How to kick the habit!?

[whataloadofoldshite]

Hi all,

I've been really inspired by the self improvement threads of late and have been putting a few routines into action myself.

One piece of advice I'd love to follow but can never manage is quitting the fizz and drinking water or teas instead.

I tend to manage a week on squash before I'm sick of it and hit the cola bottles again. I know this might sound odd but I don't like the taste or perhaps lack of taste with plain water.

I don't smoke or drink alcohol, gave both up 3-4 years ago overnight and never looked back...however, I've had my cola habit far longer. Since my pre teen days it has been pretty much all I drink.

I've read the articles about how bad it is, I'm aware of the damage it's done and continues to do but I just can't seem to quit. Any advice on kicking the habit is greatly appreciated!

Thanks!

I have the same problem so waiting replies eagerly. I have several cans diet coke daily and am hooked. Tried several times to stop/ cut down but just can't. DH refuses not to have them in the house as it's all he's ever drank

My DP drinks mostly cola too so to banish from the house I'd have to get him on board too. He's struggling to quit smoking st the moment so think I'll pick my battles there! Glad I'm not the only one. I could easily do 2-3 litres a day without a thought. It's a real problem.

Damage?
Bar being fattening, if like me you, only like the non diet stuff, damage is only in the eyes of scar mongers, who half read scientific papers.

It's possible that there is a diabetes risk from too much sugar, but juice, smoothies and that biscuit with your tea are culprits there too.

It's also probable that high fructose corn syrup (used a lot in USA) is strongly implicated in obesity/diabetes as well as normal sugar.

I don't believe any thing has been properly proven against artificial sweeteners.

So, Coke is a bad habit, perhaps, but there are worse.

Sugar is addictive. You need to stop the squash as well and go cold turkey.

I tend to agree Elephants. Being overweight is bad enough but it's the damage it's done to my teeth that I have to look at every day. I brush well and visit the dentist regularly but I always seem to need some work each time.
I was afraid I'd have to bin off sugar Iggly.

I'm a pepsi max junkie. I don't drink alcohol and I don't smoke. I'm not overweight and am otherwise quite healthy.
I hate the artificial aftertaste of orange squash so today I bought a more expensive elderflower cordial to try. I am going to try making it very weak and serve it over sliced lemon and ice. Will let you know how I get on.

And I've given up paying £40 to the hygienist as I live on black coffee and undo her good work in a week.

I find fizzy water much more bearable and also water with a couple of slices of lemon and/or lime with ice is much better.

Thanks all for the tips. Now all I need is the willpower!

my addiction is ice cold fizzy water with lemon or lime juice added. I just can't stomach any of the fizzy pop's anymore they all taste unbearably sweet and artificial to me now.

Invest in a Soda Stream. When I had to totally give up drinking a few years ago I bought one and now I drink fizzy water instead. I keep a litre bottle of tap water in the fridge and fizz it up when needed. Occasionally i will add a squeeze of lemon or lime or sometimes ginger cordial for variety but to be honest, the plain water with bubbles is pretty palatable.

Another Diet Coke fan here too... three cans a day normally. I know it's awful but I just can't stop

I'm big into soda water with a dash of cordial, elderflower is my cordial of choice.

I think another factor is that the cola is normally icy cold and ready to drink. Tap water just isn't cold enough and I'm too lazy/forgetful to make ice.

It's not as though I don't like other drinks. I like peppermint tea, chamomile tea and regular tea, even a coffee every now and again but they're all hot and require more effort than opening a fridge and pouring a glass.

Whata - i think the convenience of it is a lot of my problem too. I actually like plain water and only used to drink that until met DH. It's not exactly hard to turn the tap but i automatically head for the fridge instead

Why don't you put a jug of tap water in the fridge?

Yes Milly, like autopilot!
Jennys - I'm not a fan of water, that's where I struggle. I could cope with a sports bottle of some branded mineral water if I had to but would be clucking for a cold cola almost immediately.

It's silly but it's like an addiction. I get withdrawal headaches...sugar or caffeine or maybe both? It alters my mood and I'm sure there's probably other stuff too.

I've been increasing my water intake for 4-6 weeks and have already seen some benefits like my skin is clearer and not so dry.

I got into the habit of drinking a smallish children's cup of water first thing in the morning and last thing at night before bed.

I still drink tea, but I drink a cupful of water whilst the kettle is boiling. Likewise, with coke, I make myself drink a cupful of water before hand. I have really cut down on naughty drinks since doing this as I'm not so thirst.

I also have a water bottle on my desk at work and aim to drink 2 bottles worth a day.

Since doing this, I am naturally more thirsty, so it is getting easier. I am struggling in weekends though as my routine is different and I'm so busy running around after the children.

Ooh, I like that idea chanie. Gradually swapping one for the other. Cola replacement therapy!

Yes, i will try to replace one drink at a time, rather than go cold turkey. I too get the withdrawal headaches, mood changes etc