Goodbye Softdrinks: 7 Tips for a Healthy Soda-Free Lifestyle

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Is drinking soda one of your favorite go-to drinks? Some people have developed the habit of consuming these fuzzy, sugar-filled drinks in a regular basis. However, soda is not actually doing anything good to your health and waistline. Here are some ways to say goodbye to softdrinks and live a healthy soda-free lifestyle, per Huffington Post.

1. Unaccustom Yourself

Lona Sandon, RD, assistant professor of clinical nutrition at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, says that "the calories in regular soda are coming entirely from added sugar, and you're not getting any value in terms of vitamins or minerals, or even good quality carbohydrates."

Cutting back little by little per day can lead you to completely quitting drinking softdrinks without shocking your body.

Nutritionist Stefanie Sacks says, “I don't recommend going cold turkey; you need to wean yourself off, just like you would anything you've become dependent on." Sacks added that slowly decreasing your soda intake "gives you a chance to adjust gradually, which should lead to real, sustainable change."

2. Watch Your Calories

For those watching their weight, it is always vital to keep a track of the amount of calories they are taking in a day.

"Many people either forget or don't realize how many extra calories they consume in what they drink, yet beverages are a major contributor to the alarming increase in obesity," Barry Popkin, PhD, director of the University of North Carolina Interdisciplinary Obesity Program, notes per WebMD.

To keep track of your calories, Huffington Post suggests keeping an eye on what you're drinking and using a calorie-tracking app.

3. Dilute Soda with Water

Lona Sandon, RD, assistant professor of clinical nutrition at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, recommends gradually kicking your soda addiction by mixing it with water to dilute the sugar.

"If you're drinking less sugar, your taste buds will change and soon you won't need that sweetness anymore," says Sandon.

4. Drink Water

Water is always a good thing, and filling up your belly with a glass of water whenever you’re thirsty saves you from consuming the calories while cleansing your body. It may help if you always have a bottle of water in your bag to quench your thirst when needed. You may also spice up your water by putting slices of cucumber or lemon.

5. Try Dr. Oz's 28-Day National Soda Challenge

Dr. Oz's 28-day soda quitting plan basically consists of four steps with increasing level of intensity. In week one, you will have to switch from regular to diet soda, then to a caffeine-free diet soda in week two, cutting your soda intake in half in week three and completely getting rid of sodas in week four.

6. Avoid Soda Triggers

There are certain occasions that let you indulge in drinking soda such as eating out. There are also certain types of food which is best eaten with softdrinks. Huffington Post suggests bringing your own healthy beverage to resist temptation of getting or ordering a can or two.

7. Only Drink in Special Occasions

After completely kicking off your habit, you may treat soda like a special drink, which you can indulge from time to time. Sacks notes that having a "cheat day" can lessen the chance of getting back into your old soda-drinking habit.