Do you reach for a cold soda every time thirst hits? You’re not alone. The USA is in the top five countries that consume the most soda, and the American soda market’s value is rising every year.
However, you probably know that soda isn’t the healthiest choice when it comes to staying hydrated. If you’re drinking more soda than other drinks, cutting soda from your diet could be your next major lifestyle goal.
The Impact of Soda on Your Health![]()
Standard soda is packed with sugar and can have multiple negative impacts on your health. The CDC states that sugar-sweetened beverages are associated with “unhealthy” behaviors, including:
• Increased fast food consumption
• A lack of exercise
• Poor sleep hygiene
• Smoking
• Poor diet
Even if the rest of your lifestyle is healthy, too much sugar can lead to an increased risk of:
• Diabetes
• Obesity
• Cardiovascular disease
• High cholesterol
• High blood pressure
• Gout
• Dental problems
Seeking alternatives to sugary sodas could have a huge positive impact on your life.
Diet Soda: Not a Miracle Solution
So, just switch to diet soda, right? Unfortunately, it’s not that simple. The artificial sweeteners that replace sugars in diet soda are also linked to various health concerns. The sweetness of diet soda can still negatively affect insulin sensitivity, potentially leading to type 2 diabetes.
Diet soda is also highly acidic, which can cause dental problems as these acids eat away at the enamel of your teeth.
Delicious Alternatives to Soda
So, what can you drink instead of syrupy soda? Thankfully, there are plenty of alternatives.
Reverse Osmosis (RO) Filtered Water
Filtered water is safer and tastier, and RO filtration offers an exceptional standard of filtration you can enjoy in your home. Undersink filtration systems allow you to have clean, filtered water through a dedicated faucet. Alternatively, there are bottleless water coolers that provide the same level of filtration in a standing unit.
Sparkling Water
If it’s the fizz of soda you love, then sparkling water can hit that same spot. The Brio Q60 4-Stage RO Sparkling Countertop Water Dispenser offers sparkling water at the push of a button, with the benefit of advanced filtration.
You can make your sparkling water more tempting with a splash of fruit puree or juice. Just be mindful that you don’t overload it with sugary additives.
Fruit Infusions
Slicing fruits and veggies and steeping them in water creates delightfully refreshing and tasty beverages. Chilled fruit infusions can be made using room temperature or chilled water.
You can also make hot water infusions, either using store-bought fruit or herbal mixes or creating your own. Some herbal infusions can interact with prescription medications, so always consult a medical professional first if this applies to you.
Tea
Tea is considered as hydrating as water, especially if you don’t use sugar. Although black tea contains caffeine, this doesn’t make the beverage dehydrating. All types of tea can count toward your daily fluid intake, making it a great alternative to soda.
Coffee
Similarly, coffee is also a hydrating alternative to soda, as long as you avoid loading it with sugar, syrups, or fatty additives. Coffee also offers numerous health benefits, with studies suggesting it could be linked to a reduction in the risk of developing chronic diseases.
Handling Cravings and Reaching Your Goals
Cutting soda from your diet is a worthy goal, but don’t expect to succeed if you go cold turkey. Your body and brain will be used to the high volume of sugar or sweetener, and you’ll feel physically and mentally fatigued if you suddenly stop drinking it.
Instead, set yourself targets and gradually cut down. For example, you might want to drink one less soda per day for a week. Rather than just cutting it out, mindfully replace that drink with a healthier alternative, such as sparkling water or an infusion.
Set yourself a reminder on your smartphone or ask a friend or family member to support you. Log your successes, and the next week, aim for cutting two sodas out per day.
It also helps to recognize your triggers. If you always get a soda with takeout, consider swapping one takeout meal for something homemade. Work with your household to create a schedule that revolves around healthier eating and drinking habits for everyone.
Take a refillable water bottle to work with you so you’re not tempted to buy sodas when you take a break. You can even use a fitness app to log your water intake, which can keep your hydration goals top-of-mind.
Quit Soda More Easily With Accessible Filtered Water
Most importantly, ensure you have access to clean, expertly filtered water in your home. From countertop water dispensers to whole-house filtration systems, it’s never been easier to invest in safe, delicious water for your family. Clean water at the push of a button makes it so much easier to say goodbye to sugary soda and hello to a healthier lifestyle.
Browse the expert water filtration solutions online or contact Brio Water for more information about updating your hydration choices.
