Quiting pepsi, why is it so hard?

[jerome1232]

I'm convinced I need to drop my Pepsi habit, I was at the point that I would go get 2 2 liters and drink through them both in a day. I've managed to significantly reduce the amount I drink but I can't seem to go more than a day or two with out at least having a 20 oz bottle. I seem to want it the most when I'm in for some heavy homework or studying. Pepsi seems to be the only one I go crazy on, if I have any other soda in the house, Coca-Cola included, I'll barely drink it. Relatively at least.

The thing that has helped me the most so far is substituting other flavored beverages, such as Pero (roasted barely drink, much like postum) or herbal teas.

Have any of you guys kicked the soda habit successfully? Was it difficult? How did you do it?

[skalenfehl]

I kicked it with the simple decision. Never looked back. It requires a "mighty changed of heart." Because of the Savior's atonement, you can overcome it because He has overcome all things. Once we truly understand this simple truth, ANYTHING can be overcome. In all sincerity, though, find something healthy that you can enjoy in place of soda pop. Eventually you can limit your drink to water. :)

Edited February 2, 2013 by skalenfehl

[Windseeker]

I used to drink 2 liters of Coke Zero a day. I'm pretty sure I developed IBS from it. Now if I have so much as a cup of anything with artificial sweetner it completely locks up my GI tract. So quiting was easy for me.

I have a problem with energy and focus so I drink Yerba Matte a couple times a day and rest of the time I drink water.

Good luck

[pam]

I'm a Mt. Dew drinker. I start and end my day with it. Horrible horrible. I've gone off of it several times and each time I do I go through the horrible withdrawals. Sluggishness and horrible headaches. I went several months without it but one day had one drink of it and there I was back to it.

I get so mad at myself too when I relapse knowing I will go through the headaches for about 2-3 days again. Getting ready to do it again. Ugh!!

But each time I do, I lose about 10 pounds. As soon as I go back to it, I immediately gain that 10 pounds back.

I thinki part of it is loving the feeling of the carbonation.

I've often said: I can't imagine what someone going through drug withdrawals must feel when I feel so bad just going off caffeine.

Edited February 2, 2013 by pam

[Dravin]

I thinki part of it is loving the feeling of the carbonation.

Have you considered drinking seltzer water? Maybe with a wedge of lemon in it or something?

[pam]

Have you considered drinking seltzer water? Maybe with a wedge of lemon in it or something?

I've tried it and couldn't stand it. But thank you for the suggestion. Once I get past about 2 weeks I'm fine. It's just getting past that 2 weeks. :)

[Dravin]

I've tried it and couldn't stand it. But thank you for the suggestion. Once I get past about 2 weeks I'm fine. It's just getting past that 2 weeks. :)

I know the pain to a degree, I recently stopped drinking my morning Diet Dr. Pepper. I gave it up for sleep issues, so I'm not opposed to drinking some for special occasions or situations where I desire the caffeine, but I do miss it and find myself fighting off the urge to pick it back up as a regular thing. Since I prefer the diet stuff I at least have the luxury of being able to pick up some caffeine free when 12 packs go on sale and find it an okay substitute (it seems to lack some of the bite, perhaps the bitterness of the the caffeine?), but Diet Caffeine Free Mt. Dew is atrocious (which would be required to doge both the calories and the caffeine).

Edited February 2, 2013 by Dravin

[pam]

When I do decide to attempt to give it up again I have to think strategy. Knowing I will have 2-3 days of horrible headaches..do I do it on days that I work and not be able to function or do I do it on the weekend and give up my much needed days off? I usually sacrifice my weekend for the better cause.

[Anddenex]

Pepsi can be very addictive, however, it might be good to try to wean yourself from it gradually, instead of cold turkey.

If you drink two 2 liters of pepsi, then cut it down to 1 1/2, then a week or two later, drop it down to one liter, and so on, if you can't stop cold turkey.

[Bini]

I quit drinking soda pop in high school. Had seldom sips here and there since but really, that stuff is something I choose to not consume because it's just not good for you. I really only drink water and I run great on that all day. So for me, it was easy to drop. Coffee on the other hand.. STILL MISS THAT.

[pam]

Pepsi can be very addictive, however, it might be good to try to wean yourself from it gradually, instead of cold turkey.

If you drink two 2 liters of pepsi, then cut it down to 1 1/2, then a week or two later, drop it down to one liter, and so on, if you can't stop cold turkey.

I know that works for many people. I'm an all or nothing person. Whatever I choose to give up it has to be by going cold turkey. I wish I was one that could just wean myself.

[Anddenex]

I know that works for many people. I'm an all or nothing person. Whatever I choose to give up it has to be by going cold turkey. I wish I was one that could just wean myself.

I am the same way, it needs to be cold turkey or I won't give anything up.

[pam]

I am the same way, it needs to be cold turkey or I won't give anything up.

I tried it with lds.net and facebook..the weaning I mean. Didn't work.

[Iggy]

From Rodale News ~

5 Disturbing Side Effects of Soda (Search Results: Mt. Dew )

Just two of the five.

Accelerated Aging

Diet or regular, all colas contain phosphates, or phosphoric acid, a weak acid that gives colas their tangy flavor and improves their shelf life. Although it exists in many whole foods, such as meat, dairy, and nuts, too much phosphoric acid can lead to heart and kidney problems, muscle loss, and osteoporosis, and one study suggests it could trigger accelerated aging.

Mountain Dew Mind

Dentists have a name for the condition they see in a lot of kids who drink too much Mountain Dew. They wind up with a "Mountain Dew Mouth," full of cavities caused by the drink's excessive sugar levels. "Mountain Dew Mind" may be the next medical condition that gets named after the stuff. An ingredient called brominated vegetable oil, or BVO, added to prevent the flavoring from separating from the drink, is an industrial chemical used as a flame retardant in plastics.

Toxic Flame Retardant Detected in Popular Soda Toxic Flame Retardant Detected in Popular Soda | Rodale News

In the 70s, the Food and Drug Administration set a "safe limit" for BVO in food products, although some critics say that decision was made on industry-supplied data that is now outdated. Decades ago, rodent studies suggested BVO caused heart damage.

Today, people who have gone on extreme soda binges have reported symptoms in line with bromine poisoning—skin lesions, memory loss, and nerve disorders. BVO is also in Fanta Orange, Gatorade Thirst Quencher Orange, Powerade Strawberry Lemonade, and Sunkist Pineapple, among other drinks.

Also from Rodale ~ some facts about artificial sweeteners ~

The 4 Best, and 3 Worst, Sweeteners to Have in Your Kitchen | Rodale News

Bad Guy #1: Aspartame

There's conflicting evidence regarding the safety of aspartame, a common chemical sweetener used in diet soda and other low-cal or low-sugar goods, but some people report headaches or generally feeling unwell after ingesting anything containing the chemical. To make life easier for everyone, this is one instance where you may want to follow the "better safe than sorry" principle. That's because a University of Liverpool test-tube study found that when mixed with a common food color ingredient, aspartame actually became toxic to brain cells. Making matters worse, aspartame is used in many diet sodas, and studies have found drinking diet soda may increase your risk of developing diabetes and metabolic syndrome. Also of concern with aspartame, researchers have found that one harmful breakdown product is formaldehyde. Sweet? We don't think so.

Bad Guy #2: Agave

While your health food store likely stocks agave sweeteners, it may be best to keep them out of your cart. Many agave nectars consist of 70 to 80 percent fructose—that's more than what's found in high-fructose corn syrup! If you don't want to give up agave, look for types that contain no more than 30 to 40 percent fructose, recommends Christine Gerbstadt, MD, PhD, RD, spokeswoman for the American Dietetic Association.

Bad Guy #3: Sucralose

While sucralose, better known by its brand name, Splenda, may originate with sugar, the end product is anything but natural. It's processed using chlorine, and researchers are finding that the artificial sweetener is passing through our bodies and winding up in wastewater treatment plants, where it can't be broken down. Tests in Norway and Sweden found sucralose in surface water released downstream from treatment discharge sites. Scientists worry it could change organisms' feeding habits and interfere with photosynthesis, putting the entire food chain at risk. The chemically derived artificial sweetener acesulfame K (sold under the brand name Sunett) was also detected in treated wastewater and tap water.

What totally amazes me are the LDS who flat refuse to drink anything with Coffee or Tea in it, yet consume massive amounts of caffeine laden drinks. Mt. Dew, Pepsi, Coke, and energy drinks to name just a few.

Again, I go to Rodale for my information ~

Energy Drinks Trigger Spike in ER Visits

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) released a report finding that emergency room visits associated with the consumption of energy drinks had increased 1,000 percent between 2005 and 2009. The drinks, which sometimes contain more than five times the caffeine of a cup of coffee, sent a total of 1,128 people to ERs in 2005, and by 2009, that number had risen to 13,114, with the highest number (16,055 visits) occurring in 2008.

Although caffeine has been found to have some beneficial aspects—it soothes exercise-induced muscle soreness, for one—too much can trigger heart arrhythmia, dehydration, and other serious medical conditions, while also leading to dependency and withdrawal. Doctors can't seem to agree whether there's a "safe" level of caffeine, but, according to SAMHSA, 100 to 200 milligrams (mg) is considered a decent moderate intake per day. That's equal to between one and two cups of coffee. Energy drinks contain from as little as 75 mg to as much as 505 mg per serving. The caffeine in the latter is equivalent to drinking thirteen colas in one shot. Furthermore, over-the-counter stimulants that contain 100 mg of caffeine, such as NoDoz pills, are required to carry a warning label, but energy drinks are not.

Perhaps it is time for the 1st Presidency to pray, ponder and seek revelation as to the consumption of coffee, tea, & caffeine laden drinks. In 1833 when the WOW was given to Joseph Smith, the variety of drinks has increased greatly. The cold drinks that were available to that era was all natural: fruits & herbs, with no extra caffeine, BVO, GMO created sugar substitute, etc. added to enhance the appearance. Today, there are so many man made chemicals added to "enhance" the look, flavor and to extend the shelf life.

I admit that I am a Coke Classic addict. Being a diabetic and drinking Coke Classic is almost like committing suicide ~ the sugar content alone is a killer for me. Then there is the carbonation & caffeine, both of which dehydrate your body. Muscle cramps are just one of the symptoms of dehydration. 8 oz of Coke Classic and I get cramps in my feet. As I drink more - the cramps increase throughout my body.

I also dearly love Starbucks Frappachino's. Mocha only. The cost is enough to prevent me from buying it very often - but I make my own. Instant Folgers coffee, Half & Half and ice cubes whipped in my blender. The coffee is made 3X stronger per 1 cup of almost hot water. Too hot and it will take more ice cubes to chill it and then it is watery.

I use Splenda (store brand knockoff actually) also. Have tried Stevia, but it is gross tasting to me, where sucralose doesn't taste any different than sugar.

This caffeine drink is no different than the energy drinks or the caffeine laden sodas, except there are no added chemicals. Yet my LDS family (siblings) feel that I should not hold a temple recommend because I drink iced coffee. I feel that they should not hold a temple recommend because they consume caffeine in the 12 pack a day Mt. Dew, Diet Pepsi, and Diet Cola's. Oh, and the nieces and nephews are putting away on average 6 cans of power/energy drinks a day too.

My Branch President and my Stake President when they asked me if I was observing the WOW, I told them that I drank Mocha Frappachino's - homemade to save cost, and made with instant coffee, cream, water and sucralose, they didn't bat an eye. The Stake President asked if I was also drinking hot coffee & hot teas. I said no, not hot - Iced yes. Both of them, Iced Coffee Frappachino and Iced Tea w/lemon.

I hold a valid Temple Recommend and I feel in my heart that I am not violating the WOW.

I don't drink Mr.Dew or Fanta, or the sports drinks. I do, however, drink G2. Only as a re-hydration drink near the end of my grocery shopping, or after cleaning house all day. If I sweat and exert a lot, then I must replenish the electrolytes and G2 is the cheapest and fastest way to do it. The G2 instant with the artificial sweetener is not a re-hydration drink. Your body needs the real sugar, real salt and water. I also don't drink more than 16 oz in one sitting or even one day.

[jerome1232]

Yeah, I couldn't do could turkey. I'd have to be locked up for that to happen. Weaning has worked well for reducing the amount I drink. Every now and then I end up visiting my shady pepsi dealer (ha!) and regressing on the amount I drink.

Yerba Mate? I'll have to try that, where do you purchase it?

I'm fortunate enough to have a ridiculously high metabolism and so I have difficulty gaining weight, even the soda doesn't really put anything on, I'm more concerned about the risk of diabetes than anything to do with caffeine.

*sigh* I agree with Pam, I couldn't imagine having to drop say, a heroine addiction, when I can barely control a caffeine/sugar addiction.

[Dravin]

An ingredient called brominated vegetable oil, or BVO, added to prevent the flavoring from separating from the drink, is an industrial chemical used as a flame retardant in plastics.

Did you know that another ingredient in soda is used as a deicing agent by municipalities and is known to accelerate the corrosion of iron alloys?

[Tough Grits]

Like Pam, I like carbonation. I hear it is bad for the bones. Oh well.

I limit my caffeine intake. Moderation. I limit my soda intake. I try hard to never drink more than two cans of soda a day. Which is still too much.

I did not used to be this way. I used to drink a large glass of orange juice every morning (grew up on a fruit farm---LOVE orange juice).

Well, we are rather limited on funds right now. Orange juice is more expensive than soda. Sad.

Anyway, as soon as I can afford God's wonderful, heavenly juice for my morning drink again, then I will kiss soda good-bye in the mornings.

I do like soda for lunch at work. It is just easy to transport a soda can and stick in a frig. or mix with ice in the cafeteria at lunch time. I like carbonated strawberry drinks. Fanta and Crush have some good strawberry sodas. Mmmm.

[beefche]

I had to give up caffeine. I was getting headaches and jitters from drinking even a minimal amount. Now, I drink caffeinated soda about once a week; otherwise my soda is caffeine free.

I thinki part of it is loving the feeling of the carbonation.

Me too, pam. I will drink just plain sparkling water. I like it better with lemon, or lime, or some other flavoring in it. But, sometimes I need the bite of the carbonation so I'll swig it plain.

[applepansy]

I quit my diet caffeine habit twice. Once by telling myself it was going to kill me. Every time I had a glass or can I would say ou tloud "this is going to kill me". After about a week I just didn't want it anymore.

I was working nights and had three boys when I started drinking it again.

The second time was harder. I weaned off until I got down to a 16 ounce glass a day. Then quit that too. I stayed off until....

I started raising my grandson. I just couldn't chase a toddler without the caffeine. We were even napping during the day.

Here I am 3 years later and I need to quit. But...again... I can't chase a 4-1/2 yo without caffeine.

I'm old. I'm in constant pain. I'm tired. I also can't push myself to move unless its for someone else. (Yes, I know... exercise will help me feel better. Yes, chasing my grandson has helped me feel better physically ---great exercise. Still... without my grandson I'd probably just sit and knit.)

I have yet to find anything that helps besides caffeine.

[annewandering]

I stopped Pepsi because it was running me. I was as bad as any addict wanting a fix and that just ticked me off. It was HARD. Not actually stopping but the awful withdrawals. They lasted about was week and a half but I was still tired for a while longer.

Since then I have read that doctors recommend getting a doctors advice on how to quit because it can be a health issue same as quitting alcohol. Caffeine is a vicious chemical when its thwarted.

It was hard to find another drink for me. I tried A&W but then decided I really needed to get off all those calories. Juice has too much sugar in it to drink a lot. Eventually I found Walmarts 0 calorie strawberry flavored water. It isnt nasty and has a bit of fiz. Wish I could drink straight water but I have issues with water so not likely to happen.

One thing to keep in mind is that you are dealing with a bad addiction. It is not easy to get off of. The missionaries came over one day and were talking about taking control of our physical body not letting it control us. We did not break the WoW but it convinced me on the spot that I was stopping my spiritual growth and well being if I was controlled by my addiction.

The nice thing is that caffeene drinks taste like I would imagine cow urine tastes like and it smells so bad. Makes it very easy to not relapse. Thanks to God for that favor!

[dahlia]

My mother used to put Pepsi in my bottle. True story. I could hear the cap coming off a Pepsi when my mother was in the basement and I was 2 stories up in my bedroom. I have actually been in a Pepsi/Coke challenge at a mall. I love Pepsi, now Diet Pepsi. I get real antsy if I don' t know where my next Diet Pepsi is coming from.

I don't want to quit, but I did want to reduce my intake. I realized that what I liked was the carbonation and switch off between Diet Pepsi and a carbonated water. It seems to be working out OK. I don't mind carrying around a bottle of water now, whereas before, I'd only want soda.

Still, around 10 pm and I need to get that 2nd groove on so I can work from home, nothing is as good as a swig of ice cold Diet Pepsi. Thank goodness it is legal.

[beefche]

I must be weird. I haven't had any withdrawal symptoms. Perhaps because I stopped because caffeine gave me headaches and shakes, so maybe my withdrawal symptoms are no headaches and steady hands? LOL

[annewandering]

Beefche, one of the problems I was having was that if I didnt get the same amount each day I got the withdrawal symptoms even though I was drinking a lot of pepsi. You dont have to quit to get symptoms. Just cut down. I did talk to a doctor about this while still drinking it and was told that fluctuations cause withdrawal.

[Tough Grits]

My mother used to put Pepsi in my bottle. True story.

I don't doubt it, because in the South, I have seen people put cola and sodas in bottles!

Goodness, kids can drink cola as soon as they learn to suck from a straw and are out eating at restaurants. Crazy.

My kids don't drink sodas in the home, only when we go out to eat or order pizza. Which is not often at all. They drink skim milk and Kool-Aid. I am sure all the sugar from the Kool-Aid is bad too.

[classylady]

When I was on my mission in Germany I saw parents putting beer in their baby's bottles.

I'm lucky that I don't have a soda addiction. I do like to have a diet pepsi/coke every once in awhile to help get an energy boost. I will buy me a 2 liter diet pepsi or coke and put it in the refrigerator and it will stay there for about a month before I actually need it. What gets me upset though, is, I have that pepsi in the fridge for a reason--when I really need an energy boost. My husband always sees it there and thinks it's fair game. So, I go to the fridge to get my pepsi I've been saving and it's gone! Arrgh! My solution is to buy just a small 16 or 20 oz. soda, and my husband will usually leave that alone.

Edited February 3, 2013 by classylady