Any suggestions on giving up sugar especially soda?

I am seriously addicted to soda. I have tried switched to water, but have been unable to make the change. I like neither lemon nor lime, so adding them to a glass of water doesn't help. I just don't drink the water.

I've tried to cut down by limiting the amount in my house and have worked pretty far down, but can't kick it.

Most of the flavorings that you can add are sugar based. I don't drink either tea or coffee (not liking the taste of either).

I also don't like the taste of milk and am allergic to the proteins in milk. I've tried Almond milk, but only like the chocolate version which defeats the purpose.

Any ideas?

Thanks, Kim

What about lemonade? I don't suppose you can drink lemonade? I make my own with stevia.

Or you can get water flavoring drops that are sweetened with stevia, such as these: tinyurl.com/qekgsg6. You can worry about weaning off of this later. Switching from sodas to flavored waters is a good, and a big, step towards better health.

Xylitol is also another good, safe alternative sweetener.

Thus my problem. I'm very finicky to the point that for example, if we travel and I don't like the food I will starve rather than eat something I don't like. Same goes for drinks.

I love plan water if it's ice cold, but after 2 or three bottles I can't get anymore down. The only fruit juice I like is OJ and that's full strength. If it's orange flavored water, I don't like it. I don't (and never have ) liked any fruit juices. I definitely don't like ginger or root bear.

Interestingly, I don't like sparkly water at all.

Hot drinks don't appeal and them smell of tea and coffee both make me sick.

I really, really don't like lemonade. I can't even stand the taste of it when they put a slice in at a restaurant. I guess I passed that one on to my daughter because she always asks for no lemon.

I haven't really tried the flavorings because I'm not a fruit eater and the only one I'd like to try is pomegranate. I ended up with a salad dressing that had pomegranates and I loved it. So I'll have to try getting a bottle go POM Wonderfull and add just a splash to the water.



I've never drunk milk and don't eat cereal. When I was a kid, I only drank milk at school and I think that was because the milk was so cold, it had no taste.

I did like the Almond milk except only the chocolate. The white almond milk tasted too much like milk.

I'm not sure about the coconut milk because I really, really don't like coconut. I even had a birthday party where I didn't eat the cake because they put coconut on the top. (I was 12 but I haven't changed).

I haven't heard of white tea so I'll have to look and if the smell is not too strong, it might work.

I haven't tried the apple cider vinegar, but it's worth a try. Maybe the combination will work.

I don't think it's the sugar. I don't use anything else sugary and don't eat desserts. I used to love ice cream until I started violently reacting to it. I really think it's the cola taste. My son drinks Dr Pepper (plus or minus cherry) and that could be in the fridge for weeks and I would never touch.

If I keep it out of the house, I eventually break down and buy some. That's why it's so hard. It's like being an alcoholic. It's also so easy to get. We go out to dinner and I can get it. I can get down to a small amount each day as long as it isn't in the house. I can even order only one at a restaurant.

So I know this is psychological. It's not even about caffeine because at home I buy caffeine free.

Ugh. I know I sound whiny. I'll give the vinegar a try or the lemon/vinegar or the pomegranate juice/water combo.

I guess this is also why some of the herbs I see being used concern me because i'll never be able to use them as a tea. I have issues with smells. Even food I eat has to pass the smell test before I can try it.

Thanks for the help.

~GK

I used to drink a 2 Liter of Dr Pepper every single day...it was the lowest
quota i could handle...i was seriously addicted! That was in January of this year... i got a Brita filtered water bottle w/handle and made it a goal to drink a bottle every hour...so that i would be to full from water to have soda.

I could not stand water... a pack of water bottles could stay in my trunk for months... i would buy it with the intent to "try to drink more water" and then would not even bring it in the house. Then i would finally bring it in and put it in the bottom compartments of the fridge...out of my sight.

I was fighting myself over and over... and then i decided to fight the soda... and now carry the water bottle with me everywhere...from room to room... its become my friend. Its funny to me now... i would have never believed i could drink water all day (i average about 90 oz now) ... and the idea of soda makes me cringe now... its just odd.

But well... i think as they say with any addiction... you won't quit until you are ready. If i could convince you i would, but i know how i was. I'm just gonna keep positive thoughts for you, while you are trying to make a healthier choice for yourself :)

I recommend the "natural" sodas too. Much less junk in them. Have you tried a Britta filter or some other type for your drinking water? If it's the chlorine that you taste, it can make a big difference in the taste. I have a Berkey filter, which removes more things that give water a bad taste.

Thank you for all the ideas. I did buy an individual brita filter and have been trying to alternate the coke with the water, so far it hasn't been successful but it is more likely that I'm not putting enough effort into it. The only thing I drink besides Coke is when I go to a restaurant the only thing they have is Pepsi, I would drink it. I didn't like it but I could tolerate.

Pepsi is really the only think I can tolerate. My husband drinks Sweet Tea and when I take a sip by accident, it ends up spewed all over the road with me wiping my tongue with napkins.

I'll have to try the things you suggested to see if any will suffice. I really think it's the cola. What I like is really going to depend on how it smells because that's a big factor. Sayya, it's good to know that you used tinctures and capsules because that was one of my concerns.

I did find a recipe for cola with the soda stream for cola that I think was made with a sugar substitute. I get the feeling it'll taste like RC Cola though and that is something I wouldn't drink at my most thirsty. I'm an extremely stubborn person.

Bellyfull, as you said it's not going to happen until I want it too. Knowing that someone else as stubborn as I am was able to do it is helpful. I just need to channel you. LOL

Thanks all, Kim

Maybe changing your mindset to become a "Lyme warrier", wanting to do whatever you can to beat back the parasites. Not a lot easier, but at least you wouldn't be focused on the drinks as much. Easy for me to say since I gave up sodas almost 30 years ago! I do get the alternative sodas now and then and I go for ginger ale most of the time.

My daughter has problems with some foods. Anything with coconut really impacts her, which is too bad since it has so many health benefits, so maybe that's similar to what you have going on.

I'd suggest you get a Kleen Canteen instead of using bottled water in plastic. It might taste better to you and it's better for your health. They have some that are insulated so you can keep your water cold or cool instead of lukewarm. Good luck!

Oooohhh, I understand! Just can't stay away!
I was like that with coffee, but I had to give it up because I knew it wasn't helping my healing body,....

I didn't read every post here, but, has anyone mentioned zevia? It has stevia instead of sugar, they have cola flavored....not bad.....

Maybe try?

Caffeine is the issue because I drink caffeine free. I've cut back but it only takes on opportunity, like my husband buying soda or going to a restaurant. for me to capitulate.

But I have another thread going about yeast and sugar craving. If I treat for yeast there is the possibility the craving might go on it's own. Then it will just be bread (carbs).

Still trying to work that one out.

Thanks,
Kim

PS I could get a soda stream and try to make my own syrup, but I think it would be best just to get rid of it.

It's a good thought, but I promised my family and I haven't been able to stick to it. I ran out this afternoon. And have been picturing tomorrow when I drop my son off camp, I can go to DD. The question is will I drive by and how long cam I last? I'm some what of a self starter. If I want something bad enough, I can do it. If I could cut the sugar craving down I might be able to do it. So I am looking for something that will help me cut that covering.

I have to look are some ideas and see what will help. If it's candida, I'll have something to fight which will take priority. When I get to that point I may be ab;e tp quit. Wonder if Overeater anymomous would help? I'll have to do research if.

Thans,
Kim

oh! I was talking to a friend the other day as she wanted to cut down on sugar as well and I remembered a suggestion that popped into my head that I meant to run by you.

If you are trying to cut down on the soda, you could try increasing or substituting it with a relatively high GI sugary fruit, I dunno, cherries, watermelon, etc. Something that can take the edge off the sugar craving. That might bridge you over the sugar cravings. And you could wean yourself slowly off the soda and eat those kinds of fruits as sugar substitutes so you don't crash too hard. Obviously don't want to eat tons of sugary fruits, but that is the better option if it can help you get off soda!!!

Ok actually I'm not sure what fruits will be best, and not really that well versed with glycemic indexes etc, doesn't necessarily matter I suppose. Just finding whatever fruits you enjoy that can fill the sugar craving would be the ticket.

Post Edited (sebreg) : 7/23/2015 7:57:57 PM (GMT-6)