For me, the NoFizzUSA Challenge was the first major step in a targeted effort to improve my health, which has resulted in a 50 pound weight loss since September, 2010.

Like everyone else, I know that soda isn’t good for me, but it took those fabulous tweets from NoFizz America to provide specific facts on soda consumption, and motivate me to make a change. After I saw the first tweet, I started to follow NoFizz America, and when I learned the challenge wasn’t limited to the Queen City [Mary Pat lives in Columbia, South Carolina], I signed up immediately.

I began the 60 in 60 Challenge [our 60-day hydration challenge from 2010] back on September 1, 2010, and just a week later, I started a twelve week wellness program offered through my employer, the City of Columbia. During the initial assessment, I didn’t have a lot of positive things to say about my lifestyle. I ate out a lot and didn’t exercise, but I was able to say that I only drank water, even though it had only been one week.

Over the next twelve weeks, I experienced a dramatic change in my lifestyle. I met with a nutritionist once a week and worked out with a personal trainer twice a week. I also got in 30 minutes of exercise each day and added more plant-based foods to my diet. Throughout the process, I faced many challenges, but throughout it all, water was my best friend.

The benefits of water to achieving weight loss and health are almost too many to mention, but for me, plain old tap water:

• Suppresses hunger and helps you stay full longer
• Metabolizes stored fats
• Increases your energy
• Cleanses the body
• Maintains muscle tone

I just completed a second twelve weeks of the wellness program, and with the aid of wonderful water, I’ve lost nearly 50 pounds, lowered my blood pressure, decreased my body fat by 8 percentage points, and lost 10 inches from my hips and waist.

As I start the third twelve week program – my college weight is within sight, I don’t dare stop now – I’ve been told that my progress may slow down. My trainer says that I’m in the “danger zone,” a time when most dieters get frustrated and quit, because results begin to slow down and are more difficult to achieve. The first thing I’m doing to bust through the danger zone? Increasing my water intake! In fact, I’m signing up for the Challenge again for March!

Am I a No-Fizzer for life? You bet I will be, because “no fizz” – and lots of water – have helped me get my life back!