When craving soda, what do you reach for besides water?

Maybe try a flavored sparkling water?

If you're not opposed to caffeine, tea or coffee. There are non caffeine ones too of course!!

I hate to say this, but I am addicted to soda. I have cut down to 1 a day and just went 4 days without one. But I craved it and it would drive me nuts. I do not drink diet sodas, yuck! How does everyone replace soda, I know everyone will say water. I drink about 10 glasses of water a day but it still does not give me that satisfaction of a good cold Coca-Cola.

I used to drink soda all the time, I grew up with my dad working for Coke so we always had it in the house. To me, there is nothing more delicious than an ice cold Coke, I'm with you on that one.

Do yourself a favor and look up nutrition facts and what soda actually contains and does to your body. It harms you in more ways than just additional calories and sugar. Sure you can jog off the calories in a can of coke but you can't reverse the detrimental effects it has on your overall health and INTERNAL organs.

If you HAVE to have a soda, I would recommend you start drinking throwbacks or something with real sugar at least. That high fructose crap is for the birds!

That is what helped me kick the habit, hope it helps!

I hate to say this, but I am addicted to soda. I have cut down to 1 a day and just went 4 days without one. But I craved it and it would drive me nuts. I do not drink diet sodas, yuck! How does everyone replace soda, I know everyone will say water. I drink about 10 glasses of water a day but it still does not give me that satisfaction of a good cold Coca-Cola.

No matter how much you crave it, eliminate it COMPLETELY for a few months. Then, and only then, allow yourself 1 20 oz soda/pop every 1-2 weeks. Seriously. That stuff is horrible for us...and it's probably sabotaging you more than you think. Even the diet soda/pop has horrible ingredients in it.

From that response, would you believe I used to live on soda/pop? I drank nothing but Mt Dew for 10+ yrs...I quit cold turkey June 2012 and could not be happier I did. I do still have one...usually 1-2 servings a month! Amazing! You can do this too! It's the only way to get out of this horrible cycle.

What helped me...is there one type of soda you live off of? Quit drinking that and switch to a less enjoyable soda or caffeinated beverage for a week. Then, cut it off entirely. Eat gum. Learn to love water. That crap ruins your teeth...and some of it's made with fire retardant. Yum.

I also drank a lot of soda. When my 4 year old started drinking too much soda, we decided to stop buying and only allow when dining out. I had read several studies linking artificial sodas to increased sugar cravings. So, I switched to regular coke only. I also tried to reduce a lot of sweets from my diet for several weeks (including in my coffee). I found that I did stop craving as much sugar, was able to start drinking coffee black, etc.). I still have sugar cravings, and I usually allow myself 50-150 calories a day for a treat. So, if I want a Coke, I have a coke (just one). But, usually I turn to low fat ice cream or cookies instead . This was a gradual process for me, and not forced. It sounds like you are on the right track.

I can't beieve so many of you are suggesting artificial sweeteners as the substitute. So many studies have determined that people who drink diet pop are more often overweight than those who don't.

Artificial Sweeteners INCREASE Your Risk of Obesity

"Contrary to popular belief, research has shown that artificial sweeteners can stimulate your appetite, increase carbohydrate cravings, and stimulate fat storage and weight gain. In fact, diet sodas may actually double your risk of obesity!"
http://www.lewrockwell.com/2011/04/joseph-mercola/artificial-sweeteners-encourage-weight-gain/

This is why I would rather have a regular soda. I stay away from anything is Aspartame in the ingredient list.

Have your regular soda, and remember to drink in moderation
What I suggest is find a place that sells Coca-cola from Mexico (they use real sugar instead of high fructose corn syrup, or if you are flexible get Pepsi throw-back, which is available more frequently, and is the same case.

I'm drinking a freezing cold Coke Zero right now (this & Diet Coke... I prefer the taste to regular Coke). It's my first one in about a month.

I usually have a cup of rooibos (plain) around this time, but tonight I wanted Coke since it's hot.

Aspartame, at that level of moderation, is fine. Bloody hell, even lead at that level of moderation is fine.

The rest of the time I drink water, lemon & lime water, fruit juice, coffee (black), or a variety of teas (from green with ginseng to camomile and apple).

I've also heard of people drinking water with dissolved packets of vegetarian sugar-free jelly powder in it.

Are you craving sweet taste or caffeine?

Figure out what exactly you're craving and it's easier to determine an alternative. Obviously plain water won't provide either of those options.

Good advice - I am trying to cut down on diet sodas because of the chemicals. For a real kick in the pants, I get a ginger beer and pour half of a regular soda can over ice. It is not sweet like ginger ale, it is quite strong tasting on it's own, so dilute it.

I can't beieve so many of you are suggesting artificial sweeteners as the substitute. So many studies have determined that people who drink diet pop are more often overweight than those who don't.

Artificial Sweeteners INCREASE Your Risk of Obesity

"Contrary to popular belief, research has shown that artificial sweeteners can stimulate your appetite, increase carbohydrate cravings, and stimulate fat storage and weight gain. In fact, diet sodas may actually double your risk of obesity!"
http://www.lewrockwell.com/2011/04/joseph-mercola/artificial-sweeteners-encourage-weight-gain/

Even if you're counting your Calories and staying at or under your Calorie goal?

Oh, I just saw it was from Mercola. That explains it.

I love soda and giving up Diet Coke has been especially hard. I have started to drink sparkling water with natural flavors and Dry Cucumber soda. Oogave is good also.

Why give up Diet Coke? You don't need to.

I used to drink Cokes (diet or regular) by the truckload. I had one in my hand all day long, every day- the same way some people do with bottled water.

I realized it wasn't healthy, it was extremely expensive, and a PITA carrying all those sodas home or to work.

So about 3 years ago, I quit "cold turkey."

I missed them for I'd say the first couple of months- but since I didn't keep them in the house, and I didn't bring coins or dollar bills to work, I just didn't have easy access to them, which helped a ton.

Now, I rarely even think about soda and I've probably saved enough money to buy a new 90 inch flat screen TV.

I just wish kicking beer, pizza and burgers was as easy

I love Diet Dr. Pepper and drink roughly one can a day. If there isn't a diet one you like, you can still have a regular soda as long as you fit it into your calorie goals. I suppose you could get some of those little half-size cans as a means of portion control, too.

I def reach for a pellegrino, or flavored carbonated water. I am the same way OBSESSED with coke.

I just let myself have a coke zero or diet soda. I just make sure I get in all my water for the day also