How To Quit Drinking Diet Sodas

Diet soda is a common replacement for regular sodas if you want to lose weight. Although an occasional diet soda may not be harmful, frequent consumption has links to type 2 diabetes and obesity, according to MayoClinic.com. These sodas also typically contain sodium, which may lead to high blood pressure and heart disease. Simple strategies can help you break away from consuming diet sodas.

Step 1

Carry an insulated container of filtered water. This can help curb the urge to reach for a diet soda when thirst strikes. Water is essential for cellular function, and may help reduce fatigue.

Step 2

Keep green tea bags at work. Green tea lacks the sweeteners and sodium of diet sodas, but offers caffeine to help you maintain alertness during your school or work day. Green tea also contains antioxidants, called polyphenols, that may help prevent cellular damage caused by free radical molecules.

Step 3

Opt for a smoothie. Smoothies are loaded with vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin C and potassium, that are essential for physical and mental function. They are also filling snacks that can help curb hunger between meals, which may facilitate weight loss. Make your own smoothies to avoid the fats and sugars often found in commercial varieties. A healthy smoothie might include apples, oranges, bananas, soy milk and ground flaxseeds. When choosing a smoothie from a smoothie bar, look for products made with organic fruits and skim or soy milk.

Step 4

Prepare your own fruit juices. Use a variety of fruits, such as apples, oranges, mangoes, kiwi fruit and nectarines. Like smoothies, homemade fruit juices offer a wealth of minerals and vitamins. Making your own juices with a kitchen juicer also helps you avoid the preservatives, color enhancers and refined sugars found in commercially bottled juices.

Step 5

Make your own. Mix equal parts of natural fruit juice and club soda or seltzer when you want a carbonated beverage.

Tips and Warnings

Reduce your consumption of diet sodas gradually, instead of stopping all at once. This may help ease your body's dependence on caffeine and artificial sweeteners found in diet sodas.