You’ve made it to part 4 of The Perils of Soda which tells me that you are serious about giving up the sugary, bubbly concoction.  YAY YOU!!  That is the first and most important step in kicking the soda habit:  making up your mind.

Mindset

As with anything in life, if your head is not in the game, you are bound to struggle and/or fail.  You decided to quit, now commit to it.  That is not to say you are to go cold turkey.  For those extremists out there (yours truly included), completely cutting soda out from day one might be doable.  However, the vast majority of people will not experience success with this method.  I recommend slowly weaning yourself off the soda.

The Weaning Process

Start by decreasing your soda intake by one can per day.  Stay here for about 1-2 weeks.  When your body has acclimated to this new level of intake (read decrease in sugar and caffeine intake), decrease your intake by yet another can for another 1-2 weeks.  If you find this too difficult, try diluting one of your cans per day down with water (half soda/half water).  Continue this pattern until you have completely given up the soda habit.  It’s a process that will take time but is well worth it.

Alternatives

As you go through the weaning process, make sure to replace your soda with other beverages.  The hot summer months are upon us, so try making some iced green tea.  This will give you the caffeine fix your body will be craving as you decrease your soda intake.  It also provides your body with some wonderful antioxidants, so you’re actually doing something good for your body!  If it’s the fizz you’re craving, try sparkling water.  Add some fresh lemon or lime juice and some mint leaves and your taste buds will be happy campers.

Ultimately, you want to be drinking just good ol’ water.  Let’s point out the obvious:  water does not have to be boring!  If it’s flavor you’re after, get yourself a flavor infusion water bottle.  You can change up the flavor as often as you’d like simply by changing the fruits, herbs, or veggies that you add to the infuser.  Check out some of the delicious combos below.

Now that you are armed with a method to kick the soda habit, what are you waiting for?  There’s no time like the present to get started on living a healthier life.  Give it your best effort, and you’ll be happily soda-free and fueling up for a fit life!  Cheers!!