The First Change: Soda

Soda.  Pop.  Coke.  Whatever you call it, this sugary little beverage has invaded our American diets in big ways.  And as far as I can see, there are no plans in the near future of it disappearing.  So I've decided to make soda my first diet change.  

Some people are hopelessly addicted to soda.  For me, it has never been a huge deal.  I am a big water drinker.  When I'm thirsty, I don't tend to reach for soda.   So when I find myself drinking it several times a day, I know my sugar addiction has gone too far.  And when I start finishing the entire 12-ounce can in one sitting, it's really got to go.  30-plus grams of sugar in one meal?  It makes me sick just thinking about it. 

My kids and I drink tea often.  They are allowed to add their own sugar most of the time, but not without comment from me.  After 2 teaspoons, they get the "That's it, right?" look.  

After 3, they get "Wow!  That's a lot of sugar!"  

After that, "Woah, woah, woah!  That's plenty of sugar!  Step away from the sugar bowl, please."  

Imagine if we had to add our own sugar to our sodas.

Maybe this one-thing-at-a-time thing will help me to actually think about what is going into my body. 

The only soda I usually buy is diet, for my husband.  I've never been able to get down more than a few sips of any diet drink, because I can't stand the nasty after-taste of sugar alternatives.  "You'll get used to it," my husband claims.  But why bother?  I don't really want a lot of sugar substitutes in my diet either, so I'm not going to trade one bad habit for another.  

So no more soda for me.  The challenge has begun!