Whether you call it soda, pop, or Coke, we all know it’s not good for you. Whether your vice is regular soda or diet soda, one thing is certain – soda has no nutritional value and can work against you and your body when you are trying to make healthy changes to your diet and lifestyle. So, how does one kick the habit for good? Here are some effective ways to make your transition easier:
TITRATE: Soda is typically filled with caffeine, sugar and/or chemicals (what I like to call ‘non-food’ ingredients), so if your body is used to drinking several sodas a day, then you can rest assured headaches may ensue, if you try quitting cold turkey. Start to kick the habit by cutting back. If you drink 4 sodas a day, drink 3 and substitute that 4th soda for another beverage. Most people fail when trying to quit cold turkey – you know your body best, so do what works for you.
ALTERNATE: Try drinking other beverages in between your sodas.
SWITCH IT UP: Do you like the fizz and bubbliness of soda? Try sparkling water and add lemon, lime, or orange slices to take it up a notch. Or try fruit juice with club soda instead – mix ¼ – ½ cup juice with 1 cup of club soda to give you the fizzy satisfaction you crave, with a healthier more hydrating option. Flavored seltzer waters are all the rage these days, and they seem to have every flavor combination available.
BUT I DON’T LIKE WATER: I used to hate water. In fact, there was a time that I’d prefer to drink nothing instead of water…needless to say, I got a lot of headaches from dehydration. However, in today’s market, there are lots of other water options such as Vitamin Water, Gatorade or Powerade, decaf iced tea, herbal teas, lemonade, juices, and spa water. Go explore the grocery aisles and see what sparks your fancy.
MAKE YOUR OWN SPA WATER: Before you go to bed fill a pitcher with water and add fresh fruit or vegetables to it. Some of my favorites combinations include cucumber & melon, and mint with lime. Note, be sure to peel the citrus prior to letting the it soak in the water overnight, as some peels make the water taste bitter.
WATER ENHANCERS: There are a lot of water enhancers on the market today, and can be found at most grocery stores. And while I do not use them myself, I have many clients that do enjoy them. Common brands include Mio, Sweet Leaf Water Drops, True Lemon, and Stur, just to name a few.
Most importantly, extend yourself some grace. It takes about 6 to 9 months to change your taste buds. Planning ahead and being prepared will help you make your transition a success. Changing diet and lifestyle habits take time, and perfection is never the goal. When you slip, don’t beat yourself up… just make a better choice the next time.
Hope you find this helpful. As always, I’m here for you. If you’d like to talk or ask me specific questions, please click HERE and select a day and time that works best for your schedule 🙂