Update XVI: Sidejackin' it in the Train Room.

[J-Mann]

Jeff, why are you insistent on comtinuing to drink pop? If it's the taste, suck it up and get over it. If it's because the caffeine helps control or prevent headaches, you ought to look at other options. Hot tea or coffee will give you the caffeine dose your body may be craving without the empty calories. I think if you want to make a major difference in a short amount of time, switch to water and coffee immediately and don't look back.

[J-Mann]

J-Mann, I refuse to switch solely to water.  Sorry, but I am not going to do that and it's not going to kill me.  Gauss, I do drink predominately diet, although I do enjoy an occasional regular pop from time to time.  I will mix in water every now and then, but I refuse to switch exclusively to water.  I don't drink a lot of coffee, although I do enjoy it on occasion.

No one's asking you to castrate yourself ... I'm asking that you consider water or something better for yourself than just pop all the time. No, pop won't kill you. Drinking nothing but pop will contribute to your weight struggle and eventual early death.

I'm urging you to try it because, from what you post, the fluids you take in are almost exclusively sodas. At least boost your fluid intake with water or Gatorade, and if you need the caffeine, coffee.

[J-Mann]

Jeff, if you want something sweet, try Talenti gelato from Walmart with some berries -- blackberries or raspberries keep pretty well and, in lieu of chocolate, should give you your sweet fix.

http://www.walmart.com/ip/Talenti-Tahitian-Vanilla-Bean-Gelato-1-pt/23682008

Trust me, that flavor is amazing. Healthy? Not particularly. But it's better than a self-induced awful headache. Seriously, dude, you eating chocolate because you need a "sweet treat" is like Edward Scissorhands masturbating.