(That probably wouldn’t work out anyway.) “Making drastic changes is not an effective way to create sustainable behavioral changes,” says dietitian Mascha Davis, RDN, author of the upcoming book Eat Your Vitamins. Good news! You don’t have to wake up tomorrow and vow to never have soda again. Ready to give the syrupy-sweet habit the boot? Just follow these dietitian-backed tips. So what is the best way to stop drinking soda? Not to mention, research has linked consuming artificial sweeteners with an increased risk of stroke, depression, and belly fat. Not exactly the outcome you’re going for. While they may have less of an effect on your blood sugar, that sweetness overload still makes you crave more sugar, she says. Sugar addiction is real and overcoming it can be a challenge.“Some artificial sweeteners are hundreds of times sweeter than table sugar,” says Feller. If you’re struggling with a soda or energy drink habit, know that you’re not alone. Is it a late afternoon at the office, while eating lunch at a restaurant or when you’re eating a salty snack?While you may not be able to avoid every scenario, learn to recognize these triggers so you can start making healthier choices. Pay attention to the place or situation surrounding you when you start craving soda. Research shows that the more caffeine we consume, the more we crave sweet treats,leading us to drink more soda and other sugary drinks - many of which contain more caffeine. You may find that you begin consuming fewer sugary drinks without even thinking about it. If you’re trying to wean yourself off soda,start by buying the caffeine-free version of your favorite beverage. Try avoiding club soda, as it contains added sodium. You can purchase seltzer water by the bottle, or you can make your own at home using a device such as a Soda Stream. Try seltzer water with a splash of fruit juice or fresh fruit. If it’s the fizz you miss most, treat yourself to the bubbles without the unnecessary sugar. It can also help to carry a bottle of water or travel cup filled with ice water with you wherever you go. If that’s still not the case,reconsider whether the sugar and calories are truly worth it before taking a sip. You’ll likely find the water quenches your thirst and beats back your craving. When the craving for a soda or an energy drink hits, drink a large glass of ice water. If you want more of a flavor kick, try infusing your tea and water with fresh fruit such as lemon or berries. Unsweetened tea or black coffee can give you the caffeine you need to wake up in the morning, or to sustain you through a long afternoon, without the carbonation or sugar to which you’ve become addicted. Mix it with water.īy diluting each soda or energy drink with a half-serving of water, you’ll help increase your hydration while cutting back on the sweetness and caffeine that may have you coming back to these beverages.Doing so will also alter your palate and reduce your cravings. Instead, wean yourself slowly, gradually decreasing the amount of soda or energy drinks you consume on a weekly basis. While this approach may work for some, quitting cold turkey does not typically lead to sustainable change. You may be eating well, but if you’re downing a soda or two a day, you’re probably not realizing the full effects of your otherwise healthy diet. You may be counting the calories in the food you eat, but what about in what you drink? Doing the latter will help you realize just how many calories you’re actually consuming - and the extent to which these drinks impact your daily calorie intake. If you’re ready to stop drinking soda or energy drinks, here are eight tips to help you cut back. Many people who drink soda and energy drinks have become addicted to the sugar, carbonated fizz and caffeine jolt they deliver. Even diet soda can lead to weight gain and contribute to both tooth and bone decay.īreaking the soda and energy drink habit isn’t necessarily easy, either. It also leads to the accumulation of belly fat and can cause insulin resistance. Their high sugar content doesn’t only leave you feeling less than full, however. The satisfaction they offer is temporary. Soda and energy drinks are empty calories. Soda and energy drinks may give you the boost you feel you need to get through the day, but,unfortunately, there is no nutritional benefit to consuming these sugary beverages.
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