Why is it so hard for me to give up my soda?

[mominwestlake]

I have been drinking 5 Cokes a day for quite awhile now. I am trying to cut down to 2 a day. It is hard! I want to lose a little weight (5 lbs), set a good example for my kids, and be healthier. Anyone else trying to give up sodas? Can we start a support group? I am trying to drink water instead but I keep thinking about my Coke.

 

[Aisling]

I have been drinking 5 Cokes a day for quite awhile now. I am trying to cut down to 2 a day. It is hard! I want to lose a little weight (5 lbs), set a good example for my kids, and be healthier. Anyone else trying to give up sodas? Can we start a support group? I am trying to drink water instead but I keep thinking about my Coke.

I love my Coke, so I switched to diet Coke. I probably drink the same amount as you do. I wish I cold drink more water, too, but Coke wins.

 

[katiebelle21]

I have been trying to cut back on how much pop I drink too. It is sooo hard! I hate that I am so attached to it.

 

[jlewisinsyr]

Try at least switching to Coke Zero or Pepsi Max first.

 

[swanmom]

I switched to carbonated water. Quenched my thirst and much healthier. Later, it wasn't so difficult to switch to regular bottled water. Hope this helps. It's a hard habit to break.

 

[Magix]

It's hard because you're addicted. Addicted to the caffeine and the sugar. Trust me, I've been through it. Many years ago, I got to the point where I was drinking a 6 pack of Dr Pepper a day and getting really angry when I ran out. I tried giving it up once and just drinking iced tea for my caffeine, but it didn't work. Second time, I gave up cold turkey and went to water as my main drink. I've stuck to that now for, gosh I don't know, probably something like 15 years.

You first get headaches while your body adjusts to the lack of caffeine. You'll be more tired, too, because you're not so wired up on caffeine and sugar. But, you're better off. Eventually, water becomes the first drink you reach for when you're thirsty or dehydrated. All the sugar in sodas and juices will seem a little too much for regular refreshment. I do still drink juices and caffeine free sodas (I do love root beer), but they are an occasional luxury and not a primary beverage by any means. It's hard to kick the habit at first, but it doesn't take long for healthier drinks to become the new habit.

But, every now and then, Dr Pepper still calls my name and it's still hard to resist.

 

[AKL_Megs]

I gave up Coke for Lent, and I really want to cut it out of my diet pretty much all together. I will probably stick to Coke on the weekends only.

I am really enjoying water lately.

It is SO good with a splash of orange juice, apple juice, or Crystal Light. I also add lemon juice, and I am going to try cucumber this weekend, recommended by a friend.

 

[Robinrs]

caffeine.http://www.usnews.com/health/diet-fitness/articles/2009/06/25/6-signs-of-caffeine-addiction.html

 

[Desnik]

I tried to give up my soda too. Pepsi is what I drink and I drank it a lot! I just couldn't give it up no matter how hard I tried! So I figured instead of stopping completely I cut down drastically. I am now down to one 100 calorie can of Pepsi a day!! That's good enough for me!!

 

[Handbag Lady]

I gave up Coke for Lent, and I really want to cut it out of my diet pretty much all together. I will probably stick to Coke on the weekends only.

I am really enjoying water lately.

It is SO good with a splash of orange juice, apple juice, or Crystal Light. I also add lemon juice, and I am going to try cucumber this weekend, recommended by a friend.

Also, try cucumber and oranges together. The spa I go to does this and it is really refreshing.

 

[dancin'girl]

I'm addicted to Coke, too. I limit myself to just one can a day, but by afternoon, I have to have that can! One of these days I'll switch to just water, but for now it's my guilty pleasure!

 

[disneyismyname]

I would love to stop drinking diet pop! I usually drink a can during lunch and dinner and try to stick with water for the rest of the day but it can be hard. I'd like to give up over eating! That's my problem!

 

[Planogirl]

I drink Coke Zero and have no plans to give it up. I usually just drink a small glass a day though.

 

[damren]

Just keep trying, you can do it!!!

We all used to drink coke and now I can't stand the taste. DH still likes it but only drinks it if we go out and then not always.
We went cold turkey and stopped buying it, although I think DH was buying little ones and drinking them in his truck!

 

[MelanieC]

Don't switch to diet, it's worse than regular soda (unless your a diabetic).

I agree with the soda/seltzer water. Get it plain, it's bubbly and gives you that I'm drinking something other than water.

I'd start slowly to avoid withdrawls. Start with 1/2 cup less. Try that till you feel ok with it. Then go down to 1 cup less, again till you are comfortable with it. Just keep weaning your self off it.

You could add the selzer water by replacing this 1/2 cup a day. Or even try regular water. I pretty much drink only water, unsweetened ice tea when out to dinner and occasionally I'll have seltzer water. I don't drink any soda and haven't for years.

 

[surfergirl602]

I have been drinking 5 Cokes a day for quite awhile now. I am trying to cut down to 2 a day. It is hard! I want to lose a little weight (5 lbs), set a good example for my kids, and be healthier. Anyone else trying to give up sodas? Can we start a support group? I am trying to drink water instead but I keep thinking about my Coke.

Its the sugar and caffeine that your body is craving. Try popping in a piece of gum when you have the urge for a soda. That helped me tremendously and now I only splurge and have one if we are out somewhere, like at dinner. Its a treat.

 

[DVC-Don]

I gave up all carbonated beverages when I had surgery to remove a foot of my large intestine.

 

[LindaG4458]

I LOVE regular Pepsi, but because of high blood sugar had to switch to diet Coke (like the taste better than diet Pepsi). It was very difficult but I managed to do it about four years ago.

Now my doctor tells me that diet soda contributes to osteoporosis and wants me to give that up, too. I really resent it. I have cut back a little but not as much as she would like. We have added additional vitamin D and magnesium to my supplements because I won't give it up entirely.

The bottled water with lemon flavor and sweetened with Splenda is good when it is very cold.

 

[PollyannaMom]

it will boost your will-power.

My 9-year-old and I both gave up soda for Lent. He's been sticking to it, so I can't very well cheat! It's definitely been a motivator.

I also think the gum idea someone mentioned sounds smart.

 

[GeorgeG]

It's absolutely an addiction. Mine is Diet Coke and I drink at least five a day from the moment I get up in the morning. I've tried to quit or just cut back, but I don't drink much else other than an occasional beer and I don't want to start drinking that on a regular basis. My wife actually wishes I'd drink a little more beer and less Diet Coke. Hmmm... I'm thinking Rose and Crown and Beirgarten...