I myself am a soda drinker, but I really want to stop drinking it. It's especially hard since my mom keeps buying it for the house, and I can't talk her into stopping.

Does anyone have advice for me to make it easier to stop?

Have your doctor declare that you�re pre-diabetic! You will stop instantly.

I advise that you switch to seltzer water, either plain or naturally flavored. I drink seltzer with no sodium, caffein or sugar. It's not expensive if bought in 2l bottles at the supermarket when on sale, usually $1 per bottle. Regular or diet sodas are BAD NEWS

I know that diet sodas have that artificial sugar in them, and those I heard can raise the risk of getting cancer!

I don't think I can instantly stop so easily. Maybe I can start drinking flavored water and stuff, and move down to juices or whatever.

The first thing you have to do is to really want to stop. Just because you know that soda is bad for you and that you should is not enough motivation. Next you have to understand that you have an addiction. An addiction to sugar. Know that the transition will not be easy. I myself once consumed at least 2 per day of the fizzy stuff. I got to a point where I could feel a drain on my body both physically and mentally. I started cutting back until I quit altogether. I had a desire to feel better an that is what aided me in the relinquishment of sugary beverages. I think in the past 5 years I have probably consumed the equivalent of a single soda. I have not only lost my desire for soda but I don't even like the taste of soda anymore. I would recommend you give yourself a 30 day challenge. Don't drink soda for 30 days. If at the end of 30 days you still have the desire then you can certainly start up the habit again. During the challenge try not to replace the liquid with sports drinks or energy drinks or anything else that contains buckets of sugar. Try water. I wish you luck with this task. I remember quitting soda was one of the first pro health decision that I ever made, and I wouldn't ever go back.

Thanks for the tips, Mossereath! I find they are helpful for smokers as well.

Also how about switching to tea? It can be either hot or cold. Lots of different flavors to chose from plus it is actually good for you. Find one you like and make it to a strength you like.

It can be done SpideyFanMan. I used to be a "carboholic" - both in my drink and food choices. Now I've completely given up sodas (diet and regular) and I rarely consume junk food. I used to eat A LOT of foods that contributed to my downfall.

If I can do it, so can you!

PS - I think the (unsweetened, naturally-flavored) tea idea is a good one. I know some people who find that it helps to fill the void.

__________________
You're officially invited to visit my natural health blog: www.healthyfellow.com