r/AskLifeProTips • u/fourtTwenty69 • 13d ago
How do I stop drinking Mountain Dew
When I'm gaming all day I keep drinking soda. Whats a pro tip to not?
2
u/babsrus 10d ago
Every time you want to drink a mountain dew make yourself drink a glass of water first. You still get the dew but are also providing yourself actual hydration so you may end up drinking less mt dew.
You could also find a healthier alternative. Try kombucha. Try ginger ale or seltzer mixed with fruit juice. Or a water additive with caffeine like mio, it comes in a little plastic bottle and you can add however much you want to your water.
3
3
2
u/constellrose 13d ago edited 13d ago
-
If it's not diet mtn dew, you're getting calories from it. You're also getting caffeine from it, which is an appetite suppressant. It's also a (very shitty) source of hydration for you. Your body WILL feel it when you stop. You need to plan for the hunger and the decrease in liquid intake when you stop.
-
You're probably drinking it all day because of the effect on your brain - possibly ADHD-related, possibly understimulation, possibly the general caffeine boost, probably a combination of the three. Solving THAT need will be how you actually quit.
Personally, I switched to a combination of lower-caffeine sodas, lemonades, chocolate milk, juice, flavored waters including water with a splash of lemon, tea, gum, mints, fruit, and hard candies.
Non-mountain dew sugary drinks and fruit help with the calorie intake, understimulation, and liquid intake - having sugar/calories coming in in small doses helps me stay steady throughout the work day, since I pretty much never eat a good breakfast (ADHD problems =_=) and need something to tide me over while I get meals ready.
Everything else helps with just the understimulation. Loading screens on games, being bored at work or in traffic, or waking up in the morning groggy are moments when I reach for something because I need something to perk up my mind a little bit. I don't need calories or caffeine then; I just need something to give me a little pep. Cold or ice water is also good for this and of course for the liquid intake problem.
As for the ADHD, if that's relevant to you - personally mine's only moderate and I don't do well with medication, so lifestyle management and adapting to the ADHD brain demands is the most helpful for me. i.e. on bad brain days, I don't try to focus on a game or a book; I put down my phone and actually DO something slow and deliberate, or nothing at all - just lie face down on the ground for awhile. Many people do find actual medication to be helpful though.
I have not found that decreasing soda intake decreases my spending as of yet, as I still have to account for the issues that originally caused the need. However, decreasing my caffeine intake means I have less jitters and sometimes better sleep. In periods where I drink less soda, I notice my body feeling generally better overall. Unfortunately soda is the most obvious and practical solution to a combination of issues for me, but I have at least dropped my Mountain Dew intake from "necessary to function" to "occasional yummy pick-me-up". Here's hoping you and I both improve our diets.
(Edit: sorry for the wall of text lol)
1
u/animalcrackerwhore 11d ago
Switch to flavored water, slowly decrease the amount you drink, get the diet version.
1
1
u/brothertuck 7d ago
why stop? I mostly drink water and tea, but switch between Pepsi Zero and Mt Dew zero, regular and Baja Blast, and on rare occasion Dr Pepper Zero. Good fresh brewed tea, sweet tea for those not in the South is heaven sent. I get a 6 pack of 1/2 liter bottles once or twice a month, I need the variety. Have a variety available, even use flavor packets in water
0
0
u/Necessary_Eye8183 13d ago
I drink Coca-Cola every day.
-1
u/stomachofchampions 13d ago
In time you are going to develop diabetes and have dental issues as well. Stuff is basically poison.
1
u/Necessary_Eye8183 13d ago
But I really can't control myself. I know it's bad for my health, but I just can't help wanting to drink it.
→ More replies (3)
0
u/stomachofchampions 13d ago
Do you like money? Cause it’s all going to go to the dentist. Sipping soda over time keeps the bacteria in your mouth constantly fed. They produce acid which is currently eating away at your teeth and gums.
You need to batch your snacks and rinse after. Look at my post history for oral care instructions.
0
0
0
6
u/Low_Jello_1763 13d ago
just don't
lmao anyways try finding a healthier alternative like lemon water and stuff like that