What can I substitute for coke?

I've always had a sweet tooth, and since I was young I used to drink a lot of coke. Recently I have begun to drink more water and done very well with not drinking so much coke, but sometimes I get the odd craving for it and it's a craving that I always have to tend to. I like the taste of Coke and Pepsi, I don't mind the diet versions, but I'm wondering what can I drink instead of coke when I'm craving it? Coke makes me very bloated because of the fuzziness and I've observed a very big difference in my stomach and how I'm feeling overall when I haven't drunk coke or fizzy drinks.

I think coke is my primary problem with weight a few months ago as I used to drink instead of coke or Pepsi when I'm craving it? I like water and flavored water, but they don't tend to my sweet drink craving, juices make my mouth too dry I don't wish any kind of tea or coffee.

 

Lemonade is my favorite thing to substitute when I want a break from carbonated "fuzzy" drinks. The downside is that it still has sugar in it, but at least you won't have the bloated feeling you get from the fizzy drinks. Propel fitness water is awesome, too.

 

Fruit juices can be a great substitute for coke without all the fizzing. My personal favorite is White Cranberry/Strawberry juice. I don't remember the brand name, but it's naturally sweetened and tastes almost like liquid candy. The cranberry part helps my digestive system immensely, too, so I don't feel hungry or bloated all the time, and the stevia sweetener keeps things sugar free.

 

I quit drinking sugary sodas alltogether about 3 years ago. I mainly drink plain water now, but occasionally I buy the "MiO" brand water enhancer and I like it. Also, if you crave carbonated drinks, I found something called "Sparkling Ice" that is carbonated, and comes in various flavors and it has no sugar, caffiene, or sodium.

 

Try Berocca. It's kind of expensive than cola but who cares anyway, it's vitamins and you have the fizz dude! Another sub would be energy drinks.

 

I'll admit I'm totally hooked on Diet Coke (Big Gulps from 7-11!) So I feel your pain.

The only thing that (semi)-works for me is still taking the trip to 7-11 and filling the Big Gulp cup with ice, but then taking it home and replacing Diet Coke for Lime-Flavored Sparkling Perrier. It's not all that sweet, but it's better than nothing.

But still, nothing beats the Diet Coke Big Gulp for me. If you're worried about the sugar content, then I say just go for the Diet. Regular Coke/Pepsi has always tasted like maple syrup to me. And I don't drink Pepsi-anything, Diet or Regular. Pepsi has a very strange, distinct taste that I just never agreed with.

Good Luck! Maybe try the Lime Sparkling Water -- or go straight for Diet Coke. That's all I can come up with, hope this helped somewhat.

 

Its very hard to stop drinking coke but I like apple beer. They also have ginger drink and other healthier choices in the health food section of stores. If you have stores in your area like Publix and Kroger check on their international isles of the grocery store. Sorrel punch is great, coconut drink, & pineapple drink. I enjoy making my own fruit teas and drinking them either hot or cold.

 

I don't think there is a substitute for coke. I would say that you're just going to have to leave it behind when making the journey to a healthier lifestyle or if you have a weight loss goal. When I was going through my journey I let go of things that I liked, and realized that they did more harm than good. Just because something tastes good or makes you feel good doesn't mean that it's good for you. Try to continue to drink your water or natural juices, and don't think about the coke too much. You'll be fine.

 

I use to drink a lot of pop then I changed to tea with lemon. It is much better and it helped to curve my cravings for sweets a lot. Plus there's even a bonus. Tea has no calories in it so it helps a lot with losing weight.

 

I definitely agree with drig38. Tea most definitely may be one of the best replacements!

 

I don't think it's appropriate to ask here, but if you could meet me in an alleyway at 8pm.... LOL just kidding, just drink water. Sugar is more addicting than some illegal drugs that I would dare not mention here, but once you start getting it out of your system, it becomes easier. Just start drinking water every time, preferably around 2 liters of water (just get a 1 liter bottle and fill it up, drink it in one go, and you're about half done for the day).

 

In total agreement with BloomingThrough, I think it's something you will eventually let go. Keep drinking water, have you tried fruit smoothies? Smoothies are nutritious and delicious, especially with fresh fruit. My favorite is a strawberry, raspberry and banana smoothie. But try fighting against that craving, Coke is addicting. My dad used to drink tons of carbonated drinks, but stopped to be healthier. Now he even dislikes the taste of it, says it's too sweet and harsh.

I don't think there's a substitute for this, at least not very healthy ones. Keep doing your best, after all, it's all for your health. I know it's not easy to make those changes when you're really craving it. Best of luck!

 

Tea can be a substitute but insomnia can be caused by too much of worryness,but it can cause psychological factors.

 

This is actually a great question. Both my husband and I eat plant based food. We try to drink plant based as well. I left coke seventeen years ago. I was told that colored drinks generally make the kidneys work harder. I totally stay away from artificially colored drinks and we have been drinking green smoothies. We also make our own ginger beer. It's a Jamaican beer made from ginger and lemon. The main thing is that you know what goes in it, when making it from scratch.

 

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I also get that "craving" for Coke. I learnt long ago not to fight it, but moderation is key.
Since the fizz and bloating is the worst effect of Coke on you, here is a little trick for glass bottle Coke to get rid of that:
Take the metal bottle top and fold it in half (this is easier than it seems and it can be done with your bare hands)
Throw the folded bottle top into the soda bottle and shake the bottle gently.
You will immediately small soda bubbles forming on the bottle top.
Wait for two minutes and drink the soda. Most of the fizz will have disappeared by then and the bloating won't be an issue anymore.

 

Drink water rather than soft drinks, juices, smooth beverages or liquor. Dodge consume less calories pop - the sweet taste just urges you to long for sugar. High temp water with a cut of lemon can be extremely invigorating in the morning.

 

The amount of sugar in coke is staggering, and diet coke is no better since artificial sweeteners can sometimes be worse than sugar. Some food scientists have also found relationships between artificial sweeteners and cancer. So, if I were you, I'd stay far away from diet soda. Since sugar also has inflammatory effects on the body, it could be what's making you bloated (not just because of the carbonation since carbonation should pass -ahem- relatively quickly).

Have you tried fruit infused carbonated water? Mix in a little honey, lemon, and berries. The sweet and tart combination could help you reduce cravings for coke. In addition to finding a healthier alternative, I would recommend cleaning up your diet overall. The less junk food you eat, the less you'll crave sugary/fatty food and drink.

 

Tea, a glass of milk, fresh juice and water can be a substitute for coke. Coke is a soft drink with sugar which can contribute to weight gain. Its more healthier to take a glass of milk or water because it will keep your body balanced.