Four-Eight-Four [dot org]

Yes, I’ve been trying to do the unthinkable … cut down on my Coke consumption. Those of you who know me well may find this hard to believe, but I haven’t had any Coke at the house here since at least before the end of September.

Actually, my goal isn’t to cut down on Coke per se … nor do I mean that I haven’t had any coke in the last six weeks. In reality, I’ve had Coke probably once a week in that time. But, it’s a serious reduction from the nearly-every-day habit that I’ve nursed along for years.

What I’m really trying to do, though, is avoid soft drinks (and foods) that use high fructuse corn syrup as a sweetener. To that end, I’ve started drinking more water (and sometimes lemonade) when I’m eating out … and at the house, I’ve only been bringing in soft drinks that have natural sweeteners.

One cool thing I’ve found (thanks to my brother) is Reed’s Ginger Brew. The Bi-Lo right up the road carries their “standard” ginger brew, as well as their spiced apple brew. Both are pretty good.

They also have an “extra” version of the ginger brew that has about 50% more ginger root, which I’m itching to try. I found out that Greenlife here in town carries Reed’s, so I’m hoping they have it.

Then, when I’m really ready for something strong, I need to have my cousin Mike import some Stoney from Kenya for me. I’ve heard it’s pretty rough stuff.