I often wonder why people quit caffeine. Do they enjoy the pounding pain between their eyeballs? Do they like falling asleep sitting up? Is that afternoon energy slump, and total inability to focus, something they look forward to each day? Is it fun to stagger around with one eye open in the morning? To have no energy for your workout?

I don't get it...

I drink Diet Mountain Dew Code Red like there's no tomorrow. I'm also fond of Pepsi One and Diet Wild Cherry Pepsi. I probably drink 2-liters or more of Diet Mountain Dew a day plus nearly a gallon and a half of water. I gurgle when I walk and I'm wide freaking awake. :-) I kick ass in the gym. I dance, I twitch, I fidget, I tap my feet, I spin in my chair. I must burn a bazillion extra calories a day just because I'm lit up like a Christmas tree.

Now, I realize that my bones and intestines are dissolving and stuff, but I look and feel fantastic. When I quit caffeine, I turn into the seven dwarves - Sleepy, Grouchy, Slouchy, Grumpy, Lumpy, Dumpy, and Stupid.

Caffeine is a performance enhancer. It's a main ingredient in nearly all thermogenics. Bill Phillips recommends black coffee before cardio. I hate coffee though (...blech, spit). I will back off on the carbonated stuff several weeks before pictures because it puffs you up just enough to blur definition. (I don't care if my bones and intestines dissolve, but if it's going to make me look PUFFY, get it away from me!) So, although Ive been known to back off on the carbonation occasionally, I never quit caffeine. I just switch to iced tea sweetened with Splenda - same kick, no bubbles.

I've actually talked to my doctor about the phosphorous/osteoporosis thing. We're keeping an eye on it. Right at this moment I have bones like a Clydesdale. I'm taking calcium and estrogen, and my level of weight-bearing activity is insane. I use my bones to break 3" thick boards, which is... retarded.

I understand that there are probably medical, spiritual, mental reasons for giving up caffeine and carbonation. I just choose to ignore all of them in the name of being lean and alert. :-)