How to Quit the Soda Habit

I have to admit it, I liked my soda. A Coke a day and I was fine, or so I thought. What I really was, was addicted and didn't know it. Once I made my lifestyle switch to chemical-free, I knew I had to give up soda and I'll be honest with you, it wasn't super easy but it also wasn't that hard. I am happy to report I am soda free today and feel much better! I cringe when I see kids as young as 1 and 2 years old drinking their parents soda. Oh, how I want to stop the madness.

I'll share some steps to kick the habit and the dangers of soda ingredients to motivate you to quit. Soft drinks are a multi-sensory addiction and deep rooted. Each of these steps may take weeks so don't despair and stay with it. You'll know as your taste buds and cravings start to change when it's time to move on to the next step.

There are several things a person has to deal with when leaving the soda world. They are caffeine, sugar, carbonation, flavor, and ice.

• Don't quit cold turkey. Don't be disappointed if you can't quit cold turkey. In fact you shouldn't.
• Switch to the caffeine free soda's since caffeine is an addictive psychoactive drug and stimulant. Go to 7-Up or something similar. This stage may take several weeks. I'll talk about the side effects of caffeine withdrawal later in this article.
• Switch from decaffeinated soda's to sweetened tea drinks. Try to get decaf tea if you can.

At this stage you have beaten the caffeine and carbonation addictions. Let's move on.

• Choose unsweetened teas to decrease your sugar levels. Use Stevia or Agave nectar as substitutes. Do not use Aspartame! Aspartame (NutraSweet/Equal) breaks down into methanol when metabolized, which further breaks down in the human body to formic acid, a mild poison, and formaldehyde, which is a potent nerve toxin.
• Drink only water when you are dining out. Add lemon or lime if you need a pinch of flavor. An added perk is that in these tight financial times, it saves a lot on the pocket book when you don't order it in restaurants or buy it at the store.
  
• Eliminate ice from the water to get used to drinking it at room temperature.

Now you have beat the sugar and ice addiction. You did it. You should be proud of yourself as I know it is a journey. But after you read the next few paragraphs you will understand why it is so unhealthy.

• Caffeine withdrawal symptoms may include headaches, fatigue, mild depression, muscle pain and stiffness, flu-like feelings, nausea and vomiting. Here's the clincher ladies, the more caffeine you consume, the more severe the PMS symptoms can be. And since caffeine dehydrates the skin, you are actually helping your wrinkles along too!
• Consumption of soft drinks and high fructose corn syrup are linked to obesity and diabetes. Just one soda a day promotes weight gain. Remember high fructose corn syrup is artificial, a chemically altered sweetener.
• Calcium, magnesium and phosphorus must exist in the human body in a specific ratio for optimum health. With soft drinks it doesn't. It robs our body of calcium. I taught my children in simplest form "you are peeing out your bones" and they haven't forgot it. In fact, they tell everyone and I just shrug my shoulders and grin. Strong bones are not only important as children grow but just as important as we age.
• The sugar and acid will also wreak havoc on your tooth enamel increasing your chances of tooth decay.

Once you kick the soda habit and if you drink one, you will find it sickeningly sweet and burning and toss it out. I can testify to this. However, like an addiction, it doesn't take much to start up the soda habit again just by forcing yourself to drink one and then the craving starts all over again.

My bet's on you! Kick the habit. You'll be thankful.