My 4 Step Plan to Stop Drinking Coke
April 1, 2010
I’ve mentioned before about my addiction to Coke and how I wanted to wean myself off of it in 2010. Here’s my personal 4 step program to doing it.
1. Get off the caffeine - I started by choosing a different soda without the caffeine. My new drug of choice was Squirt. Cold, refreshing, oh so bubbly. Yum.
2. Get off the high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) – Despite the claims that HFCS works the same in the body as real sugar, I have my doubts so my next soda switch was to Hansen’s All Natural Sodas. They are made with cane sugar and have no preservatives or artificial colors and flavors. The Mandarin-Lime is my favorite and my husband loves the Root Beer.
3. Get off the sugar – I’ve got a bit of a huge sweet tooth so I decided to cut down on the amount of sugar I ingested every day. I then switched to Santa Cruz Organic Sparkling Beverages. They are made with cane juice, sparkling water and organic fruits. Can I just say Pomegranate Limeade? YUM.
4. Get off the calories – Finally, I’m trying to meet some other goals set for 2010 including losing the last of the weight I gained during my last pregnancy (4 months ag0) so I’m counting calories (more on that later). My daily ‘sparkling beverages’ were costing me 140 calories and frankly, just not worth it. I’d rather have a candy bar. So, I found my current ‘soda’ – R.W. Knudsen Sparkling Essence. They are 0 calories and made with carbonated water and organic extracts and flavoring. The Mint flavor is definitely refreshing – great for a hot summer day. The Blueberry flavor is a little sweeter but definitely not sugary tasting. I’m on the lookout for the Cucumber or Lemon flavors so I can taste test them all.
I admit I still have a Coke once in awhile when I need a caffeine pick-me-up. I’m a mom with a 3 year old and a 4 month old – I NEED pick-me-ups. Overall, I’m thrilled that I don’t need my daily Coke and I’m saving myself money (those daily runs to Mickey D’s for their super special sugary Coke), I’m saving my body from the highs and lows of caffeine and sugar and I’m saving empty calories.
It took me months to slowly wean myself off a habit that I’ve had for 5+ years. I know other people have just quit cold turkey. Like anything, find a path that works for you and allows you to stick with it!
