Originally Posted by jellydisney:
I despise soda. I hate what it's done to this country. I hate how at restaurants, parties, gathering, etc you can get a soda no problem but you can't get a glass of water.

And when you can if often tastes pretty bad! Actually, I usually have iced tea when out, with lemon and no sugar.

Reddalice-my employer is doing this pilot program because they want to add it to our insurance coverage. But they have to have proof that it can work and that it will be worth the money. Plus they know that if people can lose weight it will decrease other costs associated with obesity.

Thanks for all the great advice!!! I dread the headaches but will definitely try the green tea and crystal lite. It is so crazy that it has become a "socially accepted addiction". I will be so glad to be free of it!!!

I had a major Coke habit and did finally get myself off of the regular soda habit. Now I drink water and black tea almost exclusively with the occasional chai latte. I did make an intentional decision to NOT switch to diet beverages because I never cared for the taste of it and figured I would rather break the habit and not start that one since I don't really think the artificial stuff is good for me either. I just wanted to throw out the idea that maybe you want to just break the habit once and for all since you have to do the heavy lifting anyway.

Peg

I have a diet coke habit, but I don't want to give it up right now. Between eating right and exercising, I've got enough changes going on right now that depriving myself of a calorie-free drink that makes me incredibly happy is just not going to happen. I have compromised and drink a lot of water too. One day I may figure out how to give it up entirely, but for now I'm going to enjoy it guilt free.

Crystal Light has just as many artificial ingredients in it as diet coke - so in my mind it's not trading up to switch.

I was an avid Diet Pepsi drinker, from a small child until about 2 months ago. Since I gave it up, I actually have more energy, and I'm not bloated all the time. I haven't given up caffeine entirely, I still have my morning coffee and the occasional iced/hot tea while out. I had a craving for Diet Pepsi last weekend, got one, took 2 sips and tossed it. It doesn't even taste good anymore.

I myself used to be addicted to soda.I had way to much of it every day. Every time I tried to quit, I would try to slowly wean myself, but it never worked. 3 weeks ago I decided enough was enough, and quit cold turkey. I drink tea instead. I started by making 2quarts with 1/4 cup of sugar, which comes out to 25 calories per 8oz. I now make it with 1/8 cup, and at the end of the month I won't put any sugar in my tea. I have no cravings for soda, and by drinking the tea I don't have to worry about the horrible headaches that come with caffeine withdrawal. I drink more water than anything though. At first drinking alot of water might be hard, it was for me, but now I crave water. Good luck. You can do it!