Okay, so let me preface this post by stating that I have tried on 2 previous attempts to stop drinking soda completely. The first time I did so in 2009, I stopped drinking soda cold turkey for about three months successfully, before falling of the wagon. I followed it up in 2010 by stopping my soda intake for a record 103 days—-only to give in to drinking a can of Coke. It’s something that I am not proud of. My soda addiction is not healthy and has caused me to ingest many wasted calories. Last month, without really trying, I stopped drinking soda, and have been successfully soda free for a little over a month now.
Of course it’s still way too early for me to start feeling that I have triumphed over soda. I have been able to kick my soda addiction in the past, but it was short lived. Now, I am living day-to-day, patting myself on the back for every day that I managed not to drink a Coke or another type of soda. For me, this is monumental.
I was a heavy Coke drinker, drinking about 2-5 cans per day of Coke. I come from a long line of soda drinkers, the first being my father and his mother, my grandmother. I was told that she drank at least a liter of Pepsi every day of her adult life. It’s in me blood!
I have never liked diet soda, and don’t consider that an option.
Why do I want to cut out soda? Well, first off, it’s not setting a good example for my two kids. I want them to lead long and healthy lives, and soda is not healthy at all. How can I want them to be healthy when I am not doing so—I must lead by example. Secondly, all of those wasted calories drinking a beverage just floors me. I want to shed a few pounds, so cutting soda out is mandatory. The calories and the sugar aren’t good for weight loss.
It’s been hard, especially when I am around those who are drinking soda, but I have been hanging in there. I have found creative ways to feel sustained without drinking soda, and I have also learned to appreciate water.
Here’s what I do:
- Dress up my water: When I drink water (which is most of the time), I tend to “dress it up”. I add mint, or a lemon or two, or even cucumbers like they do at the spa. It gives it a “taste” and makes it enjoyable for me.
- Juice it up: I have also been drinking more juices, but they are so sweet, I usually water them down with H20. I will do a half cup of juice, half cup of water, and then use crushed ice so it’s more like a slushy. It makes me feel full too.
- Support please: Everyone who spends time with me knows that I am in the no-soda zone, so they encourage me, and make me comfortable when we are out and I ask for water or tea.
- Chew gum: Chewing sugar free gum has cured my cravings (for now) for soda. I don’t even think about soda like I used to.
Dropping soda completely is hard! I experienced massive headaches and was basically “withdrawing” from caffeine the first several days of not drinking it. Most people urge you to ween slowly away from soda, but the cold turkey thing worked for me. I am an all-or-nothing type of girl.
What are your thoughts on the No Soda Challenge? Will you be joining me? Are you addicted to soda like I was? I need answers! 🙂
It is like you stole my life!y weakness is/was Pepsi & orange soda. But I had my last soda on December 31,2011. I had a rough period last week but I got through it. My thinking at first was I was only going to drink it on the weekends or once or twice a month. But I know in my heart that I would just start all over again. So I’m with you in this struggle!
Thanks for commenting, Alicia. Me and you shall get through this and prevail! One day at a time. 🙂
When I was younger the soda of choice was Pepsi. Many years ago, I gave up soda. I had a breast issue that I thought it was cancer, it wasn’t but, my doctor said caffeine can contribute to breast problems, I quit drinking soda cold turkey didn’t have to give up coffee cause, I don’t drink it. I only drink soda now every once in a while, if I am out or at a picnic (something like that – I don’t drink alcohol so having a glass of soda is my drink. haha) and it is maybe only a cup if that. I immediately notice the changes in my body if I allow myself to over indulge in drinking soda.
Good luck on your challenge to stop drinking soda. You have done it before you can do it again 🙂
Sharon, thanks for the vote of confidence. I am really trying to not go back, and of course I have my struggles. So far, though, I’ve been successful. Hoping to continue to a soda free life!
I used to be a HEAVY soda drinker back in college (I graduated 5 years ago!). I would drink anywhere between 2-5 sodas a day. I don’t know what made me stop drinking soda, but I quit cold turkey and I haven’t looked back since.
Stephanie, thanks for commenting. The first few weeks were difficult to say the least, but now, it’s becoming easier for me to not even think about soda. I don’t want to ever go back to drinking as much as I was before. Thanks for commenting.
Good for you! I can sympathize. I have a sugar addiction. I am trying my hardest to give that up. I have swapped out sugar for other natural stuff but it is hard. You’re doing great! Thanks for sharing with us :)!
Haha You made me smile when you talk about going “cold turkey” with soda- but it’s true I have a lot of friends who say it’s really hard, and probably one of the main problems is the lack of other kinds of interesting drinks apart from fruit juice- so I like your idea of dressing up your water that’s really cool. As it doesn’t taste like all that much otherwise does it, so sort of bland…I’m going to be digging out the ice and lemon slice:)
I go through soad phases but generally don’t drink too much soda. Have you tried that Mio stuff to add to your water? No idea of the pluses and cons, but I saw a commercial and thought of you.
Glammy, I’ve seen this Miso stuff but haven’t tried it yet. Thanks for reminding me about it 🙂
I quit drinking regular soda over ten years ago, but now my addiction is diet soda. I know I drink too much, but it’s really hard to give it up.
There are a few non-soda options that would be easier for me, if they were as available as soda: lightly-sweetened sugar-free tea, and maybe sugar-free iced coffee. But these are not as readily available as soda.
Water is essential, of course, but I can’t fathom buying it!
I have found myself also struggling with leaving soda alone, although my fav is alwways schweppes ginger ale. Ohhh how i love and crave those cool bubbles over ice after a hard morning at work. I do not ginger ale everyday, however there is alway some in the house. It’s always in the cart with grocery/necessity purchases.
Well over 5 yrs ago, I quit soft drinks cold turkey and within 3 months I noticed significant reduction in my mid section and also food tasted better.
I am definitely working up to leaving it again. Not really into “new years resolutions” however, spring is generally my time of re-evalution and instituting change.
LOL – you have other sisters in the struggle – Hold the torch high and don’t give up!