Completely off topic and self-congratulatory, but I wanted to make a short post about giving up sugary drinks. I used to be a lot heavier before I got into running and learned to appreciate the calorie. I'm about 80 pounds down from my heaviest point (314lbs.), and while I could still stand to lose another 20 to 30 pounds, I'm proud that I was able to lose it and, so far, keep it off.
I didn't initially cut out all sugary drinks. I used to do construction work and water was the only thing one can drink on 100+ degree days. However, when I made the transition into IT, the first firm I worked for had a fully stocked "soda fridge" and cases of Coke, Dr. Pepper, Root Bear, etc. stacked high in the warehouse.
I knew then and there I would be in trouble if I didn't set some heavy ground rules. So I decided to see if I could give up _entirely_ on sweet tea, sodas (or pop depending on where you're from), and sugary fruit drinks. I even made the decision to start drinking my coffee black.
As of a few days ago, I crossed the 500 day mark without straying a single time.