Aquatober: My Month Without Soda

It probably won’t surprise anyone who knows me that my fondness for soda-themed shirts goes hand in hand with a fondness for soda itself. I’m aware it isn’t the healthiest habit, but I tend to be strict about other indulgences (no alcohol, no cigarettes, and no reality-TV binges), so I usually cut myself some slack when it comes to fizzy drinks. This October, though, I decided to try something different: for the entire month I’ll be drinking only plain water.

I began this personal tradition back in college as a way to reset my habits and reduce my sugar intake for a concentrated stretch of time. At the time, I called it “Aquatober” — a playful, marketing-student name that stuck. The goal wasn’t perfection so much as a reset: to detox from sugary beverages and, hopefully, to build a healthier default habit of choosing water more often.

Over the past decade I’ve tried Aquatober many times, with mixed results. Some years I sail through the month without much trouble. Other years I’ve allowed exceptions — for example, I usually permit milk when it’s needed for cereal because, let’s be honest, cold cereal + water isn’t the same. In 2008 I even attempted an entire year of drinking only water, but that effort unraveled after someone accidentally handed me a Sprite at a wedding. I don’t dwell on slips, though; the point is to attempt better choices, not to be rigidly punitive about every misstep. And a helpful side effect is that I often save a bit of money when I skip the sodas.

Why Try Aquatober?

Switching a month’s worth of beverages to water has several straightforward benefits. Drinking more water usually reduces daily sugar and calorie intake from soda and other sweet drinks, which can help with general energy levels and appetite control. Staying well-hydrated supports basic bodily functions like digestion and temperature regulation, and many people notice clearer skin and fewer midafternoon slumps when they replace sugary drinks with water. Beyond personal health, Aquatober is a simple, achievable challenge that can help reset taste preferences so you’re less inclined to reach for a sweet drink out of habit.

How I Make It Work

Over the years I’ve learned a few practical tactics that make Aquatober easier to follow:

• Keep water visible and handy. A filled bottle on my desk or a glass by my chair makes it the default choice.
• Flavor without sugar. If plain water gets boring, I add slices of lemon, cucumber, or a sprig of mint. These add a fresh taste without the sugar and keep the experience enjoyable.
• Allow practical exceptions. I’m realistic: sometimes milk is necessary for breakfast or a recipe, so I don’t make the challenge unworkable.
• Plan for social situations. If I’m at a party or a wedding, I decide in advance how I’ll handle beverage choices so I’m not tempted to default to a soda.
• Track progress. Noting each day I stick with water helps maintain momentum and makes small wins feel real.

Challenges and Lessons

Temptations do come up — celebratory toasts, free drink stations at events, or simply the sudden desire for a fizzy, sweet pick-me-up. When I slip, I try not to judge myself harshly. The original intent of Aquatober is to practice better habits, not to enforce a perfect record. Often, one small slip is enough to remind me why I started, and I return to the water-only rule the next day with renewed focus.

Join Me?

If you’re curious about cutting back on sugary drinks, Aquatober is an easy, low-cost experiment you can try. Whether you commit to a full month of water or adapt the challenge to your own needs (no sugary drinks on weekdays, for example), the habit of choosing water more often can stick long after October ends. Who’s in for Aquatober this year? May the odds be ever in your favor.