If I knew then what I know now, I would have never started drinking soda. I started drinking Pepsi during my childhood. For me, it turned into several decades long addiction to soda…and steered me into severe obesity. Over time, I began drinking what amounted to be about 4 liters a day of soda. The soda triggered other sweets cravings (and possibly contributed to several childhood & adolescent cavities as well).

I didn’t really realize the full negative impact until quitting cold turkey at the age of 26. The withdrawal symptoms were horrific at first but after a few days off of it, I felt clearer, more focused, less cranky…and the weight started coming off (along with the strong sweets cravings). If I could turn back time, I would have said “no” when first offered a cold soda. I do convey this message to my own children. My oldest son, Spencer, has never even once tried soda. He can remember when I first began my weight loss journey and I think witnessing the loss from day one has definitely colored his perception on things. I’m trying to get our stepdaughters to make the switch to Stevia sweetened sodas instead and I try my best to limit sugar intake of our youngest child.

I am now 40 and at my healthiest stage ever. I’ve lost 100 pounds and kept it off for nearly 8 years now. It’s important to me to encourage our children to make the healthiest choices possible, so they never ever have to deal with consequences of being overweight & obese.

– Petrina Hamm, ACE Certified Personal Trainer & Independent Fitness Consultant