Well, I survived the 30 Days With No Soda Challenge.

And I must admit, the month was not soda-free as planned.  On two occasions, I slipped up and drank a pop without thinking.  Sometimes doing things on auto pilot isn’t a great idea!  On the third occasion, I just really, really wanted a soda, and I was at a fast food restaurant with the kids and getting a water would have been an extra hassle, and well, I just really, really wanted it.

But three sodas in 30 days is not too shabby.  Here’s what I learned from the experience:

Mind over matter.  Ninety-nine percent of my soda addiction is all in my head.  I’m finally able to tell myself that I don’t want a soda and truly mean it.

Not buying soda saves money.  I estimate that I saved about $30 by not buying soda in September.  This number is actually probably a little low since I normally buy a soda at restaurants and I didn’t this month. (And restaurant sodas are ridiculously overpriced!)

Not buying soda saves energy.  I didn’t ponder the Sunday fliers trying to find pop on sale, I didn’t have to lug the cases of pop around the store, out to the car, and put it in the fridge. I didn’t have to recycle my cans (okay, my hubby always did that anyway, but, still….)

Drinking less soda made me feel better.  My stomach felt better and my mood felt better.  I just feel healthier overall.

I lost weight.  I was only drinking caffeine-free, diet soda when I took this challenge, and yet, I still lost two pounds and kept it off.  I don’t crave as many sugary snacks when I’m not drinking soda. Just imagine what I could do if I really tried to lose weight!

So does this mean I’m giving up the fizzy drink forever?  No.  I’ve decided that it is far too risky for me to have soda in the house (my husband still drinks soda, but he’s been buying stuff I don’t like), but I will allow myself the occasional soda at restaurants and other outings.

I learned that sometimes saving money doesn’t have to be an all or nothing kind of thing.  I can enjoy the occasional soda just as I can enjoy an occasional shopping trip.  The key is moderation!

How did you do on the 30 Days of No Soda Challenge?  Share your stories!