In order to get this weight-loss thing kicked off, I’ve identified some villains who have made things hard in the past, and I’m going to bring some of them to light over the next few weeks.

Tonight’s topic is: SODA. POP. COLA. Whatever you call it in your neck of the woods.

To me? Pepsi and Mountain Dew are the nectar of the gods. This is probably my number one offender. When I weigh too much, I average 10-20 cans a week. When I stop, I magically lose 5-10 pounds. That’s because they are essentially bags of sugar.

I know this, and yet it doesn’t stop me from drinking it. I’m addicted to the taste, and I never chide people who can’t quit nicotine or hard drugs — I have a hell of a time neglecting sugar, and it’s not as addictive. Mountain Dew & Pepsi are my drugs of choice. And they keep making better Mountain Dew flavors!

I also drink it because of the caffeine. I’m always tired (I take several medicines that may cause this, although I’m sure being overweight doesn’t help).

I don’t like coffee, tea, or diet soda, so that’s a big problem. I don’t feel that I can be “on” in social situations unless I have caffeine. I don’t think I can drive. I don’t think I can go to a big meeting at work. Well, over the next month I’m going to challenge all of these.