  I'm 4'10", so I couldn't exactly jump up and reach the pull-up bar.  I had to use a chair.  So, I got in the chair, pulled myself up into the top of a pull-up and slowly lowered myself to the ground, climbed back into the chair and did it all over again.  I was only able to do 8 reps before the muscles in my forearms screamed at me to stop.    

I'm convinced I need to be doing more of these, because my trapezius, deltoids and scapular muscles were sore the next morning.  In fact, they're still sore two days latern (despite my foray into active recovery techniques), which could be a problem since I have aerial class tonight.  My plan is to incorporate these bastardized pull-ups into my routine three days a week so I can get to work building those muscles that will most certainly help with my foray into the aerial arts.

I hope this helps someone out there who is just as hopeless at pull-ups as I am.

What is "Active Recovery"?

Aerial class is working a completely new set of muscles for me.  In the past, my strength has been in my legs.  So, naturally, my aerial classes have left me a bit (read, extremely) sore the next day and even more stiff and sore 48 hours after.

In researching how to prevent this soreness, I kept seeing the term "active recovery".  The first question I had was "What is active recovery?"  Active recovery refers to a low-intensity method of exercise done either immediately after or the day after an intense intense workout.

Unfortunately, I don't have time after my aerial class to do any low-intensity cardio, because I'm getting in my truck right after class and sitting for 10 minutes on the drive home.  At that point, a low-intensity workout becomes pointless as my muscles are no longer warm.  

So, it looks like I'm stuck with option number two, which will be a low-intensity cardio routine the day after aerial (or any of my other conditioning sessions).  It's not ideal, but perhaps it will help with the lingering soreness on day 2 after a workout.  It's certainly worth a try.
http://sportsmedicine.about.com/od/tipsandtricks/a/activerecovery.htm

The following article mentions Self -Myofascial release (SMR), which is a method of self massage using foam rollers or tennis balls.  I use tennis balls and have found that massaging my forearms after an aerial class helps release the muscles.  I have been doing this for the last two weeks, and as a result, my forearms haven't been sore at all.
http://www.builtlean.com/2013/01/21/active-recovery-workout-ideas/   

I hope this helps those of you who may be experiencing the same problems I am.

The fitness roller coaster

I'm so good about being fit and healthy...for a few months at a time.  Then, a switch flips and I sabotage myself.  At the moment, I have several things working against me:

1.)  The scale I was using was out of balance.  WAY out of balance.  So, while I thought I had only gained 20lbs, I had really packed on 30lbs.  Oy.

I really just feel horrible physically right now.  It was fine when I was just 10lbs over my targeted weight.  I could deal with that.  I still felt good, and I was okay with how I looked.  At this point, I'm not okay anymore.  I don't like the way I feel, and I don't like the way I look...Except that I actually have boobs now.  That's always a plus.  But the boobs don't make everything magically better.  I still feel like crap, and I don't really like what I see when I look in the mirror anymore.

2.)  My blood pressure is getting high.  I can feel it every time I workout, creeping up, making my face red.  I've been reading up on it.  Apparently, a 30lb weight gain will do that to you.  I've lost 10 of those pesky 30lbs.  Now, I just need to lose the other 20lbs, and I will be golden.

Sodium intake, of course, also affects blood pressure, and I'm pretty sure I'm having way too much.  For the past three days, I've woken up with swollen feet and fingers.  I'm drinking enough water, but I'm retaining water like a sonofabitch.  It's not pleasant, and it has to stop.

Things have to change, and I have to make those changes now.  I really need to get myself in order.  I don't want to have a heart attack at thirty-one years old.      

3.)  I've been taking aerial for a little over two months now.  I love it, and I'm getting stronger every week.  I can feel it.  I'm just not where I want to be.  So, I'm going to have to kick it up.  The frustrating thing is that I am so sore after one full aerial class that I'm afraid to do anything the next day.  I'm going to look into active recovery and see if I can find a routine that works for me.  I want to maximize my strength building without over-exercising, which is just a glorified form of anorexia - one that is rampant today.

4.)  There is a Whataburger down the street from my house.  I love bacon cheeseburgers.  While they are not reactive for me, I really need to not have it more than once a week or once every two weeks.  It's so difficult.  It's just right there, beckoning to me.  "Libasaurus, come to me.  Partake of my bacon-y, cheesy goodness!"  Oy.

5.)  There is something in bloom right now that is making me puff up like...something that puffs up.  Saturday morning, my eyes were so swollen I could barely keep them open.  I'm also randomly breaking out into hives.  Yay!

6.)  I don't have anyone to hold me accountable for my own health.  My aerial instructor holds me accountable one day a week.  I feel like I'm letting her down if I miss a class, and I'm constantly driven to push myself because she believes in me that much.  I just need that the other six days of the week.  I really do need a fitness buddy.  Or a drill sergeant.  Or Nick Fury.

Argh!  I am so miserable!!!!!!!!

Back On Pointe

If you're looking for well thought out and challenging fitness routines, Back On Pointe is a good place to start.  She has well-rounded general workouts and several different workouts if you're targeting muscle tone in specific areas of the body.

Upper body strength is of the utmost importance in aerial dance, and I have been on the search for upper body and arm routines that I can supplement my training with.  Everything I've read says your body gets used to doing the same sets of exercises over and over again.  So, I want to constantly be doing something different.

Her routines are great, because you don't have to go to a gym to do them.  Most of the exercises use things commonly found in your house.  Some of them occasionally require free weights, but they are inexpensive and can be found at Wal-Mart or Target.  

The only thing I don't like about her routines is that she's fond of the Mountain Climber move.  I hate that move.  I want it to do die in a fire.

It's too soon yet to make any sort of judgement on the effectiveness of the routines, but I will you posted.

Post-Workout Smoothie

Smoothies can be a great way to start the day,but they can also be They're also great recovery drinks pre- and post-workout.

My current post-workout smoothie is a Chocolate Banana smoothie:

1c goat milk
1T cacao powder
1 banana
1t honey
 
I once read an article that chocolate milk was the best recovery drink after working out.  The article suggested that drinking an 8oz glass before your workout gives you the carbs and protein needed to power through your workout.  It goes on to say that drinking an 8oz glass after your workout provides the rest of the protein needed to repair your muscles.  The article said that you would feel less sore if you followed this method.  And you know what?  It was right.  After trying this method, I went from being so sore I could move after a workout to being barely sore, if at all, the day after.

http://eatthis.menshealth.com/content/chocolate-milk-diet

http://www.fitnessmagazine.com/recipes/healthy-eating/superfoods/chocolate-milk-after-workout/

Protein

Protein is a pretty important part of the human diet.  It's one of the three sources of fuel the human body runs on (fats, carbohydrates, and proteins).  Making sure you have enough protein within 30 min of your workout is imperative to muscle repair.

While it is important, you only need so much protein in your diet, even you are physically active.  A sedentary woman only needs .4g of protein per pound of body weight per day, while an active needs .6g.  The human body can only absorb around 7g of protein per hour.  If digestion takes between 4-5 hours, you're look at at max of 28g - 35g of usable protein in a meal.  It is generally recommended to divide up your protein between meals.  How you do that is up to you.  I prefer to start the day off with a bang and have a 1/3 of my protein at breakfast.  I get this with my smoothies and flax granola.  I try to have only a small amount of protein at lunch, because I tend to get lethargic going into the latter part of the day if I have too much.  I usually have a bit of protein with my afternoon snack and then have the remainder at dinner.

On days that I have a workout, instead of a snack, I will have a pre-workout smoothie and a post-workout smoothie, with 9g of protein each.  For dinner, I will have the remainder of my protein.    

http://www.health.com/health/article/0,,20410520,00.html

http://www.marksdailyapple.com/dear-mark-how-much-protein-can-you-absorb-and-use-from-one-meal/

http://sarahfit.com/why-protein-should-be-your-workout-companion/

http://www.livestrong.com/article/530256-how-much-protein-should-a-female-take-post-workout/

http://www.merckmanuals.com/home/disorders_of_nutrition/overview_of_nutrition/carbohydrates_proteins_and_fats.html

http://www.active.com/nutrition/Articles/Get_enough_protein_after_your_next_workout

http://greatist.com/fitness/what%E2%80%99s-best-source-post-workout-protein

Becoming a stronger me...

Aerial class is rocking my face off!  I have phenomenal instructor, and I love my classmates.  There are all kinds of people in the Beginner class from all different walks of life.  Some stay, some take one class and decide it's not for them, but whether they stay or not, we're all very supportive of each other.  

The best part about it is that I can tell I'm getting stronger.  Our instructor has us do conditioning exercises that target the muscles in the upper body.  (I spend half the class upside down in handstands, cartwheels, or doing bridges.)  

Before I started aerial I had very little to no upper body strength.  I've danced for more than half my life, which has led to having very powerful legs.  Arms?  HA!  There was a major difference from last week to this week; though, to be fair, I didn't go to the two classes before last week, and since then, I have added two additional workout days to my schedule.  But it makes a huge difference!  I'm at the point where if I'm having a difficult time with a wrap that I can usually hang in the air long enough to get into the position I need to be in.  It feels great to be making progress, however slow it might be.   

   

Smoothies!

I love smoothies, because they're quick and easy.  I'm talking smoothies you make at home--not the ones you get Jamba Juice that are chock-full of sugar and end up being worse for you than a cheeseburger at your favorite pub.

I find that smoothies are great to start your morning off with an energy boost.  Currently, my favorite smoothie is my Avocado Banana Berry smoothie.  The creamy texture from the avocado and banana makes it oh-so-pleasing to the palate.

1/2c goat milk
1/2 avovado
1/2c strawberries
1/2c blueberries
1 banana
1t honey
1T flaxseeds or chia seeds

I use goat milk because it is easier to digest than cow's milk, and it provides a good source of protein.  For a more Plan friendly smoothie, substitute coconut milk for the goat milk.  I have found, however, that the protein in the goat milk gives me more of an energy boost than coconut milk.

This smoothie is great as a pre-workout drink because it gives me an energy boost.  The healthy fats from the avocado and the antioxidants from the berries also make this a good smoothie for fighting skin breakouts.  (Very good if you're detoxing on The Plan).

Still hanging in there

I'm still on The Plan.  I'm just horrible at blogging.

I've lost the 20lbs I had gained, and my skin is clearing up.  Woot!

I'm going to stick with The Plan, simply because I feel better and have more energy than when I'm eating the foods that make me miserable.

I've added two more days of exercise per week, since Lyn-Genet suggests exercising no more than 4 days per week for no more than 45 minutes per day.  Honestly, I've been exercising 3 days per week for 1 hour, but I'm keeping it simple with basic strength exercises and my aerial class.  I'm not going nuts with the over-exercising.  1.)  In my experience, while exercising regularly is supposed to make you feel happy and when I over-exercise I just feel miserable.  2.)  Over-exercising can cause your body to go into famine mode and have the opposite of the desired effect you are looking for.

http://fitness.mercola.com/sites/fitness/archive/2012/12/28/7-hidden-signs-of-overtraining.aspx

http://www.eatingdisordersonline.com/explain/anorathletica.php

http://health.usnews.com/health-news/blogs/on-fitness/2010/11/05/10-signs-youre-exercising-too-much

A pleasant surprise...

I am aiming for beginning The Plan next Monday, but I've already lost 10 of the 20 pounds I'd packed on.  I haven't even really changed any of my eating habits. I haven't eliminated any of the foods I usually eat; nor have I limited the amount of food I am taking in.  

So far I've done three things: I picked up the supplements to stimulate my thyroid, cut out soda and started drinking more water and BAM!  A week later, I'm 10 pounds lighter and a great deal less miserable.

Going into this, weight loss was not a huge concern for me.  I did want to get rid of the 20 pounds I had gained, but I just assumed getting my thyroid and hormones under control would result in losing that weight.  Eventually.  I had no idea it would happen this fast.  It makes me even more interested to see how my body is going to respond to The Plan.

    

Experimentation is fun!

I think the reason The Plan is so attractive to me is that it's like a science experiment.  Once you've done what Lyn-Genera calls The Cleanse (which really isn't like a cleanse at all, because you're eating food instead of fading on water or juice), you're body is in its "control" state.  From there, you begin your experimentation by adding in more reactive foods gradually, weeding out (or not) the ones that aren't working for you.

I haven't  begun the cleanse yes, but I've purchased some of the foods from the cleanse portion of the plan to see if they are palatable for me. 

One of these foods is coconut milk.  I'm not terribly fond of coconut, but I've found I enjoy the consistency of coconut milk more than I do cow's milk.  That's something I never in a million years thought I would say. 

I'm really looking forward to The Plan, because it allows you to discover new foods and encourages you to eat until you are full.  None of that counting calories and eating like a bird crap.  For a person who genuinely loves food and enjoys eating, that's the best thing you can say!

Kicking the habit...

I'm a Diet Dr. Pepper junkie.  I love the stuff.  However, I'm reading everywhere that says the sweeteners in my favorite diet soda could be making my hormones wonky.  It could also be mutating my DNA and raising my insulin levels just as much as regular Dr. Pepper would.  The artificial sweeteners could also be contributing to the massive migraines I've been experience on a regular basis.

The Plan discourages drinking any soda, because you're pumping chemicals into your body.  So, I've made a conscious effort not to drink my beloved DDP this week.  I've cut soda out of my life before, so I was fully expecting the misery of a pounding headache.  However, I have been pleasantly surprised.  The few headaches I've had have been manageable.

I also feel more clearheaded than I have in a while.  In addition, the desire to crawl into bed and hide from the world in less prevalent.  I've even been in a decent mood the last couple of days.  In fact, yesterday I was laughing and joking and being silly.  I can't remember the last time that happened without some sort of bite or sarcasm behind it.

It's not going to be easy, and I will probably cave a couple of times, but I'm hoping the radical difference in mood and disposition will be enough to motivate me to stick to my guns about this.  Wish me luck.

http://arizonaadvancedmedicine.com/articles/diet_soda.html