It should come as no surprise that my love of soda t-shirts translates to a general love of soda itself. I know it’s not good for me, but since I avoid other vices (alcohol, cigarettes, Honey Boo Boo) I usually give myself a pass on the soda thing. But not this month. Nope. For the month of October I’m swearing off all beverages except for good ol’ H2O. I actually started this tradition back in college in an effort to both detox myself for the month AND hopefully create a lasting healthier habit of choosing water over sugary drinks. Being the marketing student that I was at the time, I dubbed my little effort “Aquatober.”
This will be my 10th year of “celebrating” Aquatober. I’ve had varying success with it over the past decade. Most months I make it through – although I do allow another healthy option (milk) to sneak in there (can’t have cereal with water, right?). Some years it even carries far beyond October. In 2008 I actually attempted a whole year of water-only, but it fell apart when Sherry accidentally served me a Sprite at a wedding and things, well, went downhill from there. So I don’t beat myself up if I slip up because the spirit of the resolution is to try to drink better. And heck, I usually end up saving some money along the way.
So with all of that said. Who’s with me? Anyone else feel like taking the Aquatober challenge? May the odds be evah in your favor.
Carlene says
I love this idea! I drink lots of water during the week but am not so vigilant on the weekends (when the wine comes out…). A month long challenge is a great way to really appreciate water and the benefits it does to your body. Best of luck!
Rachell says
Very inspiring! Would love to try this. Unfortunately I work 12 hour night shifts as a critical care nurse so I really need my energy drinks and coffee. Love the idea!
luann says
I had to give up soda when I had braces as a teenager, and after not having it for four years I couldn’t stomach it any more. Ten years later and I still don’t drink it because the bubbles bother me. Although I should probably give up my coffee for a month, but to do that I’d have to quit my job, stop speaking to people and possibly become a hermit.
Mary says
This is a great idea John! I’m a big fan of unsweetened ice tea. Especially since you can get a large at Mickey D’s for $1. I’d like to think this is healthy…but let’s be real – I need more agua in my life. And it starts now! Thank you for the inspiration!
Kitty says
Good luck! I do this pretty much year round as I don’t drink soda (the bubbles hurt my tongue – such a wimp!) and as I’m lactose intolerant and the lactose-free milk is expensive I’m limited on how much of that I have a month.
It must be hard to go from soda to just water!
kathy says
Totally cracking up over the reference to Honey Boo Boo. Just too funny.
Katie says
I’m in! I’m prolonging this till Nov. 4th because I just read it today (Oct. 3rd) and I need coffee next Monday when I return to work from maternity leave…Lord knows I’ll need it that day! Can’t wait!
sara says
I should do this! I haven’t had a soda since 12/31/08 (it started as my only new years resolution but now I feel like I shouldn’t stop!).. at first I was drinking sugary drinks but then I started drinking water a lot more often. Now I mostly drink water but a month of nothing but water would be great!
Suni says
Hilarious.. I love this Aquatober. I’m totally down for doing this with you!!
Katie says
So, during Aqua tober, do you not enjoy any alcoholic beverages? No wine or beer with a dinner out? I could definitely give up sodas, but I like have a glass of wine with a dinner out or a beer at Oktoberfest. Thoughts?
Young House Life says
John actually doesn’t drink! I do though. Haha.
xo
s
Lauren says
More power to ya John, but for me… nope. Sticking with my red wine every night. Good for the immune system… the ‘ol ticker… and most importantly, the mental health.
However, your post did make me thirsty. Just refilled my desk cup.
Kim says
Garrr.. currently drinking a beer while reading your blog after a long day of studying… maybe I’ll make it to Aquavember ;-)
Thanks for the inspiration!
Liz says
I have always been a water drinker–I probably drink about 96 ounces (3 Nalgenes) of water by the time I leave work. I do love decaf/herbal tea and also drink sparkling water and drink some of both everyday. I react really quickly to being dehydrated (instant headache) so it’s easy to keep on track. Keep up the good work, John! More water=body feels good.
Peyton says
Hi John,
I am doing a project very similar to this, and I would like to interview you about it seeing that you are the expert in the field. This is a college project that I must do for my English class. One of the main things we must do is interview the expert in the field. Please e-mail me so that I may ask you some questions. Thank you for your help! It will be greatly appreciated.
Young House Life says
Just emailed you!
-John
Sarah says
I always remind my husband that, since he is self-employed and paying for his own dental care, he might as well just buy the dentist her next round trip ticket to Hawaii because that’s what the Mt. Dew is funding. After one particularly expensive trip to the dentist, the message finally sank in and he’s cut way back.
sophie says
yaye for water! and it’s also a great opportunity to thank whichever higher being or your lucky stars that you’re fortunate enough to have been born in a place where the water’s plentiful and safe to drink!
Young House Life says
Amen!
xo
s
alex says
Can someone tell me more about this? Can you get food? lol I haven’t had any soda for 13 years. Right after I had my little one 13years ago I found out that I had diabetes so I stopped drinking sodas and another juices because I was afraid so I just drink water and its always been like that. Now and then I would put lemon and cucumbers and some mint leaves in my water. :)
Young House Life says
Hi Alex,
There’s not much more to tell, I guess. But yes, you can eat food. It’s just about what you choose to drink. I don’t think an all-water, no-food diet would be recommended! :)
-John
Anna says
In the spirit of Aquatober, we’re practicing this on the house side: fixed annoying running toilet from ancient times with efficient flushing one, redoing irrigation system for yard (its Florida irrigation is part of the deal) so that its much more efficient and watering plants with what they need (vs. watering city sidewalk and having a free water audit conducted by our local utility. Will YHL be celebrating any other facets of H2O? I’d love to hear about any attempts you all may make on using grey water or more thoughts on gutter systems, preventing roof leaks, etc. very excited about book, too!
Young House Life says
LOVE that! Didn’t even think about that- although we did convert a second toilet in our house to dual flush a few weeks back! We also have a rain barrel that we love, and an irrigation system that we pretty much keep turned off except when things look like they’re on the verge of death.
xo
s
Jane Miles says
What a great idea! I’m absolutely TERRIBLE with drinking soda. Especially as we just had a big party last weekend so our house is full of the stuff, but having a tangible target like the end of October is a brilliant idea! I’m just going to pretend the first 8 days of the month didn’t happen and start today…
Gavin S. says
You typed “slip up” but I totally read “sip up” and gave you credit for a super amazing pun. Haha!
Young House Life says
Ha! Wish I had thought of that…
-John
Allison H. says
Maybe this has been addressed, I didn’t check the previous comments, but what is your soda of choice John? Would you choose a Coke or a Pepsi? I am a Pepsi girl… I have seen a few references to Dr Pepper on in the past though, so maybe you aren’t either!
Young House Life says
Coke all the way! But Dr Pepper can beat that.
-John
jane says
good for you-but really, never any booze at all??
Young House Life says
I actually don’t drink (just never got into it, I know it’s weird but people love me since I’m a built in DD). Sherry occasionally has wine with dinner and all that, so it’s not like we don’t have it in the house, I just don’t really like the taste. But soda, yeah… I miss that.
-John
jane says
i get the appeal of the DD :-) i used to be a MAJOR soda-aholic. But in training for my first marathon (which i am currently doing) i am just so thirsty all the time that soda just doesn’t really do it for me anymore. and just like that I don’t drink soda anymore!
Young House Life says
That’s awesome!
-John
Andrea says
Am I the only one who has happily enjoyed a glass of juice (coffee?) already today? :-)
Young House Life says
Probably not! I haven’t broken yet, but the 9 hour drive to Connecticut later today is probably going to require some caffeine!
-John
Michelle @ A Healthy Mrs says
Wow, good for you! I’m not sure I could do it — I love a warm mug of coffee or tea in the cooler fall weather. It would be tough!
Sarah says
I’m doing Sober October where I eschew alcohol for the whole month. Bring on the challenge!
Young House Life says
Good luck Sarah!
-John
Hannah says
I really wanted to do this until someone mentioned coffee…. I’ll do only water……with my one cup of morning joe. =)