Soda Substitutes

Soda Substitute?

The soda industry should have to carry a warning label on their product as cigarettes do. I never knew when I began drinking soda that it was so addictive, let alone expensive. I started drinking soda as a teen, being a waitress hitting the fountain was no big deal. Now that I have grown, I realize that I have become obsessed. I researched only to find out how bad it is for me. I remain four cases a week addicted, looking for a way out. Yes, I have cut back only to come back drinking more than I did in the past. Any suggestions are welcomed.
V.

Sweet and Fizzy Treat

Try drinking carbonated water. It is sweet and fizzy without the caffeine. It is less expensive at about 59 cents for a one-liter bottle. We give this to my nephew instead of soda, and he loves it.
T.S.

Start with a Realistic Goal

Having a goal in mind, try to cut back slowly at first. Eliminate the first or the last soda of the day. I seem to remember Gary (dollar stretcher editor) speaking of this. You must have a realistic goal.

Also, you may want to try decaffeinated beverages or perhaps switch to lemon iced tea. By doing this, you may be able to quench your thirst without all of the sugar and caffeine. I had a terrible soda habit, until I switched to tea. I like mine with caffeine and hot. But decaffeinated tea is surely better for you. Lemon water is another great beverage, as it cleanses the palate.

Another idea may be to add a great deal of ice to the soda. Let the ice melt and then force yourself to drink the ice water before you reach for another soda. It's the weaning method, so to speak.
Heather in Newnan, GA

Give Crystal Light a Try

I know it's not "fizzy," but if you haven't tried any of the many flavors of Crystal Light, I suggest that you give them a try as they're really wonderful! You can make the "batch" with about half the amount of regular water and then fill your glass the rest of the way with carbonated water.

If you're concerned about the sugar, there is no sugar in Crystal Light. If you're concerned with sodium, there is low-sodium carbonated water available. Otherwise, another alternative is homemade lemonade. You can use whatever sweetener you want, the flavor is always great, and I can't think of a single thing that lemonade doesn't go well with!
Sherry

Worked for Me!

These suggestions have worked for me.

1. Remove all soda from your home and workplace.
   
   
2. Drink plenty of tap water. Flavor it, if you wish, with a squirt of lemon. Always keep some in the refrigerator (stored in a glass container is best).
   
   
3. For a treat, buy carbonated water. Some of that is flavored as well. Seltzer water is good.
   
   
4. Always order water in restaurants.
   
   
5. I used to drink a lot of iced tea in place of soda. But this carriers its own set of problems.

Persistence pays off. After a few weeks, you will notice the difference in how you feel without all that sugar or sugar substitute. Also, the other ingredients don't do anything to help you either.

You will also notice a very nice amount of money left in your wallet from this positive change. Try it. You will succeed with the substitutions and wonder why you ever drank soda in the first place.
Barbara

Addicted to Convenience

The most addictive thing about soda is the convenience. I also was addicted to soda. I finally bought a 48-ounce insulated cup and keep ice in it all day. I keep refilling it with water. When I'm not drinking from it, I keep it in the refrigerator. Since it's so large I'm not constantly making trips to the faucet. If it gets too warm, I can always add more ice.
Adrienne

Get the "Feel"

I have a friend who doesn't drink soda. Instead, she mixes a fruit juice with carbonated water or soda water. I do this for my children, since they are small. By doing this, you get the "feel" of a carbonated beverage, but this is healthier and more cost effective. Buy your juice concentrates and carbonated water in your supermarket.
Bobbi

Quit Cold Turkey

I've been in the hospital with a horrible kidney infection for two to three days from drinking too many soft drinks. (I say 2-3 days because I was so sick that I can't remember.) Just go cold turkey and drink lots of water. In my opinion, that's really the only way to "cut down" on anything addictive. Just cut it out entirely.
Melissa

Satisfy Your Thirst

Before allowing yourself to drink any pop, sip a glass of water first. By doing this, you will satisfy your thirst. Then, if you still want some pop, wait ten minutes after you finish the water to see if the craving is still there. Most times, it will not be there.

After doing this, I was eventually able to cut out soda from my diet entirely. And have been able to drop 26 pounds in the last year. I think that this is because salty snacks do not go as well with water as they do with soda. So I was able to eliminate unhealthy snacking too.
Marcy

Keep Fresh Water On Hand

I have found that a water purifying filter pitcher is an excellent way to slow down the soda habit. I also got a glass bottle with a lid to keep in the fridge door so I always have about one gallon of pure, cold, ready-to-drink water on hand. I also add a small splash of bottled lemon juice to the water to make it "taste like something." The tap water where I live is horrible, but this system works very well. I keep a note on the fridge door about when I need to replace the filter in the pitcher.
Debbie

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