How to Stop Drinking Soda

Soda has been linked to weight gain, as it contains a lot of empty calories. Diet soda varieties are also thought to lead to weight gain because the artificial sweeteners that they contain may increase your appetite. Unfortunately, many people have a hard time giving up the beverage. In fact, some individuals are even addicted to drinking soda. Be sure to take these tips into consideration if you are trying to stop drinking soda.

Begin by Reducing Your Daily Soda Intake

Although there are some people who will be able to give up soda by quitting cold turkey, they are far and few between. Most people tend to have an easier time making very small and gradual steps when they are trying to eliminate any food or beverage from their diet.

If you are trying to lose weight by not drinking soda, make an effort to cut down on the amount of soda that you drink. Begin by reducing your daily soda intake. For example, if you normally drink three sodas a day, reduce the amount to one or two. Making gradual changes will make it easier for you to give up soda altogether in the long-run. Reducing your intake can also help you cut out a lot of extra calories and may promote immediate weight loss.

Find an Alternative Beverage for Soda Cravings

Finding an alternative beverage to drink any time you have a soda craving can make the process of giving it up a lot easier. One option which is considered to be similar but is also a healthier alternative is sparkling water, which is carbonated like soda, but does not contain excessive amounts of sugar or sodium. Some individuals may want to consider an even healthier option, however. Green or black tea, soy milk, or flavored water are all thought to be good alternatives to consider.

Allow Yourself to Drink Soda Occasionally

Moderation is an essential key to any diet. While you probably won't want to allow yourself to drink soda on a daily basis, it is important to make exceptions. Drinking soda on special occasions only can be an ideal option for anyone who craves this beverage. If you love soda and don't allow yourself to have it occasionally, chances are that your efforts to give it up long-term may fail.

Giving up soda can be hard to do for some individuals, but it can be very beneficial in the long run. Most people who stop drinking soda will notice that they lose weight within the first one to two weeks. The amount of weight that you lose will ultimately be determined by the amount of soda that you were drinking prior to giving it up. Eliminating the empty calories (or calories with no nutritious value) from your diet will also allow you to replace these calories with healthier beverages or foods.

Source:

WebMD, "How Can I Stop Drinking So Much Soda?"