Why did you take the NoFizzUSA challenge?
I was tired of feeling terrible and having awful skin. I made the link between drinking unhealthy sodas and sugary drinks with my eating of unhealthy and fatty foods, which was at the root of my constant breakouts. A fantastic side effect of not drinking soda means I don’t want fast food as much because I don’t crave salty/sweet like I once did.

I suffer from Interstitial Cystitis (IC), which is aggravated by caffeine AND artificial dyes and sugars. I shouldn’t have been drinking soda anyways, so when I noticed I wasn’t feeling well in that arena, I realized it was time to get back in gear and do what is right for my body once and for all.

What did you notice about your health (and health awareness) during the challenge?
There’s HFCS (high fructose corn syrup) in basically everything, which is scary and concerning. I found it in my toothpaste, my chewable vitamins, potato chips and even my mustard!

Once I started really looking at labels my awareness of the garbage I and others are putting in our bodies at such a level dramatically increased.

What was the most difficult part of the challenge for you?
The many trips to the restroom and constant thirsty feeling for the first 10 days! I also found it really hard to break the behavioral habits I started noticing I had like sipping soda independent of a meal, picking up soda as part of my regular shopping rounds at the grocery store right after the paper products, offering people soda at my home when I welcome them in, etc.

What were some of your own health benefits of drinking more water, and avoiding soda?
My skin got better, my attitude improved and I lost 8 pounds almost immediately! My bladder is also far less angry, which is wonderful! My urologist is much happier, too.

How did NoFizz America help and encourage you throughout the challenge?
The accountability aspect of NoFizz America is what keeps me encouraged and motivated. I regularly talk with other NoFizzers and the idea of having to fess up in a public forum is pretty darn good motivation not to take that one teeny sip of soda, and help others choose water.

What would you recommend for people who are about to take on the challenge themselves?
Don’t be too hard on yourself and, if you do slip & have some soda, don’t beat yourself up. HFCS is a helluva drug and there is indeed a withdrawal after you stop consuming it (and/or regular sugar) all the time. Tapering off, as opposed to cutting of completely and finally, worked well for me.

What was your favorite part of the challenge?
60 for 60 [The NoFizz America 60-Day Challenge, which took place in October and November of 2010]. It really took my NoFizz experience to the next level and helped me set routines that set me up to succeed long term.

Are you a NoFizz-er for life? Will you go back to soda, or will you drink more water and less soda?
I allow myself to drink soda if I really crave it, but I found some really fantastic ways to liven up my water so I just don’t want soda as much anymore. I do drink flavored seltzer water (note: not “zero calorie flavored water.” In my case artificial sweetener is just as bad, if not worse on the body) to reduce my cravings. Also fruit, cucumber, and other additions that are natural in plain water is actually pretty good and gives good variety. It’s way cheaper, too. What’s not to love about that?!?