Don’t worry, I don’t know how to pronounce that blog post title either. It’s just a nod to the fact that my “Aquatober” challenge – where I try to spend the entire month of October drinking water instead of soda and other sugary drinks – has extended itself all the way through April. Hence, Aquatoberpril.
In my original post about Aquatober I noted that I have varying success every year I try to detox myself (and my wallet) on all of the soda I consume (it’s my liquid vice of choice). Some years I don’t make it the full month. Some years I make it a bit further. Well, this time I’m still going strong some six months later – minus a milkshake I made myself the other day.
I don’t say this because I want a bunch of virtual pats on the back or expect someone to round the corner with a trophy. I mention it because it taught me something new this year. It was the first time I ever mentioned it to anyone beyond my immediate friends or family. And suddenly I felt much more compelled to stick to it. Something about declaring it to the blogosphere made me more committed than ever to not slip up and apparently to not give up – even once November rolled around. It wasn’t like I expected a public shaming if I opted for a Coke one night (heck, it’s not like you’d know) but the enthusiasm you guys showed for it in your comments was apparently a strong motivator to me.
It’s funny because there haven’t been lots of visible rewards for being soda free for six months. Sure, there are probably some extra dollars in my bank account from weeks of just ordering water at restaurants. My dentist might like me a smidge better. But overall I haven’t noticed my energy being way up, my skin being more lustrous or whatever and I certainly haven’t dropped weight (although the book tour might be to blame thanks to all the cupcakes). I think the main satisfaction I’ve gotten is the confidence that I can muster up some willpower when I need to. I can stick to something and I can create a new habit. So I wanted to thank you for your role in that, whether you realized you were helping or not.
Oh, and I’m totally not making any promises about giving up soda for good from here on out. We’re about to enter those hot and humid summer months where all my body wants is something cold and distinctly not water tasting. Anyways, what’s keeping you guys motivated these days? Or, if you’ve ever given up soda, did you notice any big differences from the experience?
Danielle says
I gave up pop around Christmas because it is just to darn expensive and I am not the type of person to have just one. It’s like pringles for me, you can never have just one. Since I don’t hit up the gym very often (too busy studying with my nose in a book), quitting pop helped me drop about 10 lbs in two weeks. My newest drink fix is a mix of orange, grapefruit, and pineapple juice. It’s delish!
Elaina says
I am 26 years old and stopped drinking pop 13 years ago! I was on my high school soccer team and we did an aquatober-ish challenge for the entire season; I just found I simply enjoy water! A lot!
I think the same thing about the energy/weight/skin as you do. Every health article says to cut pop out and you’ll be better off for reasons A, B, & C and I’m all like… hmph, I don’t drink it and I am not a poster child for excellance.
What the heck?!! haha
Aislynn says
Way to go! It’s tough! My hubby and I cut out all refined sugars and processed foods 5 months ago, which was a hard choice and lifestyle change to make. Pop & sweet drinks I think were the hardest for my other half to give up. He’s found alternatives – homemade iced teas, organic milks, organic juices and for special occasions we did find an organic beer!
Athena says
My husband I went “conventional” soda free 2 and a half years ago (this meant no soda with high fructose corn syrup), and then about a year ago when I was diagnosed with gestational diabetes during the pregnancy with my daughter, we stopped altogether. It’s now been so long that when we’ve tasted soda, thinking it’d be a “treat” we’ve nearly gagged on the taste. It’s really odd how a part of me still thinks it’ll be good, but repeated experiences have shown that the longer we go the less “good” they taste. Weird, right?
Young House Life says
That’s so funny! Someone else said that too about not liking the taste after a long break from it!
xo
s
Kate says
As a 12 year old kid, all I ever drank was MelloYellow (or Mountian Dew), so much of it. We had a dental hygiene week at school that taught me how terrible sodas were for your teeth (and in general). I stopped drinking all forms of soda then and now almost 18 years later, still the only time I have any carbonated beverages is if it’s splashed into my liquor drinks (i.e. I’ll drink Long Island Ice Teas, but I skip the Jack & Gingers).
Katherine says
What about milk? Sugary drinks are bad, but milk is awesome for you.
Young House Life says
Thankfully (because I can’t live without cereal) milk is allowed (that’s mentioned in the original post here).
-John
jessica says
Great job!!
Donna says
John, I’m with ya about cutting down on soda pop, but I can’t seem to break my unsweetened iced tea habit! I am hopelessly addicted, and life is short :)
P.S. Did $herDog join you in this challenge?
Young House Life says
I’m not really a soda or sweet tea girl (I love unsweetened chai tea and green these days, but that’s about it) so I played along since we weren’t buying that other stuff, but I wasn’t hopelessly addicted like John! Haha!
xo
s
Felicia says
Congrats on aquatoberpril! I enjoy hearing about people’s journeys in willpower and am happy to hear that you’re still going strong.
My aquajourney started about a year and a half ago I with what I call “Diet Coke Fridays”. Honestly, the name doesn’t really match the intent. My problem has never been soda consumption; it has always been a lack of water consumption. I figured if I limited non-water drinks to Friday (diet coke is the only non-water drink in our house) that I would have no choice but to drink more water, right?
The journey has its ups and downs but I’ve learned a lot about myself…about my motivators, stressors, learned behaviors… not just about junk drinks. I still dislike water with a burning passion, but it’s a quality of life improvement I’m dedicated to making. Thanks for helping to keep me motivated!
Ashley G. says
Root beer was my soda of choice. I could drink a 6-pack in a day!! I gave up all soda for 2 years in high school after doing a science experiment (what effect does soda have on your body). It was pretty gross. Then I met my (now husband) and he lovessssss soda, so I started drinking it again. It burned my throat for weeks! I stopped drinking it again last year.. I drink soda occasionally (maybe once every few months?) but I don’t enjoy it like I used to. I tastes so artificial and syrupy to me now. I normally just drink water and when I get bored of it I add fruit or veggies or herbs to it (think lemon-lime, cucumber and watermelon, and cucumber and mint). I have yet to notice a change in my body/skin/weight- but thanks to cutting out soda I eat a lot less junk (pizza and fast food just aren’t the same without it!) Congrats to you for making it this long!
Erin H. says
I used to be a Diet Coke junkie. Like 5 cans a day. And then one day a few years ago, I just quit. I can’t remember what motivated me to quit, but I did. Cold Turkey. And I love it. I felt healthier, I stopped having sugar cravings and wound up losing 15 pounds (which I’ve kept off), I had more energy. I have the occasional Diet Coke as a treat, but its not as satisfying as it once was.
Just Vegas says
You inspired my husband to start “No-soda-vember” and he’s been off soda ever since! I guess I should try it lol!
liz says
I drink mostly water and only have a soda once in a while as a special treat and I’ve found it tastes sooooo much better that way. But I’m not about to give up my morning coffee, it’s one of the first things I think of when I wake up :)
Ellen says
Amazing! Way to go, John!
Diane says
I’m so late to comment on this, but I’m impressed! It’s so hard to change habits. I have never been much of a soda drinker, but I don’t really like water either. Adding flavor to it helps a lot, so I’ve been using the True Lemon or True Orange packets – basically just dehydrated lemon or lime juice, no sweeteners or artificial colors or flavors. A squeeze of the actual fruit works just as well, of course. I’m also a tea lover – green or white hot tea (no milk or sugar) or unsweetened iced tea. I could never give those up, but I don’t really see a reason to. I’m pregnant now, and a little cranberry juice splashed into a glass of seltzer over ice has been my go-to. I found an unsweetened cranberry juice that has a fraction of the sugar of regular juice (seriously, you couldn’t drink it straight from the bottle), and add just a bit for flavor. It’s helped with the morning sickness, since I was craving bubbles but didn’t want to go the soda route. Just some suggestions in case you ever got bored of plain water – although it sounds like it’s working just fine for you!
Emily | Sparkle Meets Pop says
Good for you! I keep a water chart next to my desk at work to make sure I remind myself to drink it. I wasn’t a big soda drinker, but I do feel better when I get my recommended water. I think it’s good to challenge ourselves in this way from time to time. Makes us rethink choices that have become habit.
janetl says
When I first stopped drinking soda and then finally had one after (3 months) I thought it tasted terrible and didn’t even finish it. I’m now going on 8 years. I’ll be curious what you think of your first one after so long. :)
Jodi says
You guys should get a Sodastream seltzer maker. It’s the best. Make your own seltzer at home — you can flavor it if you want but I never have — it tastes better and is better for the environment. My 6 and 8 year old love it too.
That said, I admit my one true vice is Diet Orange Sunkist. I store it in my trunk so no one knows I drink it. If someone sees an errant can, I blame in on my friend Michele and say she left it there.
Young House Life says
Haha!
xo
s
Sandra T says
Hey, sorry I’m late to the comment party! My sister gave up diet soda and sweet tea about 2 years ago, and she doesn’t drink coffee. All water, all the time. She did it for weight loss reasons, but she says the main thing that she has noticed is that she doesn’t feel bloated any more. The only thing she misses is the tea (she will drink a mildly sweetened version on occasion (we’re from the south, for crying out loud!), but that’s it. I think it’s awesome, and applaud you guys! I’m sure that in the long run, it’s healthier to stick to the water. Will I ever do it? Yeah, ummmmm…
Victoria says
I have been drinking soda a sip here and there for the past 10 years. I wonder if anyone else notices the throat burning sensation when drinking certain soda. It goes away as soon as it goes down but it always surprises me and I think to myself what it this stuff doing to my insides!?
Brenda says
I used to drink Sprite every day with lunch and dinner when I was in college. Now I mostly stick to water except for special treats. I didn’t notice any big difference, but I do feel better knowing I’m making a healthy choice. There’s something about hardcore accountability that makes it easier to follow through.
Lisa says
Well done! I try to do a little self imposed diet soda fast every now and again. It’s my caffeine vehicle of choice, but I know overall water would be better.
At any rate, have you tried the Trader Joe’s sparkling spring waters? So good, a tiny bit sweet (more flavored than sweet, really) and very, very bubbly in a super soda-like kind of way. Pretty excellent on a hot summer day!
Young House Life says
Those sound awesome!
xo
s
Linda says
Good for you, John! I always have iced mint tea in the fridge in the summer–I wonder if that would be a good in-between that is refreshing but not soda. I just make a bunch of hot mint tea (I use a giant mason jar…having broken a glass pitcher by pouring boiling water in it) and then once it has cooled, stick it in the fridge. You can sweeten it or not (but if you want to, it’s easier while it’s still hot.)
Anne says
Since I was a child our family has been on the water or milk, everything else is a treat bandwagon. It is easy to enforce because we skip the soda aisle and do not have pop in the house. I’ve continued this with my kids. Then I started a job with an active employee wellness program.
Sodas are always referred to as “sugar sweetened beverages– a major contributor to adult onset diabetes and childhood obesity.” Hear and see these messages all day long plus no soda machines on campus or sugar sweetened beverages offered at meetings or events it is pretty easy to stick to water. It is amazing how easy it is not to choose a sugar sweetened beverage when you have to walk a mile or get in the car to buy one. I’m now at the point where I feel guilty drinking soda, sweet tea or my favorite summer time drink, fresh squeezed lemonade.
Emily Marion says
I’ve been soda, sweet tea, coffee free for 10+ years. I actually became so dehydrated and sick one summer (in FL) that I started drinking water & just never went back. I like trying to figure out how much money I’ve saved on beverages in those 10 years. I also like that it doesn’t take away flavor from the food I’m eating or using up calories. I don’t miss soda at all. I’m also a big fan cucumber slices in my water, especially after a hot summer day. Very satisfying.
Amanda Janel says
Cucumber slices! I forgot about cucumber slices! Cucumber slices in water is SO GOOD!!
mary says
I bought a Soda Stream a few years ago hoping to cut back on my diet soda addiction and it didn’t help much. The syrups aren’t good and the cost is about the same as buying name brand soda. I occasionally use it for odd purposes like adding some sparkling water to OJ or making an Italian cream soda for my daughter but mostly it gathers dust.
Carrie Lea says
I quit drinking Coke (and all soda but COKE. OMG) in August and it was hard. Like if someone walked by with a soda I wanted to punch them and steal it. Nutjob. Anyway, I didn’t lose weight (gained weight, total rip off), my skin isn’t better, but I don’t get “caffeine” headaches anymore. I still drink coffee a few times a week but I wonder now if it was never about caffeine but all the other crap in soda.
I will have soda occasionally, mixed with alcohol, when I go out with my friends. I always feel yuck the day after. I don’t think it’s the alcohol because if I go with soda-less drinks I feel fine.
All in all I’m glad I quit. Now if the zombie apocalypse happens I don’t have to worry about Coke cravings on top of everything else.
Young House Life says
Hahaha!
xo
s
Amanda Janel says
Oh man, I definitely notice a difference! Not so much when I *stop* drinking soda, but if it’s been a while and I drink some I feel terrible afterwards! I’m no health freak or anything, and I love Izze Sparkling Juice, aka my soda of choice :), but after so long of giving it up I don’t think I can go back.
Thanks for giving us an update – I’m so happy for you!! As far as hot weather coming up, I’m all about really icy teas! ..but I just scrolled up and read you’re not into that, so… Or I make myself a smoothie from Trader Joe’s frozen fruit (adding frozen mango makes it so good!) and almond milk (lactose issues) and then I don’t feel SO bad ’cause most of the sugar comes from whole fruit!
Amanda Janel says
I forgot about herbal infusions (tea without the tea!), which is usually what I drink if I’m not drinking water. Right now we’re growing chocolate mint that smells and tastes DIVINE! I haven’t added it to ice water yet, but I’m definitely gonna get to it.
There’s also apple mint, orange mint, lemon or lime mint, cinnamon mint, and probably more. If you don’t like mint there might be something else you could try? Good luck!
Sara V says
I stopped drinking soda and eating fast food when my husband went to Basic Training last April(2012). I obviously couldn’t stick to not eating fast food once he got home -although I did make it 4 months! But I still haven’t had more than a sip here and there of soda since then. I do drink coffee and juice daily plus tea/lemonade every once in a while but I am pretty proud that I’ve stayed soda free(pretty much) for over a year!
Lynn P says
Hi John! Just wanted to say WAY TO GO! I gave up soda, cold turkey during my pregnancy. My little girl just turned one. I was a lover of diet soda…and after she was born, I returned to my habit. As Sarah got older I found myself questioning this vice of mine. I have since given up Soda again and have been Soda free for around 4 months! :) I find putting a fresh lemon wedge in my water helps, especially during ‘treat’ meals. You may not feel a difference, but I’m sure as you age (I’m 38), your insides will THANK YOU! :)
Amy says
Soda-free since 2/1/11 over here! Go John!
Erin C. says
I drink mostly water too. I just wanted to say that a milk shake doesn’t count as a drink. It is more food-like so don’t worry about it.
Katie N. says
Kudos to you for sticking with it this far! As someone who gives up all liquids except water during Lent every year, I know first hand the challenges and the rewards of this little personal challenge. I’m also someone who ends up going back to the sauce (aka: Diet Coke!), gradually, “just for fun each year,” even though after 40+ days of abstaining from all “fun” drinks, I’m not craving it. So, we promise not to hold you to this challenge forever. Just knowing – for yourself – that you can give it up, have some willpower, live without that daily treat, and knowing that you can “stop if I want to” is what counts! What a long, sad life it would be if you went the rest of it without any soda!
Megan says
Try unsweet iced tea in the summer. It is refreshing, zero calerie, and very little caffine.
Hillary says
Soda is my vice of choice as well (I guess there are worse ones). I used to drink Diet Dr. Pepper morning, noon and night. Instead of BBOB, I would get a BBODDP:) I am definitely drinking more water and exercising everyday with Kettlebells (I’m in love–this coming from a former sporadic exerciser) Thusly–is that a word?–I am trying to give up Caffeine and artificial sweeteners. I am down to one cup of coffee in the morning and one Caffeine-free DDP during the day. I think I’m probably fine to keep it this way (I mean I do want to ENJOY life after all). That’s my goal though so we’ll see!
Cinemarie says
Hi John,
I have stopped drinking soda for a year or so a few years ago – and I was a big drinker of the stuff, multiple times a day…
I had been told I’d lose weight and get better skin, etc. but no difference really… but nope.
The only result I can share is: I felt terrible each time I had a soda once I started to drink it again, the occasional soda I would have, I couldn’t even finish anymore. It’s like my body felt like it was just too much. Like I was full after just a few sips. Like it was poisonous almost… I don’t get that feeling anymore (that was years ago…) maybe I should stop again:)
Yup. that’s all that I’ve noticed :)
I’m sure it’s healthy to limit soda in ways we just don’t notice or realize… ;)
Young House Life says
It’s so interesting to hear from you guys about this! Thanks for talking
shopsoda with me. Ha!-John
Asha says
That’s awesome John! I gave up soda many years ago too. I still have tea or coffee in the morning, so I can’t say I’m on the ball like you, but I think it’s great you’ve kept it up! It’s definitely motivational to see you stay motivated (hm, not sure that made sense. Keep on Aquatobering all year long! It’s a good example for Clara that sugary drinks are the only things out there. That’s my main motivation with my 2.5 year old.
Lynn @ Our Useful Hands says
Ahhh man! I was going to surprise you guys by telling you I was going to jump on the water-only train in what I was dubbing “Aquast”. (Get it? August? Aqu…nevermind.) lol. Awesome willpower John. I was exhausted the other day and realized I hadn’t had any green tea or coffee in 2 days and then NPR had Jerry Seinfeld talk about coffee during their coffee week last month and he said
“I never understood why people always said – “I just can’t get going in the morning until I’ve had my cup of coffee” – and I would think, well…you JUST woke up, you might need to give it some time, ya ever think of that??” But now he’s totally a coffee junkie. But now I think “I bet John just strolls into his day and waits for his body to wake up. What a smart guy.” lol So….how do you wake up and get pumped in the morning to face the day – sans the brew?
My best, Lynn
Young House Life says
Hilarious. Aquast = awesome. And as for waking up, it’s usually not a quick “I’m awake” snap of the fingers, but I just get up and sometimes a shower helps or some cereal and I’m good to go. I think since I’ve never gotten used to caffeine in the morning it’s not something I miss, ya know?
-John
Rebecca says
That’s awesome! Good job, John!
A few years ago I gave up buying clothes and shoes for a year. Afterwards it made me realize how much we buy that we don’t need! Now I hardly go shopping and my bank account is much happier :)
jen says
Here in the UK we don’t have the same regional names, although my 3 year old twin nieces have just come up with a new name for it – bubble juice!
Erika says
Well done!
Your bones will thank you, as the phosphates in the bubbles of soda (and sparkling water), leach calcium from your bones. So, you may not notice the effects now, but 75 year old John from the future will notice the difference!
I tend to restart my soda free-ness every new year’s, and over the years of doing that, I’m down to just a few sodas a year. My drink of choice is the occasional ginger kombucha, or a glass of water with fresh lime juice and stevia drops on ice. It is SO refreshing on a hot day. And for special occasions, we set up an Italian soda station for our guests to make their own. We pick dye free syrups and it feels so much more fun and special than an ordinary pop. And since it’s only special occasions, I don’t worry about the phospates or sugar so much.
kat says
I gave up soda last summer, just to see what would happen because I didn’t like feeling addicted to it and it took me about three months to get over missing it. Now I actually dislike it! It’s crazy. I definitely noticed improvements in my teeth, but nothing else really, though I’ve read so much about how bad the chemicals are I’m glad I quit.
Liz says
You are so inspiring! ** applause **
J says
I gave it up too. I used to have at least one diet coke a day. I decided I didn’t want to ingest those chemicals anymore…it’s been about two years for me now.
I do occasionally order one at dinner – maybe 5 a year.
I feel better now, I used to get sore knees. Not anymore.
I drink about 100 oz of water a day.
Lisa says
Hey John,
since there is no new aquatober post, i wonder if you’re still doing it or doing it again?
Young House Life says
Yup, it’s on again! Might report back mid-month or at the end of the month. Anyone else doing it?
-John
Molly says
I came here to ask the same thing! I’m on a late start to Aquatober, so I’ve dubbed my month Aquavember.
Young House Life says
Haha! Go Molly!
xo
s