Boy skips sugary drinks for a year for $500

LIVINGSTON, Mont. -- If you think you can't stick to a New Year's resolution, maybe this 11-year-old's story will inspire you.

At Christmastime last year, Jonathan Sarisky's parents offered then-10-year-old Jonathan and his older brother, Andrew, a choice. They could have $100 now, or, if they chose to accept it, a payout of $500 later, with just one condition -- avoiding all sugary beverages for an entire year.

Andrew opted for the sure thing, but sixth-grader Jonathan took the yearlong challenge, sipping his last soda on Jan. 3, 2014, on the occasion of Andrew's birthday. He says he savored the orange Fanta as long as he could.

"I didn't brush my teeth until I couldn't taste it anymore," he told the Livingston Enterprise.

Entering into an impressive contract with his parents, the sugary beverage ban included soft drinks, milkshakes, sports drinks and even 100 percent fruit juice. The ban left only milk and water as Jonathan's choices for the year.

One year later, Jonathan is ready to cash in on his prize. He says the challenge wasn't too difficult for him, with the hardest part being remembering not to slip when others offered him drinks.

Jonathan's parents say the point of the exercise was to teach self-discipline and how delayed gratification can result in bigger rewards. Jonathan's mom, Renee Shifley, says the challenge has helped her son's self-confidence.

Jonathan says once the challenge ends this weekend, he might indulge in an occasional soda now and then, but only as a splurge.

"I might have just one pop, but I'm not going to overdo it," he said.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.