Tales from a former soda addict…

Soda used to be my beverage of choice. I drank at least 3 or 4 a day – every day. Due to weight issues I mostly drank diet soda, not realizing that it was doing as much, if not more, damage as the sugary ones were on my body. I probably drank more diet soda at that time, since I justified that it was virtually calorie-free.

Back in October of 2009, I decided I had to get the weight off. I don’t remember why, but at that point I decided to forego all soda in favor of water. I knew the health benefits of water, especially when trying to lose or maintain weight. By the time I found NoFizzUSA in 2010, I was nearly a year soda-free. I had also lost over 85 pounds due to better food choices, proper hydration and exercise.

So, why did I take the challenge? It’s a good mental reminder to me to drink enough water throughout the day. I think I heard about NoFizzUSA via Twitter, and I love the links they provide on Twitter and Facebook. It’s so helpful to have the resources like this when I talk to other people about the health issues surrounding soda consumption.

I’ve been participating in the challenges for several months now, and I do struggle some days with getting enough water. But I am so far, so good on avoiding soda. I feel that my skin is clearer and I know that my kidneys function better. One of the hardest challenges for me is the potty breaks! I seem to “go” all the time. But that is a small price to pay for a healthy body!

I am definitely a No-Fizz’er for life! I still sometimes crave a good ol’ Coca Cola, but I think… hey, I’ve not had any of that in my system for almost a year and a half, why would I want to do that now? By the way, I am ecstatic that I have maintained my weight loss for over five months now, in part due to what NoFizzUSA has accomplished.

If you are thinking of taking the challenge, good for you! My only advice is to go at your own pace and do your best. I was very successful at going “cold turkey” and cutting off soda completely, but not everyone can do that. If you can’t, try to drink one or two less sodas a day for a week, and taper off. Don’t beat yourself up if you hit a bump in the road; just don’t give up! You can always start again tomorrow, and you can always succeed by going slowly!

Also, think of all the money you will save not buying soda. Try this: Every time you reach for water instead of a soda, throw a dollar in a jar. At the end of the month, you may have enough money for a nice dinner or a super-cool water bottle!

[Editor's Note: Some of our participants did just that! In October, 2010, Chuck and Michell Jaworski used a financial incentive to stay away from soda for 60 days. Read here to see how they did!]