After a long, stressful day on campus, nothing hits like a crisp, ice-cold Dr. Pepper — how convenient that you can pick one up practically anywhere on campus. As a faithful soda lover, I’d never considered my reliance to be a problem because I wasn’t drinking it daily. During my last attempt to cut out soda, I realized I depended on it more than I had thought.
After an online deep dive, I learned that soda is essentially engineered to be addictive. The sugar delivers a dopamine rush to your brain, which leaves you wanting more. The soda’s caffeine, a psychostimulant, keeps you alert, energized, and virtually hooked. Then, there’s the carbonation — that fizzy spice that sets soda apart from any other drink. And, unlike other addictions, this one comes in a fun cup with extra ice and a combo meal on the side. If my toxic relationship with soda sounds a bit too familiar, keep reading. It might be time to finally choose your health over your sweet tooth.
Do your research
The first step to breaking any cycle is taking action. Saying you’ll do something is the easy part, but staying consistent is the real challenge. I followed through by reminding myself that a can of Dr. Pepper could actually send me to a doctor — whose last name wasn’t Pepper.
I’ve always known soda was bad for me, but researching the science-backed consequences of long-term soda consumption was the call to action I desperately needed. After learning more about how drinking soda was directly linked to Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, obesity, and increased the likelihood of developing cancer — among other health risks — I had an epiphany: I was actively harming myself. At some point, the excuses stop sounding convincing, and you have to decide whether short-term cravings are worth long-term consequences.
Don’t be bitter, just drink water
Envision this: The fountain machine appears, the drink you’re craving sounds irresistible, and grabbing it starts to feel like an instinct rather than a choice, but pause for a second. Something that seems to be a craving might just be thirst — something I discovered when I began to only order water at restaurants. I urge you to always choose water! Carrying my Owala around campus has helped me stay consistent with my water goals amid my busy schedule. The best part: Refill stations are everywhere!
Out of sight, out of mind
If you keep cans of soda in your fridge, let your recent restock be your last. If you can’t see soda, you can’t drink it! Next, think about when you choose to drink soda and see if you observe any patterns. Is soda your reward after a brutal midterm? Is it your fuel before you head to Geisel Library for eight hours? Be mindful of when you start to rely on something as a coping mechanism instead of an occasional choice — that’s where habits begin.
Choose yourself first
In the grand scheme of things, cutting out soda is one of the most attainable health goals you can accomplish. Change can only happen if you’re the one who seeks it. Once you do, the rest will naturally fall into place. For me, breaking my soda habit was my way of improving my physical and mental health. Not only did this decision help eliminate soda cravings, but it also increased my overall energy and stamina. This quarter, I’ve chosen to nourish myself naturally and put myself first. Remember, be kind to your body; it’s the only one you’ve got.
