Have fitness questions? Fitz has your answers. Our ThatsFit.com fitness expert -- and now your own virtual personal trainer -- will help you get fit, increase your overall health and do it in a fun way. Drop your questions here in the Comments section below and we'll choose one per week to publish on That's Fit! Learn more about Fitz here.

Q. Hi Fitz! You always say that drinking calories causes weight gain, so I'm willing to try kicking my habit. I'm completely addicted to Coke. There are all sorts of programs to help people stop smoking, but none for cutting back on soda. Help! Brian

A. Thanks for the terrific question, Brian. I'm so glad you've been paying attention! Yes ... caloric beverages such as soda, juice, milk and alcohol are definitely responsible for much of the extra fat folks are carrying around. As an example of this, I once did a series of lectures for a large fire department in my area. I referenced the huge fountain drinks I always saw the firefighters driving around with and showed them how much sugar was in each cup. As their jaws dropped, I challenged each of them to, at minimum, switch to diet soda and, at best, switch to water.

Within a month or two, firefighters all over town were grabbing me to tell me how much weight they'd lost making that single switch. Some had lost more than 20 pounds in that short time. Wouldn't it be nice if you experienced the same great success? I imagine you will, Brian. You just have to make the change.

Just as nicotine addicts lean on patches or nicotine gum, there are substitute beverages you can drink to help wean youself off the sugary stuff. If Coke is your vice, then clearly, Coke Zero is going to be your substitution; it tastes exactly like Coke, has no calories, but does have caffeine. Easy enough! If that doesn't float your boat, then try out any other variety of diet sodas, unsweetened teas, Crystal Light beverages or water.

I highly recommend you instantly start drinking several glasses of water throughout your day, though. The benefits are endless and hopefully you'll end this journey drinking more water than anything else. I know it's hard to give up something you really enjoy, but I'm confident you can do this. Some folks have to break addictions to cocaine, booze, tobacco and other horrible things. Soda is a habit you can kick! Now get to work!

Punches & Kicks,

Fitz

Fitzness.com

Note: The content presented in this Q. & A section is for informational purposes only and should not be viewed as medical advice or substitute for professional medical care.