Tips to Quit the Soda Habit

By Randi Morse

We tend to form a lot of habits without even realizing that we are doing it. How many cups of coffee do you find that you need to drink in the morning, or do you feel compelled to have a cup of coffee as soon as you get home from work? There's a very good chance that your coffee needs may be due to a coffee habit. Soda, for example, is a habit that many people get into and it can be very difficult to stop drinking soda once you have developed a habit.

We all know that soda is bad for us, but it not only tastes amazing, it is extremely refreshing, especially during the hot summer months. That sweetness, that coolness, and that carbonation mix together to create a drink that, for many people, is irresistible. If you are trying to kick your soda habit, here are a few tips that might help.

Don't Quit Cold Turkey

If you're looking to kick the soda habit, you might think that the best way to do it is to quit cold turkey. This technique doesn't generally work for most people. Instead of quitting cold turkey, try slowly cutting back your soda intake. If you usually have three glasses of soda a day, try cutting down to two. Slowly and surely over time you can cut back your soda intake, and by doing it slowly you are less likely to feel deprived.

Replace the Drink

Many people find success in replacing soda with another beverage. Even though this tip didn't work for me, it may be a great option for you. There are tons of chilled, carbonated, fruity beverages available on the market that do not contain the same amount of sugar soda does. Give a few of these a try and see if any of them are able to replace soda in your diet. 

Drinking Water First

Before you reach for a glass of soda, have a glass of water handy. Drink the majority of the water and, if you still want a soda, allow yourself to have one. By filling up on water first you are less likely to drink large amounts of soda. Eventually your brain should come to associate water and soda.

Quitting any habit is difficult, and quitting soda can definitely be a challenge. One of my biggest tricks is that I save it for a treat. Instead of drinking it daily, I save my glass of soda to use as a reward for getting work done. 

To learn more about your health, wellness and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Tulsa, Okla.