What are the effects of long-term, mass-consumption of sugared, carbonated drinks and what can be done to stop?
I am a long-term, high-frequency consumer of soft drinks specifically Coca-Cola and Pepsi.
In 2015 I am resolved to kick the habit once and for all but it is proving challenging. My average daily consumption is between 2 and 2.5 litres (70-100 ounces).
A typical daily routine would be -
Awake
Strong coffee with 2 x sugar
8am can of cola on the drive to work
11am can of cola to prevent flagging/thirst
12.30 can of cola with lunch
3pm can of cola due to extreme drowsiness
Possibly 1,2 or even 3 cans of cola in the evening
I don't want to substitute the drinks for diet or lite or max versions. I want to go as sugar-free as possible.
What effects, both positive and negative, will I see in the immediate short term once I stop consuming these drinks and how can I best control the cravings?
I feel like I concentrate better after consumption, my creativity and cognitive functions felt higher and more productive. However I also find myself becoming more animated and talkative within meetings/around senior members of staff.
Considerations
I have been tested for diabetes; I am clear but wish to remain that way
I am 32 years old with fairly sedentary job role (Agile ScrumMaster)
I am quite active; daily running and regular long distance hiking
(2)2 Comments
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I would pick one sugar or caffeine. It is much more likely that you will fail if you if try to quit both at the same time.
To address the question of reducing the craving.
Make a habit of drinking 1 cup of water first thing when you wake up in the morning (drink more water in general). Dehydration is a contributing factor to fatigue.
Calorie replacement. 70 to 100 oz. of soda has 800 to 1000 Calories in it. You will need to replace these calories. Put half and half in your coffee. With this number of calories you could drink 3 cups of half or half or a can and a half coconut milk every day.
Go caffeine free and get caught up on your sleep on the weekends.
Regular exercise.
What effects, both positive and negative, will I see in the immediate short term once I stop consuming these drinks...
Positive:
You will probably lose weight. Two litres of soda is about 800 Calories. For context, government agencies suggest the average person requires about 2000 Calories per day. So you are drinking nearly half of your require calorie intake in sugar beverages alone. If you only cut out soda, you would lose weight very quickly.
Negative:
You will become extremely irritable. Sugar is highly addictive and can present withdrawal symptoms similar to of opioids.
Everything else will taste like crap. You are consuming nearly 200g of sugar a day. Sugar is (or seems) delicious, nothing else will be as sweet to you as soda, so by comparison everything else will seem bland.
You will be less alert. Sugar has strong effect on temporarily increasing alertness, before leading to sluggishness, which explains your 3pm soda.
and how can I best control the cravings?
Through focus and determination that is required when beating an addiction.
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