You may have a hard time stopping the habit of drinking soda pop instead of beverages that are healthier for you. An interview published in "Whole Living" Magazine with Nieca Goldberg, spokeswoman for the American Heart Association, says soda pop increases the risk of heart disease. However, the sugar -- or its artificially sweetened equivalent -- may not be the only cause that raises the risk of the disease. It may stem from the fact that people who drink unhealthy beverages also eat unhealthy foods.
Step 1
Drink diet soda instead of regular soda. The Harvard School of Public Health recommends drinking diet pop in place of regular soda for a while until you learn to stop drinking soda pop altogether. Harvard refers to this alternative as the beverage equivalent of a nicotine patch for smokers -- a temporary fix until you can kick the habit. Children should avoid drinking diet soda because of the uncertainty of its long-term effects on children.
Step 2
Drink alcohol in moderation, if you're not a minor. The American Heart Association recommends that men drink no more than two drinks per day, and women no more than one drink per day. It might seem logical to have one alcoholic beverage per day, if it gets you to stop drinking soda. However, the risks might outweigh the benefits. Those who may not be able to drink alcohol include alcoholics and those who take medications that may cause drug interactions when mixed with alcohol.
Too much alcohol can increase the risk of high blood pressure, stroke, breast cancer and liver disease. Talk to your doctor about drinking alcohol, especially if you are pregnant or nursing.
Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about drinking alcohol if you take a prescribed medication.
Step 3
Drink more water. The sugar rush you get from drinking soda pop causes you to crave more of it. When your body gets used to drinking more water, you become less prone to drinking soda pop, says Dr. Fereydoon Batmanghelidj, author of "Your Body's Many Cries for Water." Drink flavored water if you want a beverage that leaves a good taste in your mouth. Try lemon or lime juice in your water for a zesty taste.
Step 4
Experiment with other beverages, such as fresh fruit or vegetable juice. You can cater to your sweet tooth by drinking a fruit smoothie using frozen yogurt, berries and other healthy alternatives. By trying something new, you eventually learn to enjoy other beverages.
References
- "Whole Living" Magazine: Stop With the Pop
- Harvard School of Public Health: Sugary Drinks or Diet Drinks--What's the Best Choice?
- American Heart Association: Alcohol, Wine and Cardiovascular Disease
- "Your Body's Many Cries for Water"; Fereydoon Batmanghelidj; 2008
