Are you a soda drinker? I’ll admit that I enjoy a good fizzing drink now and then but it can turn into a bit of a problem for me. It’s an addiction. I want to help you break the soda addiction for good!
Does soda have a place in a plant-based diet? I don’t think it does, at least not a big place.
3 Tips to Break the Soda Addiction
If you find yourself drinking soda after soda I have news for you! Now it’s time to break that soda addiction. I’m not saying never have another drink of soda but don’t let it be in control. If you have to have it to get through your day then it is an addiction.
Deal with the Real Problem
I used to jump on the soda bandwagon while on long trips. Soda is convenient and you can find it everywhere. Plus it is a socially acceptable way to cope with your problems. People will often reach for soda when stressed or frustrated.
During those stressful times when I’m tempted to “chase away” the problem with food or drink I literally say out loud, “I know this soda, coffee, chocolate, etc. (fill in your blank) wont take away this situation but I’m choosing to have it anyway.” For some reason I feel like addressing it out loud helps me gain perspective and make a better choice.
Eat Well
As I mentioned in the previous point some people replace (or supplement) meals with soda. While soda will contribute quite a few calories it will not provide any nutrition. I’ve found that when I eat well I don’t want to screw that up by drinking soda. On our road trips we don’t eat as well as we do at home, eating poorly seems to go hand in hand with soda consumption. Soda doesn’t sound as appetizing after a day of healthy eating.
Pull a Switcheroo
The biggest thing I do when getting off of soda is switch to sparkling water. I love the “burn” I get from sparkling or carbonated water. Sometimes I’ll add lime. Sparkling water can get expensive (as can soda) but I usually stick to the store brands. I don’t drink it constantly but will enjoy it for a few days while I’m kicking the habit. There are other brands too that are made with better ingredients. My husband likes Zevia Soda, it is sweetened from stevia. It could get expensive if you had a big soda habit but I think you are better off using it to break the habit then enjoy it as an occasional treat.
Do you have a soda/coffee/chocolate/etc. problem? How do you deal with it?
For more great tips visit my Tips for Plant-Based Living Pinterest Board!
I am thankfully not a carbonated drinker – never liked it overall (leaves me bloated) but my addiction is coffee. I am OK with that one 😉
I haven’t given up coffee either but I am trying to shy away from using sugar, or at least as much sugar as normal. The type of coffee makes a big difference in the amount of sugar I need too.
I haven’t drank soda in years, with the exception of sprite if I happen to be sick or feel queasy, which I can’t remember the last time that was. Sprite really settles my stomach. Good for you for trying and giving out these tips 🙂
Coke settles my stomach but I never liked Sprite or 7 Up. I don’t really enjoy soda as much as I used to. It doesn’t taste as good as I remember.
Thank you for your honesty and authentic self. Many of the issues you’ve mentioned are the same I struggle with since we ve begun eating a healthier menu.
Thank you Shelly, I appreciate your encouragement! I’ve really been missing soda too. I take that as a sign that it had become too big of a thing, maybe even an idol in my life. I’m glad to be free of it, on a journey toward freedom at least.
I love your vulnerability
and I appreciate that you don’t let what anyone else thinks change what you write!
Valerie, Thank you! You are a constant supporter and I really appreciate you! I was telling a friend about you yesterday. I wish we lived closer!
I just found your website and I’m so excited to follow it! I used to drink a lot of diet soda (I’m vegan too). And I have found that I feel so much better without. Since I rarely drink it now, it actually now tastes funky to me. Like a very strange after taste when you go without it. However, I definitely have a coffee love. I’ll go weeks where I have soy lattes and/or coffee daily and then I’ll try to cut back. This week I’ve had a few lattes, but all decaf and lots of decaf tea. I’m not a soda person so thankgoodness there!
Hi Emily! I think soda tastes weird after going without too! I have been resisting the temptation all week. I have had plenty of coffee including 3 latte’s which is way more than my average. I usually only get 1 a week at most. I usually make 1 cup of coffee every morning but I don’t always drink it all. I followed you on Pinterest, twitter and FB btw!