Quitting two vices at the same time...

I have two vices. Well, actually, I have many vices... but two really big ones: sugar and Premarin. Both are really good....but really bad for me. So in the ultimate test of self-discipline, I'm giving them both up. At the same time. It's kind of like ripping a band-aid off quickly... except that this is a really big band-aid and it's taking a long time to rip off!

But before I start sounding all big and noble, my motivations were not health-based, rather financially based. (the health benefits are just a HUGE positive side-effect). You may be wondering how giving up sugar could have financial motivations - pretty simple - I have a rule: I will not buy clothes in a bigger size than I currently own. This can be a tough rule to uphold when your butt is expanding at an ever-increasing rate. When it comes to the point when you're wearing the same pair of jeans every day, simply because they haven't been in the dryer for awhile, they're stretched out, and you can still button them, there's a problem. Thus, the Atkins induction for two weeks (of which I am now on day 10!). I love sugar - specifically in the form of cake, cookies, and ice cream. Love it. I crave it. I love dessert. I somehow can't manage to ever eat the last bite of my lunch or dinner, but yet always have room for dessert. (hmmmm....wonder why my clothes don't fit...)

Now the other vice: Premarin. I've been taking it every day for almost 9 years... although they now recommend that women only take it for no more than 3 years. Risks: blood clots and breast cancer. Benefits: No hot flashes and no menopausal mood swings. Silly, I know. Most people would think that's an easy choice... however, if you've never experienced a hot flash (picture: your head trapped in a blazing furnace), it's hard to explain. So while I know I should have done this much sooner, I finally had the kick in the pants that I needed: no prescription coverage. While I'm thrilled to be out of Corporate America, a beautiful perk was great health insurance which covered the majority of the cost. It's hard to justify spending more than $100/month to avoid hot flashes. So I'm doing it.... finally...

If I had a choice, sugar or estrogen, I think I'd take the estrogen! ;-)