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How to Kick Your Soda Habit?
Why quitting soda is hard but worth it
Like any habit, it didn’t start all at once: One thing led to another over the years and all of a sudden you can’t go a day without a Diet Coke or your afternoon Mountain Dew. Soda is sneaky that way. And while you may think a daily soda habit is harmless compared to smoking or heavy drinking, the health consequences can add up. Kicking your soda habit can help you lose weight, is better for your teeth, helps maintain bone health, and is better for your heart. Here are our tips for cutting soda:
Replace with water: Meet water, your new best friend. Keep a bottle of water handy at all times and when the soda cravings hit, quench them with water. It’s not the same, but eventually you’ll wonder how you ever did without your 8 glasses a day.
Replace the fizz with sparkling water: If it’s the fizz you miss, don’t worry. Sparkling water is a fun and fizzy alternative to sticky soda. Your teeth will thank you for making the switch, while your tongue might never be the wiser.
Replace the caffeine with coffee or tea: If caffeine is what makes you a soda junkie, find a better source of it. Coffee and tea are healthier alternatives and can keep you just as alert and on top of your day.
Don’t go cold turkey: Ease out of your soda habit a few ounces at a time. After a few weeks, you’ll wonder why you were ever so dependent on the stuff.
Do go cold turkey: Maybe you’re the type to rip the bandage off quickly. If this works for you, great! Set yourself up for success by choosing a date to quit, psyching yourself up for it, and then committing to it when the day comes.
However you decide to quit or reduce your soda intake, you can be confident knowing you’re doing a good thing for your long-term health. You’ll feel better, look better, and your body will thank you.
Looking for help making healthy choices in your life? Talk to a Howard Memorial Hospital primary care provider today. Call 870-845-6060 for an appointment.
