It should come as no surprise that my fondness for soda-themed shirts goes hand in hand with a general love of soda itself. I know it isn’t the healthiest choice, but since I avoid other vices — alcohol, cigarettes, reality TV binges — I usually let myself indulge in soda. Not this month, though. For October, I give myself a break from everything but plain water.
I started this habit back in college as a way to reset my system for a month and, ideally, build a lasting preference for water over sugary drinks. Being a marketing student then, I gave the experiment a name: “Aquatober.” This October marks my tenth year attempting the challenge.
Over the decade I’ve had mixed results. Most years I manage to stick with it, though I often allow one other sensible drink — milk — since cereal and water don’t pair so well. Some years the change has stuck beyond October. In 2008 I even tried a full year of water-only, but the effort unraveled when a Sprite showed up unexpectedly at a wedding. I don’t beat myself up over slips anymore; the goal is to try to drink better, not to be perfect. Ironically, choosing water often saves money as well as calories.
If you’re curious about trying it, Aquatober is a simple, low-cost experiment in habit change. It’s not about punishment but about seeing how you feel without sweetened drinks and how easy—or surprisingly satisfying—water can be. You can tailor the rules: allow milk, unsweetened tea, or sparkling water if that helps you stay consistent.
So who’s in? If you’ve been thinking about cutting back on sugary beverages, consider joining the Aquatober challenge this year. It’s just one month, and the payoff can be better hydration, fewer calories, and a reset that might influence your choices long afterward. May the odds be ever in your favor.