Welcome to our three-part series, “The Doctor Says I Have To Lose 30 Pounds.” In this series, we’ll explore the emotional and physical challenges of life as a busy woman, provide practical tips for making healthier choices, and offer strategies for long-term success. Whether you’re starting your own weight loss journey or thinking about starting one, this series is here to give you hope. Here is PART ONE. Here is PART TWO and PART THREE.
Emotional eating and unhealthy habits
She’s bored, she’s tired, she’s by herself. She wants to do something for herself that no one will judge her for, or look down at her, or bother her in any way. She wants to sit, have something sweet to eat, and do something mindless like watch TV, play computer games, or scroll TikTok. The trouble is that she hasn’t eaten very well all day—a protein bar for breakfast, a burger and fries with her bestie at lunch, chicken nuggets and mac and cheese out of a box like she used to make her kids for dinner. Now, she’s eating chocolate mint cookies that she keeps hidden in the upper cabinet.
Mindless snacking
That wouldn’t be a huge problem except she’s eating the cookies out of the package. Before she knows it, there are only three cookies left, so she may as well eat those too because leaving three cookies doesn’t make sense.
It’s bedtime
By this time, it’s almost midnight, and her alarm clock goes off at six because she’s a busy working mom. Except, her kids are grown. All she has to do in the morning is get herself ready for work, so what’s the big deal? She can sleep till seven. That’s seven hours of sleep.
She’s not getting enough sleep
She isn’t going to get seven hours of sleep because for one – she can’t fall asleep easily because she’s been looking at a digital screen for a few hours, ok, 3 hours. And two – she has to get up and pee at least once during the night and her hip hurts no matter which side she sleeps on.
So….she starts the next day tired which makes healthy choices that much harder to make.
Today, let’s talk about something that’s a staple in many people’s diets but often stands in the way of living a healthier, happier life: soda. Yep, those fizzy drinks might seem harmless, but they pack a punch that can knock your health goals off track. Let’s dive into why kicking the soda habit is a game-changer and how it moves you closer to the vibrant, healthy lifestyle you deserve.
The Sneaky Culprit: Sugar Overload
First off, let’s talk sugar. Soda is loaded with it, and not the natural kind you find in fruits, but the added, refined sugar that doesn’t do your body any favors. This sugar contributes to weight gain, spikes in blood sugar levels, and can even lead to type 2 diabetes. By cutting out soda, you’re drastically reducing your sugar intake, which is a major step towards managing your weight and keeping your blood sugar levels steady.
Calorie Bombs
One can of soda can have as many calories as a small meal, but without any of the nutritional benefits. These empty calories add up quickly and can lead to unwanted weight gain. By eliminating soda, you’re reducing your caloric intake, which can help you shed those extra pounds and feel more energetic throughout the day.
Say Goodbye to Crashes
Ever notice how you feel on top of the world right after drinking a soda, only to crash hard a little while later? That’s the sugar high followed by the inevitable sugar crash. When you stop drinking soda, you avoid these energy spikes and crashes, leading to more stable energy levels throughout the day. This means no more mid-afternoon slumps where you feel like you can’t keep your eyes open.
Hydration is Key
Soda might quench your thirst momentarily, but it doesn’t hydrate you the way water does. In fact, the caffeine and sugar in soda can lead to dehydration. By swapping soda for water, you’re keeping your body properly hydrated, which is crucial for everything from digestion to skin health to maintaining your energy levels.
Better for Your Teeth
Soda is notorious for wreaking havoc on your teeth. The combination of sugar and acidity can lead to cavities and enamel erosion. Giving up soda means you’re protecting your teeth and gums, leading to fewer trips to the dentist and a brighter smile.
Mindful Choices
Choosing to stop drinking soda is a step towards making more mindful decisions about what you put into your body. It’s about being aware of how certain foods and drinks affect your health and making choices that support your overall well-being. This mindfulness can extend to other areas of your life, helping you to make healthier choices consistently.
Setting an Example
When you make healthy choices, you inspire those around you to do the same. Whether it’s your family, friends, or coworkers, your decision to ditch soda can motivate others to think about their own health and make positive changes. Plus, it feels great to know that you’re leading by example and contributing to a healthier community.
Celebrate the Small Wins
Every time you choose water over soda, you’re celebrating a small win that adds up to big changes over time. These small victories are empowering and can boost your confidence as you continue on your wellness journey. Remember, it’s all about progress, not perfection.
Why Make Healthier Choices?
So, why go through the effort of making healthier choices? Because you’re worth it! Living a healthy lifestyle isn’t about depriving yourself; it’s about nourishing your body, feeling good, and enjoying life to the fullest. When you make healthier choices, you have more energy, a clearer mind, and a stronger body. You’re better equipped to handle stress, stay active, and enjoy the moments that matter most.
In conclusion, ditching soda might seem like a small change, but it’s one that can have a big impact on your overall health and well-being. It’s a step towards a more mindful, vibrant, and healthier you. So, let’s raise a glass (of water) and toast to making choices that support the amazing, healthy lifestyle you deserve!
Cheers to your health! 🥂
Feel free to share your own experiences with cutting out soda and how it’s impacted your health journey in the comments below. Let’s support each other on this path to wellness!
Let’s begin by looking at the top three keys to reduce the amount of sugar you are consuming. These three keys pave the way to a healthier you and lead to improved well-being and vitality.
Key #1: Mindful Awareness
The first key to reducing sugar consumption begins with cultivating mindful awareness. Take a moment to investigate your current sugar consumption and its sources in your diet. Are you indulging in sugary snacks and beverages throughout the day? Are there hidden sugars lurking in your favorite packaged foods? By becoming aware of your habits, you empower yourself to make informed choices and take control of your health.
Start by reading food labels diligently, paying close attention to hidden sugars such as high-fructose corn syrup, dextrose, and sucrose. Consider keeping a food journal to track your sugar intake and identify patterns. Mindful awareness lays the foundation for meaningful change, setting the stage for a healthier lifestyle.
Key #2: Nourishing Alternatives
Once you’ve developed mindful awareness, it’s time to explore nourishing alternatives to satisfy your sweet cravings. Nature offers a bounty of wholesome options that delight the taste buds without wreaking havoc on your health. By incorporating fresh fruits like berries, apples, and citrus into your diet, you get to enjoy natural sweetness along with a host of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
You can also experiment with homemade treats using natural sweeteners such as raw honey, maple syrup, or dates. These alternatives add sweetness to your recipes while providing additional nutritional benefits. Get creative in the kitchen and discover new ways to indulge in delights that support your well-being.
Key #3: Empowering Education
Knowledge is power when it comes to reducing sugar consumption and reclaiming your health. Take the time to educate yourself about the harmful effects of excessive sugar on your body and mind. Learn about the link between sugar and chronic conditions such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease, as well as its impact on energy levels, mood, and mental clarity.
Explore alternative resources, books, and documentaries that shed light on the sugar industry’s influence and the prevalence of hidden sugars in processed foods. Arming yourself with knowledge empowers you to make informed choices that align with your health goals. Remember, every decision you make is a step towards a healthier, more vibrant you.
Conclusion
Remember: small changes can bring big results on your journey to optimal health. By cultivating mindful awareness, embracing nourishing alternatives, and empowering yourself with education, you hold the keys to unlock your sweetest health potential.
Ready to take the next step? Visit Suzanne Horrocks Wellness on Podia to discover exclusive resources, courses, and support on your wellness journey. Let’s walk together on the path of vibrant well-being and a life filled with sweetness in every sense of the word.
💧 Let’s talk about how that can impact your hydration levels.
🚫 While soda might seem like a refreshing choice, it can actually lead to dehydration.
Here’s why:
1️⃣ High Sugar Content: Most sodas are loaded with sugar, which can actually increase your body’s need for water to process it. When you consume sugary drinks, your body works overtime to balance out the sugar levels, which can leave you feeling parched.
2️⃣ Caffeine Effect: Many sodas contain caffeine, which is a diuretic. This means it can increase urine production, leading to fluid loss and ultimately dehydration. Remember, caffeine can be dehydrating, so it’s essential to balance your intake with water.
3️⃣ Empty Calories: Soda provides little to no nutritional value, leaving you feeling unsatisfied and potentially craving more unhealthy snacks. Opting for water or other hydrating beverages can keep you feeling full and energized without the added calories and dehydration risk.
🌊 Stay Hydrated, Stay Healthy: Remember to prioritize water as your main source of hydration throughout the day. Aim for at least 8 glasses (64 ounces) daily, or adjust based on your activity level and climate.
✨ Let’s make choices that support our well-being, starting with staying hydrated! Swap out that soda for a refreshing glass of water and feel the difference it makes in your energy levels and overall health. Your body will thank you! 💦
As a wellness guide, I am here to help you nurture not just your body but also your mind and soul. My passion for holistic well-being stems from my own transformative experience.
Several years ago, I was in the midst of grieving the sudden death of my spouse, followed shortly by the death of my father from cancer. I was overwhelmed by grief, uncontrollable anger, struggling with poor health habits (including smoking and an addiction to drinking soda), and feeling disconnected from my inner self. It was a wake-up call that propelled me onto a path of self-discovery and healing.
Through diligent research, introspection, and a willingness to learn, I experimented with various wellness practices, from mindful meditation to nourishing nutrition. Each step brought me closer to a profound understanding of the interconnectedness of mind, body, and soul.
As I implemented these practices into my daily life, I experienced a remarkable transformation. I found inner peace, vitality, and a renewed sense of purpose. Thankfully I have stopped smoking and I have stopped drinking soda too. Inspired by my own journey, I have committed to sharing these invaluable insights with others.
I am a graduate of the Institute of Integrative Nutrition as a health coach. However, it’s not just the formal training that qualifies me as a wellness guide—it’s the authenticity of my journey and my willingness to share my insights and experiences.
Through this blog, Facebook, and emails (sign up here), I encourage women nearing retirement and empty nesters to begin on their own wellness journey. I believe that true well-being is not a destination but a lifelong pursuit, and I am honored to support others in their quest for health, happiness, and fulfillment.
Let’s go on this transformative journey together, nurturing mind, body, and soul every step of the way.
Use this breathing practice to help you fall asleep and anytime you need to calm your nerves.
I am beyond excited to share my friend’s incredible journey with you.
It’s a story of courage, determination, and the power of making small changes for big impact.
For years, my friend found himself caught in the grip of soda addiction. It was his go-to comfort. Soda was his trusted companion through life’s ups and downs.
But deep down, he knew it wasn’t serving him well. He could feel the toll it was taking on his body and his spirit.
One day, he made a decision – a decision to reclaim control of his health and his life.
From that moment on, everything changed.
It hasn’t been easy. There have been moments of doubt, moments of temptation, moments when he wondered if he could really do it.
But through it all, he stayed strong. He drew strength and inspiration from his support system.
Now he stands on the other side of his journey – a journey towards greater health, vitality, and freedom.
He feels more alive than ever before.
He’s experiencing a newfound energy and a deep sense of pride in what he’s accomplished.
My friend’s journey is a reminder to all of us that change is possible. It starts with a single step, a single decision to do things differently.
So cheers to my friend, and to all of you who are on your own journey towards wellness. You are capable of more than you know.
You are worthy of a life filled with health, happiness, and abundance.
And you are never alone – I’m here to walk this path with you, every step of the way.
In my journey to wellness,, I encountered a significant challenge that required both self-reflection and determination: overcoming my own soda addiction. As a wellness guide, it is crucial for me to share this personal story in the hope of inspiring you to make positive changes in your life.
Growing up, my household had a refrigerator in the garage that was dedicated to soda.. It was filled to the brim with various sodas. The mere thought of those sweet fizzy beverages instantly brings back memories of family gatherings, celebrations, and lazy Sunday afternoons.
As I became a parent myself, I continued the tradition of having soda in my own refrigerator. No one, including my only child, was allowed to have the last serving. I had to know the next drink was going to be there. It was a horrible thought to imagine wanting a glass of soda and there not being any.
I realized that my attachment to soda was not just about the taste or the refreshment it provided. I had an addiction. It had become a coping mechanism, a crutch that I leaned on during moments of stress or fatigue. It became a symbol of comfort and familiarity, a constant companion through the ups and downs of life. The addiction held a grip on me that I needed to break free of.
Taking the first step towards change was challenging. I acknowledged the emotional connection I had with soda and understood that overcoming this addiction required determination. I devised a plan that involved gradual reduction and substitution, exactly like the roadmap in this book. Instead of reaching for a cola every time I craved one, I explored healthier alternatives like herbal teas, cold water, and natural fruit juices.
IT WORKED!
My refrigerator underwent a transformation of its own. Slowly, the space that was once dedicated to soda was now filled with fresh produce, nutritious snacks, and beverages that nourished my body without compromising my well-being.
Breaking the cycle was not easy, and there were moments of temptation when the familiar sweet fizz called out to me. However, my commitment to a healthier lifestyle kept me on track. I learned to appreciate the natural sweetness of fruits and the invigorating effects of drinking water.
Through this journey, I not only overcame my soda addiction but also discovered a newfound sense of balance and vitality. As a wellness guide, I share this story with the hope that it inspires you to examine your habits, make conscious choices, and embark on a journey towards a healthier, more vibrant life. Remember, every small step counts on the path to wellness.
Your own path to wellness
Starting your journey to quit drinking soda is a wonderful decision that can bring about transformative changes in your overall well-being. Congratulations on taking your first step.
In our journey towards a healthier and happier life, we often overlook the simplest of remedies that nature has bestowed upon us. Today, let’s delve into the magical properties of water and uncover the top five incredible benefits it gives us. From boosting energy levels to enhancing skin radiance, water is the unsung hero we’ve been waiting for.
Top Five reasons to drink more water
Increased Energy and Reduced Fatigue:
Imagine waking up each morning ready to conquer the day ahead. Water holds the key to this secret. Dehydration can often disguise itself as fatigue and sluggishness. By staying properly hydrated, you provide your body with the essential fuel it needs to function optimally. Water ensures that your cells receive the necessary oxygen and nutrients, resulting in increased energy levels and reduced fatigue. So, start your day with a refreshing glass of water to set the stage for a productive and vibrant day. Keep it up to stay alert and energetic all day long.
Promotes Weight Loss:
Are you on a weight loss journey? Look no further than your humble kitchen tap. Water plays a pivotal role in shedding those unwanted pounds. It’s a natural appetite suppressant that can help you control your calorie intake. Moreover, when you drink water before a meal, it helps create a feeling of fullness, curbing overeating. Additionally, water aids in the metabolism of stored fat, making your weight loss efforts more effective. So, make water your best workout buddy and watch those pounds melt away!
Flushes Out Toxins:
Our bodies are constantly bombarded with environmental pollutants and toxins. Luckily, water acts as a cleansing agent that helps flush out these harmful substances. By staying hydrated, you support your kidneys in their vital task of filtering waste and toxins from your blood. This not only promotes a healthier urinary system but also reduces the risk of kidney stones and urinary tract infections. Keep your system clean and functioning optimally by sipping on water throughout the day.
Improves Skin Conditions:
Dreaming of that radiant, flawless skin? Water can make your dreams come true! Proper hydration helps maintain the elasticity of your skin, preventing dryness, flakiness, and premature aging. It promotes the removal of toxins, leaving your skin clear and glowing. By keeping your skin well-hydrated, you’re essentially giving it the nourishment it needs to rejuvenate and repair itself. So, say goodbye to expensive skincare products and embrace the natural glow that water brings.
Improves Digestion:
Let’s talk about a happy gut! Adequate water consumption is essential for maintaining a healthy digestive system. Water aids in the digestion and absorption of nutrients, ensuring that your body receives the essential elements it needs to function properly. It softens stool, making bowel movements easier and preventing constipation. Incorporating water into your daily routine can significantly improve your digestive health, making you feel lighter and more comfortable.
As we journey through the realms of wellness, let us not forget the power of water – a simple yet remarkable gift that nurtures our body, mind, and soul. By embracing the habit of drinking water consistently, we unlock a multitude of benefits, from increased energy levels and weight loss to detoxification and improved skin conditions. So, let your glass be a vessel of health, happiness, and vitality.
Of course not. It’s a simple machine that runs on gasoline. It can’t run on anything else – water, added sugar, soda, preservatives, oil, plastic… You get the picture.
A car engine is a simple machine, made to do one thing, turn the tires (very basic idea yall. I am FAR from a mechanic.) If you ask it to run on anything other than gasoline, the effect is almost immediate. It’s not going to run right. Sometimes it won’t even start. The quality of the fuel counts too. Bad fuel will make the engine grossly underperform.
Our bodies are not simple machines
We are a complex system made of smaller complex systems. Our bodies run on water and oxygen. Not gasoline, plastic, sugar, added sugar, or oil, but water and oxygen. You’ve heard the statistic, right? Our bodies are 60% water. We. Need. Water. Just like we need oxygen (the O in H2O, see how that works?) We have built-in systems to help us mitigate the effects of running on bad fuel, or on plastic, sugar, vegetable oil, etc. But is that the best use of our bodies?
Shouldn’t we honor our body and treat it like the magnificent gift that it is? Don’t we want to give it the absolute best fuel available? Don’t we deserve the best?
Water and Oxygen (H2O)
For our bodies, water and oxygen is the best fuel. Our bodies deserve water. Pure, clean water. Not soda. Not sugar. Not oil. Not plastic. Water. Clean, pure water.
Sure, we can run on soda, but not anywhere near as well as we can run on pure, clean water. Some of our systems (namely our digestive system) are so busy flushing out the toxins (or the overload of sugar) – that it just can’t keep up. That’s when you end up with pain, or exhaustion, or chronic illnesses.
There’s an easy fix
Thank goodness that it’s an easy fix!! Begin crowding out the bad fuel and start to drink more water. You will immediately begin to feel better. You will have more energy, better memory, less pain, better sleep, and more.
Stop drinking soda
As a wellness guide, I’m here to help you. I have created a program – Stop Drinking Soda – to guide you in your efforts to ditch the soda-drinking habit. So you can easily crowd out the sugar-filled drinks and have room for more water.
Do you want to know more about the program? Leave a comment or visit the Facebook page – Stop Drinking Soda. Go straight over there now and “like” the page. Turn on all notifications to stay in the loop.
Any questions? Any ideas? Comment below. I would love to hear from you!!
Suzanne Horrocks 