What does the NoFizzUSA challenge mean to me? To someone who lives 65 miles north of Charlotte, and who first gave up soda nearly a decade ago? It means being a part of an amazing network of information, support, and friends. You don’t have to live near Charlotte to appreciate the efforts of NoFizzUSA. The impact goes far beyond that.

My story is complicated. I seem to have struggled with weight and health issues most of my adult life. I was an active kid. I enjoyed being outdoors. I played basketball and tennis, and preferred swimming above all else. Most of that didn’t change as I entered college. I began to dance. I walked or cycled to and from my apartment to campus several times a day. I even ran with roommates weekly in the college gym.

During all of this time, I still consumed soda. A lot of it. I couldn’t remember my life without it, and it seemed to play a pretty significant role. Aside from enjoying it, there seemed to be a sentimental factor. I had emotions tied to SunDrop ice pops made every summer at the campground, or was comforted by a Pepsi with my grandmother. Not being a fan of coffee, I used Mt Dew to get me through all-night study sessions, or Dr. Pepper to help me stay focused during lectures. Even after I was diagnosed with anxiety problems and was told to stop drinking sugary drinks, I still consumed diet caffeine-free sodas in between regular ones. I felt that alternating them was the best way to “cut back”.

During my senior year of college, although I had made no significant lifestyle changes, I began to gain weight. Within months, I gained 15lbs. I never considered soda to be the culprit. However, I decided to give up meat. I thought it would be the most drastic way to cut calories and fat.

I was a strict vegetarian for four years. In that time, I proceeded to gain more weight. I sought the advice of a nutritionist. I knew certainly, something was wrong somewhere. Perhaps I wasn’t getting enough protein or iron in my diet? The very first thing she said to me – and really the only thing she focused on during our three visits – was that I consumed far too many sodas. It was then that I started to incorporate water into my diet and gradually gave up all carbonated drinks.

I can’t say that I haven’t had soda since that day. I have, but I am no longer a fan. They burn my throat and leave a yucky aftertaste in my mouth. I went from choking down one glass of water per day to craving it. I do not like flavor in my water. I prefer ice cold spring water. I drink about 48 ounces of water by noon during the work week, and typically consume a total of about 80-100 ounces per day. If I am not drinking water, I drink organic fat free milk, limiting myself to 16 ounces per day. Occasionally, I treat myself to orange or apple juice. I do not allow myself anything else, and my body doesn’t miss it. I am proof that even a habitual addict can give up sodas, for good!

I’m sure you’re asking why I agreed to participate in this challenge if I’m no longer a soda drinker? Several reasons. My brother, a Charlotte resident and avid Twitter user, introduced me to the first challenge. I was surprised at the personal encouragement he received throughout the 30-day challenge, and was very proud that he quickly adapted to healthier alternatives. His experience motivated me. If anything, I would love to be an advocate… to share my story, to encourage others, and to help spread the information that NoFizzUSA provides. But I would also like to use this opportunity to challenge myself further.

I’m a work in progress. I still struggle with my weight, eating healthy, and exercising. About 4 years ago, I found out that I have a thyroid disorder. I was essentially functioning without a metabolism. I became very tired, very depressed, and very overweight. The active lifestyle I once had was traded for sleep. As medication was prescribed and adjusted, I have been on a physical and emotional roller coaster since.

After several failed diets (which helped me lose weight initially but gain back more than I lost), I have come to realize that permanent change is in order. I need to find a daily workout routine that isn’t drastic. No need to train for a marathon… just begin to walk/jog more on a regular schedule. I need to continue to be educated on good sugars, bad fats, and everything in between. I need guidance. I need motivation. I feel like I will get that with the NoFizzUSA participants. We’re all just trying to make a healthy change.

In conjunction with the NoFizzUSA 30-day challenge, I have accepted the NoHFCS challenge. I plan to spend the next 30 days becoming more aware of High Fructose Corn Syrup (and other alternative sweeteners) in foods, and drastically cutting my consumption until I no longer eat them. I am honored to be a part of NoFizzUSA and look forward to working together to achieve our goals!