Rehabilitation

Nobody said it was easy
It’s such a shame for us to part

The Scientist, Coldplay

What am I doing, depriving myself of life’s pleasures.

Last May, as a personal challenge, I gave up softdrinks. It was punishment, of course, especially when I would see that tall, tempting bottle of Coke Zero in the fridge or when I would see “bottomless fountain drinks” in the restaurant menu. Last weekend it pained me to drink powdered juice while my friends enjoyed their cold soda, the perfect complement to warm, home-cooked pansit.

Well, I survived the entire month without a drop of soda! Yesterday was the first of June and barely four hours into the day I succumbed to a medium iced Coke!

This month, I’m giving up junk food, which I am limiting to chips and popcorn ONLY. How about that — no softdrinks for this Coke addict last May; no chips and popcorn for this junkie this June.

Of course, it’s easier said than done, just like when I decided to go vegetarian two years ago. But y’know? I think it’s easier to give up meat than to do away with junk food, a staple in my diet. I don’t think I’ve ever made it to the end of the week without a pack of Kettle Chips or Tortillos or, lately, Marty’s Baconette Strips.

I’ve already survived one day but it was NOT easy. Not when I had to resist ordering my favorite popcorn at a local café; not when I was in a room of people snacking on chips the entire afternoon. I just settled for the crunch of… turon.