It should come as no surprise that my love of soda t-shirts translates to a general love of soda itself. I know it’s not good for me, but since I avoid other vices (alcohol, cigarettes, Honey Boo Boo) I usually give myself a pass on the soda thing. But not this month. Nope. For the month of October I’m swearing off all beverages except for good ol’ H2O. I actually started this tradition back in college in an effort to both detox myself for the month AND hopefully create a lasting healthier habit of choosing water over sugary drinks. Being the marketing student that I was at the time, I dubbed my little effort “Aquatober.”
This will be my 10th year of “celebrating” Aquatober. I’ve had varying success with it over the past decade. Most months I make it through – although I do allow another healthy option (milk) to sneak in there (can’t have cereal with water, right?). Some years it even carries far beyond October. In 2008 I actually attempted a whole year of water-only, but it fell apart when Sherry accidentally served me a Sprite at a wedding and things, well, went downhill from there. So I don’t beat myself up if I slip up because the spirit of the resolution is to try to drink better. And heck, I usually end up saving some money along the way.
So with all of that said. Who’s with me? Anyone else feel like taking the Aquatober challenge? May the odds be evah in your favor.
Sarah @ Preaching In Pumps says
No coffee?!?!?!?!?! You’re my hero.
Young House Life says
Well, that’s an easy one for me because I don’t like the taste.
-John
Kim says
This is a great idea! I’ve been thinking about giving up soda for a while now, and you might have just motivated me to try it.
Question: Are you ever afraid that you’ll get bored with just water? The only thing that’s been holding me back from kicking my Sprite habit is that sometimes water is just so… tasteless. Does anyone have suggestions about overcoming flavor addiction?
Young House Life says
I haven’t done this personally, but lots of folks have suggested adding fruit or frozen fruit to your water because some of the flavor will seep in. Cucumbers, melon, strawberries, apple – I’ve seen lots of options. Maybe not banana though. That could get mushy.
-John
Kim says
Intriguing! I’ll have to try that. Thanks!
Belen says
Cucumber or orange in the water (a little piece, just to give it a hint) is amazing. My favorite restaurant offers water with a different “flavor” everyday. It’s always a nice surprise to see what they add each day.
Kerry says
This is a great idea. I don’t drink much soda, but I became a coffee addict once my daughter started running around. I needed the caffeine to keep up with her! I am trying to stick to mostly water now, but wanted to suggest putting some frozen fruit in your water. It adds a little bit of flavor for the days when you are bored of plain old water.
Young House Life says
I like that suggestion! Especially if I start craving a little flavor.
-John
Jill says
I have a chronic pain condition, and I have a new doctor who ordered me to stop drinking diet soda (I never drank regular). Apparently diet soda (maybe all soda?) is a huge trigger for pain conditions? Anyway, she told me to think of it “like cigarettes” — namely, cutting back isn’t good enough; I’ve got to stop entirely.
I am three weeks sober (from diet soda), and it’s TOUGH and, oddly, getting tougher to keep up. Your show of solidarity here could not have come at a better time!
Nicky says
Great idea and your dentist will love you too. It’s all about the gums and cleanings are MUCH easier without soda’s ill effects!!!! I was amazed.
Liz says
Does Sherry partake in the challenge or are you tested at dinner if she’s enjoying an Izze? Although Izze shouldn’t count as it’s a sparkling juice beverage.
Young House Life says
Sherry isn’t because she’s not nearly as bad as me. She already only orders water at restaurants and has the occasional flavored seltzer. So it’s more like I”m joining her this month!
-John
Christina @ Homemade Ocean says
I do this all the time! The best part…I usually drop about ten pounds in the process. The worst part…I gain it all back the second I slip up!
I’m with you though, one little slip and I am hooked again. It kinda has to be all or nothing.
Waaaayyyy to go John!
Crystal says
When I first read this I thought it was strictly a no soda thing, having not had soda since December ’06 I figured pshhhh I’m in that’s easy . Well apparently I was reading what I wanted it to say ha ha. I’m still in but giving up my pumpkin Starbucks drinks may be the hardest thing ever since I’ve been waiting all year. I guess the up side is I will be saving $120 not visiting Barnes and Noble Starbucks this month. (That is the price for my family of four. I may or may not have addicted my kids to the non coffee vanilla frapps…..oops). Happy Aquatober! Stay thirsty my friends (too far?)
Trish says
Hey, I LOVE this idea! I’m a wellness coach and a fitness professional, and one of the first suggestions I make to clients (who ask!) is that they should give up added calories from sugary drinks. It’s such a quick way to make a big impact on diet and health.
I never drink soda, and rarely juice or other sugar drinks, however, since becoming pregnant, I have suddenly had insatiable cravings for fruit punch, juice, lemonade, and whatever other sugary (non-soda) drinks I can get my hands on. It’s crazy.
So, I am in! Count this as my public declaration. I’ll even post it on my own blog with a link to your post. Thanks for the push.
Young House Life says
Thanks for the link!
-John
Kelly says
I’d been doing a good job at dropping the pop a day habit. Then, this past weekend we had an 11 hour road trip (each way) with our 2 year old and our baby. I had to restock because when we’ve been driving for only 45 minutes and both the toddler and the baby are already screaming, I need something more than water!
I’ll join you, except for during the October road trips.
JanetL says
I’m in but only because I already do this. You might want to sit down for this John…I’ve been soda free for seven years. I still drink juice and milk but that’s pretty much it. Do you find that soda tastes terrible after going so long with out it? When I first stopped soda I did for three months and then when I “treated” myself for the first time after I thought it tasted awful and only drank half of it. After that it was easy to stop completely.
Young House Life says
Wow! Someday that might be me. I almost tried to give it up when Clara was born (because I didn’t want her to grow up drinking it as much as I did) but I quickly gave it up when I realized a 1 month old wasn’t going to pick up my eating habits quite yet.
-John
Meg says
Good luck with the H2O only challenge. I actually made a similar commitment myself at the beginning of the year – I have limited myself to no more than 1 can of pop per month (now I usually don’t even consume that much). At first it was difficult but as it became habit it got much easier. However, I have not been able to go cold turkey on coffee (I struggle to function without my AM coffee fix), however I have drastically cut back! Were you a coffee drinker before? How did you shake that one, I’m very interested…Excited to read about your challenge this month!!
Tricia W. says
I’ll do it! I’m due to have a baby in a few weeks, and I NEED to be drinking more water. :) Thanks for the challenge!
Allie says
You sir have inspired me! I was already making today the first day of my habit makeover, so adding “water only” will not only be a healthier choice but will also hopefully stick around for the indefinite future. This last cup of joe i am sipping is dedicated to you John! Thanks!
Darbi says
I am with you John! I gave up cokes back in July and I’ve only had 2 since then. It definitely makes you feel better. I drink a minimum of a gallon of water a day. Much cheaper too! I used to hate lemon in my water, but now I find that it is a nice change up from plain old water. Good luck! I’m right there with you cheering you on!
Diana says
Count me in!
I’ve got a 2 10Ks and a 1/2 marathon coming up this month, so giving up the ‘junk’ is probably good for my training regimen anyways! I usually only have soda as a ‘treat’ anymore anyways…..after losing 125 lbs, I don’t want to go back to old, bad habits again!
wendy says
My hubby actually prefers water with his cereal (grosses me out, but we won’t go there!). He says you can taste the cereal better. Apparently milk masks the flavor of cereal. So, you could always give up that milk and try the water ;) haha!
Young House Life says
Interesting! Although I’m a bit of a milk addict too so I don’t think I’ll be able to evict it from my cereal bowl quite yet.
-John
Nancy says
I haven’t decided to give up my coffee in the mornings…but for “after 9 am”…I am in. Sounds like a great way to spend the month. I had decided to diet (again) starting today with one new twist. No weighing, just keeping “track” with how my jeans fit :) So now I will add in one more twist…lotsa water!!! Cheers!
Nancy S says
Good luck John – I know you can do it!
I gave myself the water challenge when I found out in January we would be doing a FL vacation this fall. I looked at it as an easy way to drop some calories from my life. I’m still successful 90% of the time – but darn, I didn’t see any inches dropping from my waistline ;)
At least now I don’t feel guilty having the occasional pop!
Christy Niebaum says
I’m so down! I actually managed to go 2 years without drinking soda, but slipped up a lot when I was pregnant (craved root beer). Now I allow myself to have the occasional Zevia lemon-lime soda. I figure since it’s sweetened with stevia instead of sugar or aspartame, it’s okie-dokie.
Alyssa says
Funny, I’ve been drinking water all day everyday for about 12 years and now if I have less than 7 or 8 glasses I feel so dehydrated! I think most of my friends and family do too so I thought that was the norm :) Maybe I could give up my daily cup of coffee though….or my daily glass of wine.
Debbie says
So does the October soda ban extend itself to apparel? I.e. no soda related shirts for the month? :)
Young House Life says
I’m not THAT crazy. :)
-John
jessica says
Wait, does this mean no coffee?? Cause I can’t get on the Aquatober bandwagon if there’s not any coffee involved…although, since I really only drink water, coffee, and the occasional beer, I guess I’m pretty good already ;)
Good luck!
Young House Life says
Sounds like there’s lot of folks who are letting coffee slide for the month, so it sounds like you’re doing pretty good!
-John
Ana Silva says
I’m in. With milk once in a while with my cereal…Can I have coffee though?
Young House Life says
It’s up to you. I’m only setting the rules for myself! :)
-John
Jen says
I can’t see the image. I tried it at home this morning on my phone and then again on my MAC at work. So sad :(
Young House Life says
Hmmm, strange. Although in past years we’ve had issues with Amazon (who hosts our images) having outages in random geographic zones. Usually it just takes a day or two and it comes back. Fingers crossed!
-John
Ally says
No image when using Explorer, but it’s there when using Chrome. So must be a browser issue.
Sarah says
I know someone already mentioned giving the money saved, but I just have to echo it again. Our Sunday school class did this and raised a little more than a thousand dollars! Love yall’s site, have been reading it consistently for the past few months and I am hooked! :)
http://www.water.cc/h2oproject/
Chloe says
Ahh great idea John! All I really drink is water, milk and the odd cup of tea. I have soda once in a blue moon, normally if I’m at a restaurant. My colleagues and a lot of my friends are soda addicts and I’ve been asked many times how I can just drink water. I find it odd that they think I’m unusual!
Claire says
Good for you! I’ve been trying to kick my half-can per day habit for about 6 months now. I’ve found that what I’m really hooked on is the flavor variety soda offers from my nothing-else-but-water routine. So, I started drinking water with True Lemon in it to try and finally break the soda cravings. Maybe something for you to try after Aquatober?
Aimee says
Each year a group of us who all used to work together, do the Water Challenge! From the Monday after the super bowl, til 30 days later…
The first year I completed the challenge was AWESOME!!! I was sleeping better, eating better, and I had more energy!!
Day 3 and 4 were my hardest, but once you push through you will feel great!!!
Good Luck!!!
Rebecca S says
I have recently been filling a quart mason jar completely with ice, then adding water. It stays nice and cold and since I keep it handy all day it makes me more likely to actually drink it. I usually end up refilling it mid-day and on occasion add in lemon slices, etc. I would surely die without my morning coffee though!
Karen F says
I could do it, except I would have to allow coffee! I went off coffee both times I was pregnant (just didn’t want it at all, not even decaf). But now I don’t think I could go without it. I’m not much of a soda drinker and we usually don’t have it in the house. My vice would be lemonade, so I try not to buy that either!
Karen F says
in the same spirit, though, my goal for October is to keep my kitchen table and island clear for the entire month. There is always (at least) one pile of clutter/paperwork/etc that just gets shoved around to make space.
Young House Life says
So funny! I made that resolution last year. It stuck for a while but can’t say I’m doing so hot at it now.
https://www.younghouselove.com/2011/06/live-from-our-house-its-saturday-night/
-John
Karen F says
Funny! I got on the making-the-bed bandwagon a while ago (maybe even a few years ago), and it totally stuck, so I’m hoping this habit does, too!
Young House Life says
That’s one habit that has stuck. Still make it everyday!
-John
Teresa says
I’ve discovered that what I really enjoy about soda is the “fizziness”, so I’ve switched to Perrier..it’s naturally carbonated spring water…comes out of the ground that way! It cost a little more than soda, but I try to view that as a plus…it limits the amount I drink each day.
Lindsey says
Good for you! I usually opt for water during the day, but I just don’t think I’ll ever be able to go without my daily coffee (or three)… Especially now that it’s pumpkin spice time :) Best of luck with Aquatober 2012!
VVednesday says
I’m a super picky eater/drinker, so I only *ever* drink water and milk. I’ve never had soda (carbonation freaks me out!) and I don’t eat/drink anything fruity- so those two cancel out all alcoholic/soda/fruity/juice beverages – I’ve never even had coffee! I love that you’re challenging yourself though- it’s so healthy to have a break from all that stuff!
jennT says
cheers! merde! best of luck! I was thinking I’d try it[minus (or is it plus?) daily morning coffee], but I don’t think the pizza I made for lunch/dinner would be nearly as awesomely lunch-tastic without a cold diet coke. :( maybe aquavember?
jennT says
ps–I second, third, and fourth the cucumber water!! and you don’t need to drop a whole cuke in either. just peel (maybe a little deeper than you normally might, maybe not) a cuke for whatever you regularly use it for and toss the peelings into the water. chill in the fridge overnight and the next morning, BAM! awesome watah!
Cassie says
We’re giving up fast food for the month! As 2 college students, we eat it way too much and we don’t like feeding it to our girls. We did it back in June and felt so much better. We started allowing ourselves to eat it sometimes and recently realized that it has gotten out of control again on the weekends. So here’s to 31 days!
Val says
Yup, I’m another one on the “quit-drinking-anything-but-water-when-I-got-pregnant” bandwagon. It’s carried over into nursing too, since I do not enjoy hanging out with a caffeinated baby. And once you’ve given it up for that long, it just tastes too sweet when you go back. I am a big fan of lemonade (tart, not too sweet!) and cranberry juice diluted with seltzer or mineral water (yum!).
I am going to attempt to issue this challenge to my husband, though. Even though we don’t keep soda in the house, he drinks it at restaurants and he drinks too much sweet tea. We’ll see if he bites…
Brittany says
I am with you on this with the exception of the occasional glass of milk : )
BTW – Snaps to you for abstaining from Honey-Boo-Boo. That stuff’s not good for anyone!
Frances says
This is crazy! I am the worst at properly hydrating, so for the beginning of my favorite month (October, of course!) I decided I NEEDED to start drinking water regularly. I finished my first 32 ounces (of the recommended 64 per day) this morning and then saw this post! It’s like fate or something. Good luck and happy Aquatober!
Kim says
I’m in! Well, for soda, anyway. I think my brain would stop working if I stopped doing coffee cold turkey. This is such a great idea!
Brittney S says
You can totally do it!
I gave up Soda when I got pregnant and now 13 months later I’ve only had water.
Just last month I had a sip of my husbands coke out of curiosity and to my delight I didn’t like it anymore! way too sugary =]
Wendy says
Sure! Count me in with my own exceptions! :-)
I’ve always been a water-only drinker with the very rare and random bit of juice or soda (mainly snagged from my neighbor’s house when I was a teen growing up… we had none in our house).
However, since our sweetie wee one is due in 8 joyous weeks, occasionally cranberry juice cries out or orange Gatorade. One must listen to one’s body, and I’ll take that approach.
I’ll also be sampling a GU Roctane (powder mixed with water) as the plan is to have that pre-during-post labor (given the body’s reality…) to recover as quickly as possible post sweet she-wee one. After all, there’s no other endurance event quite like a birth, eh? Plus, I’d like to be at as peak of physiological health as possible… given all possible realities. :-)
Best of Luck to all in their Aqua Journeys :-)
Belen says
Go John!
I gave up soda almost 10 years ago. I realized that after 2 cups of Coke my stomach would start gurgling really bad, it was very unpleasant. So I just stopped drinking it. It was hard at first because this crap is so addictive you have cravings, but after a while I didn’t crave it anymore, and now I don’t even like the taste.
I was never a coffee or alcohol drinker, so it’s pretty much water or homemade juices for me.
Erika says
Wow…that’s a tough one! I’ve almost given up soda, but I must have my morning coffee and sweet tea with dinner. (Although I’ve really toned down the amount of sugar I put in my tea.)
Good luck with Aquatober!
Sarah T. says
Love it! I am horrible at drinking water and since I’m preggers, I know I need to drink more. This challenge will help me do that! Though, I will allow myself some hot apple cider when we go to the apple orchard in a few weeks. Can’t give that up – it’s a once a year thing! Thanks for the inspiration!
Courtney says
Great resolution! I don’t drink soda (pop!) but my husband is addicted to Mountain Dew. Maybe I’ll convince him to celebrate Aquatober!
abbie says
I successfully ditched soda over a year ago and will only occasionally have one when eating out. I probably am in the single digits for the last year. I have found that I can’t drink it like I used to, nor have the desire to. I came down with some sort of stomach bug and since I did not want to drink soda while sick as well as a week or two afterwards, I took it as the perfect time to try ditching the habit. I found that naturally flavored seltzer water (called “ice” I believe) tasted just like soda but didn’t have all the sugar etc. It was a good replacement for those extra hard times and really helped me kick the habit. Do not bring the stuff in your house and when you are bound and determined to do this, you will succeed! Good luck! :)
Nicole says
Another thing that I tried once besides giving up pop was no sugar for a month. If you think pop is hard, trying giving up sugar totally! It was crazy to look at everything that has sugar in it (like bread and juices) so going to subway wasnt even easy for me! It was tough, but I nailed it!! You should try that one once. I let myself have natural sugars like fruits and vegetables. But all that other icky stuff went out the door!
A says
I was thinking of doing Sober October, myself…but probably won’t… :]
I really, really try not to drink soda, like ever. But sometimes I slip. Like this weekend. I had a Dr. Pepper and it was delish. I typically drink sparkling water (2 liters a day) because it tricks my brain into thinking it’s Sprite. Good luck on Aquatober!