How to Curb Soda Cravings

The large amounts of sugar, artificial sweetener and caffeine in soda makes it a very addictive refreshment. Soda has absolutely no nutritional value; however, it is a satisfying drink that is very difficult to quit. If you are trying to knock the soda habit, there are some helpful ways to curb your cravings.

Instructions

• 1

  Change your habits to beat your psychological addition to soda, before you begin working on the physical addiction. Quitting cold turkey rarely works, so replace your cold fizzy soda with cold mineral water, caffeinated tea and/or cold fruit juices so that your body still gets sugar, carbonation and caffeine without the soda.

• 2

  Begin to work on the physical addictions to caffeine and sugar once you are comfortable without the actual soda. Slowly reduce your intake of sweet beverages and caffeine drinks, switching to decaf coffee, herbal teas without caffeine, and cold, fresh water. This change should be gradual, as the physical withdrawal of sugar and caffeine can cause exhaustion, mood swings, headaches and disrupted sleep.

• 3

  Get plenty of exercise as you are cutting back on sugar and caffeine to help curb your cravings. Exercise not only helps your body to flush toxins and reduce withdrawal symptoms, it will also increase your energy levels overall and help your deal with cravings.

• 4

  Keep your blood sugar levels steady at all times to avoid the energy rushes and crashes that stimulate cravings for both sugar and caffeine. Eat three full meals each day with two or three snack in between so that your body has a constant energy source.

• 5

  Have a back up plan at all times so that you have an alternative beverage with the cravings hit or when people around you are enjoying soda. It may be just plain sparkling water or you might prefer carbonated fruit juice or flavored water. Make sure that you have a bottle on hand at work and home and that your alternative choice contains no sugar or caffeine.