How to quit/wean yourself of pop/soda?

victoriawarkel

I know for me that I was most successfull previously with weight loss when I hadn't had any pop (I'm from MN, get over it) in over a year. The weight seemed to slide off more easily. But at somepoint when things started going downhill I picked up the nasty habbit of drinking the delicious bubbly drink filled with unnecessary caffine. In other words, I am addicted. I have no idea how I did it before, but I can only go maybe two or three days without the sugary drink before I give in.
How did you people do it!? How did I ever do it?

shmerek

Grab a diet version of the same pop or a stevia sweetened bubbly water?

BombshellPhoenix

I drink diet soda. Remember one thing: you lose weight from a calorie deficit. Maybe quitting soda was significant enough to cause you to create that deficit but soda alone was not the culprit.

JeriAnne84

I stopped drinking pop 2 months ago. It was really hard at first. I started out with some headaches and took some advil for those. Those only lasted a couple of days. But then I craved the sugar and the fizz. I allowed myself one poweraide a week and eventually I stopped craving the sugar for it. I still wanted that fizz though. So I got cans of carbonated water. They have some that are flavored with nothing in them. Canada Dry makes some and then there is another brand called La Croix that is really good. I like their lime flavor and LOVE the coconut one. I wouldn't let myself drink a pop no matter how bad I wanted one because I knew how many calories were in just a can, and I rather eat those calories than drink them.

I had a can of Dr. Pepper last Monday. It was my 2 month anniversary for no pop. I only drank it because my boyfriend's mom said we needed one after her mom's funeral (there was no booze in the house). I was so scared I was going to start wanting it all over again, but it actually didn't taste good to me at all. It wasn't refreshing like the carbonated water. The sweet didn't bother me, as really sweet stuff usually doesn't, but it was just MEH to me. Now I have no desire to drink it.

bugaboo_sue

Seltzer water. I am not a fan of soda. I just don't like it. Seltzer gives me the fizz without the added calories and sugar.

elleloch

Hey neighbor (North Dakota, here!) Why don't you try just weaning yourself off soda gradually? It can be REALLY difficult to quit sugar, and caffeine, and with soda it's a double whammy so you will get headaches/withdrawal bad. My husband does. For a week try drinking a bit less each day - like how much do you drink a day? Like for instance if you were doing 3 cans of pop, try just having two and replace the other one with some water. The following week cut back a bit less.

mkdm291

Flavored seltzers are a great substitute!

aledba

I put a stop to my pop/soft drink consumption after reading this in university:
http://www.wnho.net/soft_drinks_hard_facts.pdf

I weaned myself in 3 weeks. The withdrawal headaches were hard; I would never look back.

bidimus

For me it was easy. Soda interferes with my running. Between the sugar and the carbonation I run stronger without it. Google "how does carbonation affect the body" and you'll find all sorts of motivation to quit.

victoriawarkel

I put a stop to my pop/soft drink consumption after reading this in university:
http://www.wnho.net/soft_drinks_hard_facts.pdf

I weaned myself in 3 weeks. The withdrawal headaches were hard; I would never look back.

That's a great read! thanks for sharing

blukitten

I had a similar experience to jerianne84.

I was very addicted to Dr pepper about 10 years ago (I had been drinking all forms of soda's for my whole life, at this time I was 21)-- to where I even kept my own 24 pack in my desk at work and would go through it in about 2-3 days. But I just had to quit cold turkey and not drink anything anymore (I know, its probably the hardest method for most people and not for everyone but worked for me)- even the diet versions because they have aspartame that would trigger migraines for me. I had some headaches at first after stopping it but eventually the cravings and headaches went away.

i still wanted the fizz though so I started drinking Perrier a couple of years ago (a carbonated water) and love it. It gives you the fizz without the calories or added ingredients.

There is some debate on Perrier and it giving people kidney stones because of the calcium in it, but i think like all things-- if you have it in moderation-- it is a good soda/pop replacement

Perrier is a little pricey though- I get mine at Cosco where it is a little cheaper but there are some cheaper versions out there.

I just like the Perrier- they also have flavored versions but I dont really like those

I tried a dr pepper about a year ago and couldnt even drink it-- now the carbonation in it hurt my throat (wierd I know because Perrier has carbonation that doesnt hurt my throat) and it was WAYYY to sweet for me to even stand. Havent touched it again

Good luck!! Hope you find a method that works for you!!

VeryKatie

This is what I did:

1) Become obsessed with hoarding money
2) Track how much is spent on everything
3) Notice how much is spent on junk food
4) Freak out for 2 months and reduce spending extremely - which means not buying any junk food
5) Have boyfriend tell you you're insane
6) Start ignoring budget on purpose to break obsession
7) Have a healthy relationship with both money and junk which you no longer crave after the 2 - 3 months of money freaking-out-ness.

But maybe that's just me hahaha.

jenschroll

I started by drinking sweet tea instead of soda, then half sweet/unsweetened tea, then unsweetened tea only when I dine out. Occasionally, I'll have a Snapple Peach Tea or Celebri Tea Peach Ginger Tea to quell the sweet tooth. Now I don't really miss soda, but this is just what worked for me.

yourfitnessenemy

I have no advice because I am so addicted to Coca Cola. I try to do Coke Zero but it's just not the same.

dawnrguillory

I gave up all sodas over 3 years ago. The progression> Regular soda>diet soda>sweet tea>unsweet tea (with sweeteners)>to finally UNSWEET TEA & water only. The progression took a couple of months, but I have been "off of" regular sodas for over 3 years. I will occasionally have a root beer (but only once every 6 months or so). I make my own tea, so it's actually a money saver too! Best of luck to you!!

changing4life

I did it cold turkey. Just woke up one day and didn't have any soda. When I want a fountain soda (my fave, with lots of ice), I have a plain seltzer instead, either cold in the can or on ice with lime. To me its the perfect substitution. And it's been almost 3 years since I have had a soda.

The added benefit is that I've lost my taste for sweetened beverages, either with sugar or artificial sweeteners. I drink my coffee with only 1/2 & 1/2 (and a very little bit of vanilla creamer) and drink my iced-tea unsweetened.

aledba

I put a stop to my pop/soft drink consumption after reading this in university:
http://www.wnho.net/soft_drinks_hard_facts.pdf

I weaned myself in 3 weeks. The withdrawal headaches were hard; I would never look back.

That's a great read! thanks for sharing

You're welcome! I always find science helpful to assist me in making healthy choices. Best of luck!

AllOutof_Bubblegum

I drink diet soda. Remember one thing: you lose weight from a calorie deficit. Maybe quitting soda was significant enough to cause you to create that deficit but soda alone was not the culprit.

This. Drink the soda if you like it.

zman1313

I used to drink preposterous amounts of soda--probably close to 2 liters a day. Saying that I was addicted would be a HUGE understatement. The day I started my weight loss I bought a root beer on my way home from work. Put it in my cup holder, looked at it, and said "that's it, I'm done, I'm not drinking this." That root beer is still sitting in my fridge and every time I see it, it reminds me of how happy I am that I quit.

I do drink diet coke now. For a while I drank quite a lot of it (I was hooked on the carbonation more than anything I think.) Now, I'm down to 2 cans a day max and hope to ween myself off that completely here soon.

I can say that quitting POP (I'm from MN too, lol) was probably the best thing I ever did for my body and weight loss goals.

RHachicho

As someone who was the same let me tell you some truth. There is no way around a period of discomfort here. Fact is if you are used to full sugar pop diet stuff is going to taste like garbage water. You have to just quit it. But trust me a month or so down the line pick up a bottle of diet pop and drink it. You will be gobsmacked at how sweet it tastes. And never touch full sugar pop again.

hoktauri

I decided to check out the main site after reading that, wow is about all I can say. Just about every bad science piece ever thought up in one place.

Edit: in response to this http://www.wnho.net/soft_drinks_hard_facts.pdf

milliwhitmoreuzoma

Diet versions of soda will get you away from the calories, however, did you know that many sugar replacements act a appetite stimulants? At least that is what my MD and Pharmacist tell me.

I was a diet pepsi addict for about 40 years, YES YEARS. One day I took a drink and it tasted so foul that I couldn't swallow. I don't know what was in that soda that I tried to drink but I quit there and then. Sure I had the usual head ache and a bit of nausea for a few days but then it was clean sailing. I have coaxed a sip from a co worker once or twice but I really can't stand the taste. Find something you enjoy. I now drink decafe raspberry Iced tea , yes it has sugar in it but I calculate that in my calories. For the cooler mornings I enjoy a hot cup of Chai Tea or raspberry hibiscus.

What ever you choose to substitute for your soda, make it enjoyable and dont forget to count the calories and plan.

Milli

thesaraaah

Honestly I never stopped drinking it, I'll still have soda. I cut back drastically though, every time I was thirsty I'd grab a soda. Now I only drink a 12oz can a few times a week. I drink mostly water and unsweetened black tea now because I enjoy the taste and I need caffeine or else my head will explode. If its the caffeine you need try unsweetened tea or black coffee, the taste grows on you. If its the carbonation and sugar you like, you don't NEED to cut it out of your diet to be healthy and lose weight (everything in moderation obviously, sans any health conditions blah etc.)

jamesdeamara

I realized I can't quit entirely, but I have gone down considerably. I used to have four or more in a day, now it is usually one or maybe two if I am celebrating. It just means I get to eat a little less.

Hornsby

I put a stop to my pop/soft drink consumption after reading this in university:
http://www.wnho.net/soft_drinks_hard_facts.pdf

I weaned myself in 3 weeks. The withdrawal headaches were hard; I would never look back.

That's a great read! thanks for sharing

You're welcome! I always find science helpful to assist me in making healthy choices. Best of luck!

Then you are going to need a new article, cause that paper didn't use any kind of sources or anything that I saw.

Serah87

Diet soda and I have lost a few pounds.

formality

I had the same trouble with soda - it's just so nice and fizzy and craveable.

My dad suggested I try a Soda Stream. It lets me make my own carbonated water, which is a BIG part of what I crave with soda. They also make soda-flavoured syrups, and that allows you to control the amount of syrup you use. But I don't use those anymore. I actually make my own syrups using raw honey and fruit/fruit juice, zests, extracts, herbs, etc. It's a lot healthier (though, yes, maybe not quite as healthy as just drinking straight water would be...), and they're very customizable.

Wishing you luck with whatever you try!

Hornsby

I decided to check out the main site after reading that, wow is about all I can say. Just about every bad science piece ever thought up in one place.

Edit: in response to this http://www.wnho.net/soft_drinks_hard_facts.pdf

They are also on quackwatch as well....lol.

seltzermint555

I went from drinking 3-4 cans per day to 1 can per day to 3 cans per week. Then I totally quit drinking it, but I missed it. Now I am back to roughly 3 cans per week, and very happy with that moderate consumption. For me it's a matter of deciding when I REALLY want soda and that's typically with homemade pizza or pasta dishes (red sauce). The rest of the time I don't really even crave it. A lot of people think it's terrible to even drink it occasionally but I see no issue with the occasional can...that's a choice for everyone to make on their own!

elydotap

I never drank water or milk or anything but pop from the time I could make a choice. Nine months ago I gave up my favorite, Coke. I switched to Root Beer...no caffeine. Four months later I quit all carbonated beverages. For me it was a decision based on my weight and health.

Today I don't drink anything but water, tea and rarely coffee. Do I miss it? Yes, but not as much as I did nine months ago or even two months ago. It slowly gets better.

Its all in the mind. Make the decision. Make the commitment.

Good luck!

FindingAmy77

I switched to diet then I decided I can only make one 2liter last me the week, now I buy one diet orange and one sparkling water. mostly I reach for the sparkling water or regular water and try to make that yummy diet orange last for my dinners only. sometimes I add in a crystal light to the sparkling water or some lemons for flavor. depends on how I feel