How to Get Rid of Your Soda Addiction
In today’s immediately gratifying world, it is not that difficult to get hooked on one thing or another, which is precisely why so many unsuspecting people are now finding themselves battling a soda addiction.
Sure, pops and sodas can be quite yummy, but they can also have some pretty detrimental side effects. Just take a look at any of the latest fitness and health publications; you will see exactly how unhealthy sodas can be. And, if you are trying to lose weight, drinking sugary beverages like soda can make it a lot harder to achieve your goals, so that is another reason to overcome your soda addiction as soon as possible.
What steps should you take to break free of your soda addiction? Well, you can start with the tips that we have compiled for you below. Just keep in mind that breaking any habit begins with educating yourself on the problem and then finding creatively effective ways of stopping the pattern. Then, once you have a better understanding of your addiction, and why you are addicted to something in the first place, you can implement the steps necessary to change your habits for the better.
Recognize the Problem
First, you need to take inventory of your soda addiction issue to find out just how far off the radar of healthy living you truly are. There is no recommended amount of soda that you should be drinking because soda is not usually something that is seen as a healthy diet option; however, it can be enjoyed in moderation. If you have an addiction to sodas, then even a few can land you in trouble, eventually. Knowing the amount of soda you consume on a daily basis can ultimately help you realize how much work you have to do to break the habit.
Get Rid of Temptation
Next, you will have to do what you can do empty your surroundings of the temptations altogether. It won’t matter whether or not you understand your soda addiction problem when you have your kryptonite staring you in the face on a daily basis. Clear your kitchen, pantry, and office space of this tasty yet unhealthy beverage option so that you will have a much easier time breaking your pesky soda addiction once and for all.
Find Your Fix Elsewhere
A lot of people continue to drink sodas long after they know better because they are in need of a caffeine fix. By doing so, they run the risk of developing an array of different health problems, which is why substitution is such a great option. Try drinking tea instead of soda or fortifying your water with an energy supplement (preferably one that has extra vitamins). This is a great way to get your caffeine fix without succumbing to the temptation that might befall you despite your best efforts.
Other Strategies That You Can Try
According to Oprah, there are other strategies that you can try as you work on freeing yourself from this unhealthy addiction. Those steps include:
- Switching to diet soda, and then to soda that is caffeine free, before quitting that as well
- Taking over-the-counter medications, such as ibuprofen, to relieve any headaches that you might experience as a withdrawal symptom from caffeinated soda
- Reducing the amount of soda that you drink gradually, such as one less can every day
- Consuming foods that are high in L-glutamine, such as beans, to help reduce cravings for sugar
- Switching to carbonated water that contains natural flavorings, such as lemon juice
- Giving yourself time, such as four weeks, to overcome this addiction step by step, rather than expecting results overnight
Tip: As you save more and more money because you aren’t spending it on buying a lot of soda, find a way to reward yourself with something that isn’t related to food or drinks.
Do Your Best, and You’ll Get Great Results!
Quitting a soda addiction can be challenging, especially if you have been drinking a lot of soda for a very long time. But, if you keep in mind that soda is bad for your health, and that it causes you to gain weight, you might find it easier to maintain your focus and motivation. And, if you take gradual steps, rather than attempting to quit cold turkey, you might also increase the odds that you will be able to get rid of your soda addiction for good without feeling deprived along the way. Then, once you are finally free of this addiction, you will undoubtedly feel so much better, and you won’t ever want to go back to having high-sugar drinks.
