Kicking unhealthy habits is important to keeping yourself healthy. Soda is one habit that can be bad for your health, but it may not be as obvious as other poor habits. To kick your unhealthy soda habit, start with motivation, drink more water instead, and notice triggers.
Starting With Moderation
Starting with moderation is important to kick your soda habit. Trying to go cold turkey is not a sustainable way to make changes. Trying to go cold turkey can lead to unpleasant caffeine withdrawal and cravings. Start by gradually decreasing your soda consumption rather than getting rid of it altogether. Gradually reducing your soda can help prevent caffeine withdrawal. Having a plan for cutting back is important so you can be successful in your change. Work by gradually reducing servings by day and then by week so you don’t feel deprived as you make changes.
Drink More Water Instead
Drinking more water can help you kick your soda habit. Replacing the soda is one way to start drinking less of it. When you include water, you will be more hydrated and satisfied. Staying hydrated can also prevent bad breath. Water helps your mouth produce saliva to help digest your food. When you are more hydrated, you help your blood, skin, decrease body waste, help your brain, and can prevent headaches. You can also start by drinking more sparkling water if you miss the carbonation of soda.
Notice Triggers
When it comes to your soda habit, there could be certain situations where you crave soda more. Noticing these triggers can help you to crave soda less and incorporate more healthy habits. You could be craving soda at a certain time of day, because of boredom, when you are feeling low energy, when you are stressed, during a celebration among many other times in the day. Noticing when you are craving it can also help you figure out why and help you make swaps. If you are feeling low energy you could go for an iced tea. If you are feeling stressed, you could do deep breathing or take a walk.
Kicking your unhealthy soda habit can help you increase your health. Kicking the habit can be tricky, but there are many strategies that can help you. You can start by having some in moderation, drinking more water instead, and noticing triggers to your habit.
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