When NoFizzUSA first popped up in my Twitter stream, I didn’t think much of it. I have never been a big soda drinker (as long as you don’t count my last year of college) and when I have indulged, I’ve always had diet drinks. I figured it was more directed towards Coca-Cola addicts – people who could classify their soda intake as a “problem.” I might have one with my Five Guys burger, or I’d grab a can from a hot dog vendor on Tryon, but that was about it.

Okay, I’d also have a glass or three if I was going out for breakfast – something seemed strangely decadent about having a carbonated drink as I was smearing grape jelly on my diner toast. I signed up just for fun, as a small personal challenge, to be more aware of what I was eating and drinking. I chose to cut out anything with aspartame in its ingredient list.

After a few days in, I started to have some minor cravings. Reading the tweets of other participants comforted me, because some of them were seriously struggling with their decision to give up the bubbly drinks. It felt good to be involved with a group of people all working toward the same goal, even though each person had a different story. We were one team, scattered across the city, all jonesing for bubbles.

The toughest aspect for me was paying such close attention. I found out that the no-calorie fruity drinks I loved so much were full of aspartame. High-Fructose Corn Syrup was at the top of the list of ingredients on a bottle of lemonade. I hadn’t realized that I’d been consuming so much!

For me, it was just like when I found out how chicken nuggets are made; once I knew, I couldn’t put it out of my head, and I wasn’t about to let myself keep eating and drinking things that were so unhealthy for me.

After my first 30 days without any soda, I could feel a difference. I was more content with drinking water, and I began checking food and beverage labels by habit. Also, without any other changes in my diet or exercise routines, I lost two pounds! That alone made it easy to stick to the decision to not drink soda anymore. I’m eating a lot healthier now these days to keep my progress moving.

I’m teaching myself to cook foods I’ve never tried before so that I can add new vitamins and nutrients to my typical intake. I pass on the good word when I get the chance, but most people aren’t interested in entertaining the possibility of a soda-free life until I mention my small weight loss and how it’s changed my perspective on my personal health. I can see it gets their gears turning. It’s worth it!

I love seeing new NoFizzUSA tweets throughout my day and reading other participants’ stories as they crop up. I haven’t had any soda in over two months now, and I have no plans to begin again. I’m not about to be pushy in getting others to give up soda, but I can say that it’s been an overwhelmingly positive experience for me.