How I’m Surviving With No Soda

I’m now starting my third week with no soda. (With one stupid slip-up).

I’m feeling great, but it hasn’t been easy. There have been some days where I just really, really wanted a Diet Coke… but I resisted.

My addiction to pop doesn’t even have anything to do with caffeine – I’ve been drinking caffeine-free pop for more than a year. I just really love the bubbly, artificially flavored beverage.

I’ve learned a few things so far – and one of them is to surround yourself with supportive people. Friends, family and some dear, sweet readers have sent me e-mails of encouragement and ideas.

One reader had this to say:

“Although diet [soda] seems to be better; it’s not. You will go through withdrawl like anything else a person is addicted to but once you get past that point you will be okay. I never thought my daughter would do it, but if she can – you can. Don’t try to taper off. Your cravings will still be there. If you slip, don’t beat yourself up just strive to do better. Impossible to avoid it, but stay away from the soda aisle.”

This was definitely true for me. Once I’d gotten away from the caffeine, I knew I would have to go cold turkey. I had one slip-up, but I just shook it off and moved on. I am now making my husband buy his own pop!

Another friend reminded me to refocus my attitude… I shouldn’t look at pop as something I can’t have, but rather, something that I don’t want. I found changing my thinking about soda in this way to be very helpful.

A few other things I’ve noticed since I’ve given up soda:

I’m eating a little better. One of my favorite pairings is chocolate and Diet Coke. Without the Diet Coke, the chocolate just isn’t the same. I’m finding that I’m eating things that go better with water (like fruits and vegetables (gasp!).

I’m feeling a little better. Not as much gnawing in my stomach when I’m stressed out.

I don’t miss buying pop. It’s spendy and it’s a pain in the rear to carry, store, refrigerate, recycle, etc.

I need something to spruce up my water. I have a hard time with plain water. A little lemon or other flavoring (like Crystal Light, which I am using very, very sparingly) helps with the transition.

It’s good to have a plan when you are out and about. I bring a reusable water bottle with me in the car, and I try to think more about my beverage choices when I’m at a restaurant.

I feel pretty confident that going soda-free is a positive change I’ll be able to stick with in my life.

How is the challenge going for you?