So Long Soda: 5 Ways to Wave Soft Drinks Goodbye

Soda, soft drinks, fizzy pop, call it what you will! There’s no denying that it can be bad for your health. From adding inches to your waistline to extra fillings at the dentist, soda is a drink that we can all do without, so if you find yourself drinking it each day then it’s time for a change.

Take it Slowly

If you drink a lot of soda don’t try and go cold turkey from day one. For regular soda drinkers, your body will have become accustomed to the sugary buzz the fizzy stuff gives you. Ween yourself off soda slowly, using a these methods to make you think twice about drinking it.

Combat with Water

Every time you have a craving for soda, pause, think, and drink a large glass of plain old water. Many of us drink soda purely because it the only drink available besides water when we’re thirsty, and lets face it water isn't such an exciting drink… but it can be. Infuse your water with lemon, orange, berries, mint, cucumber or something else that you like the taste of. After your glass of water you should feel hydrated, and the urge to drink soda should subside too.

Calculate the Damage it’s Doing

Living in ignorance might be bliss to some, but knowing exactly what effect drinking soda has on your body and health is a great way to make you think twice about drinking this sugary stuff. A study conducted at the John Hopkins University in 2014 revealed that the average 20 fl oz bottle of soda contains so many calories that it takes almost an hour of jogging to burn off. Think about that before twisting the cap of a bottle of cola.

Switch to Iced Tea

At those occasions like dinner or parties avoid soda altogether and go for iced tea instead. Iced green tea will actually add useful antioxidants to your diet, instead of excess sugar like soda does. You can even substitute iced tea for soda in cocktails, so don’t rely on soda when having a tipple.

Avoid the Triggers

If certain places, occasions, or times of day act as triggers for you to drink soda, then identify them and prepare for them. Perhaps it’s heading off to the vending machine at lunch or grabbing a can from the local store before you hop on the bus. Have a substitute in place to fill this craving and you’ll soon be able to break the routine.