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All of us have heard at some point or another, “soda is unhealthy for you” but the question is- what makes them bad? If you’re like me, being reprimanded and informed that “something is bad” isn’t actually going to stop me from doing it..I really need to know why and alternative options always help make the transition easier :) So first off- why “soda is bad” Diet and regular sodas have both been linked with obesity, kidney damage, and certain cancers. Soft drinks are also linked to elevated blood pressure. The drinks are seen as a major contributor to the obesity situation and in a way- it’s no real shock. Soda is relatively cheap and they are usually mistaken to be “low-calorie” items (which obviously, they are not- especially when many soft drinks are drank). Many reports reveal that overweight children and adults ingest more sugary drinks than normal-weight kids and adults, and some studies found that the greater sugar-sweetened drinks people drank the higher their likelihood of becoming overweight. And the following is where not simply soda, but sugary beverages bring it to the next stage: the more sugary drinks you consume, the greater amount of food you usually eat. Why? Because of the “sugar highs and lows” from the soft drinks and the amount of caffeine. Sugary and highly refined foods (and drinks) often hold you over for 10-15 minutes before you end up looking for a snack again..or another sugary or caffeinated drink. A snack of lean protein and a complex carb is capable of holding you over for three hours! (read more about that here: http://www.meetcasey.com/what-is-metabolism/ ) The reason why energy drinks are terrible Energy drinks can be connected with all of the drawbacks of soda (above). But in addition to that is the even HIGHER level of caffeine. With soda the FDA limits the amount of caffeine can be in soda (65mg per 12 oz), on the other hand energy drinks, they are not restricted. “The FDA does not regulate caffeine in energy drinks, some of which, like Cocaine, contain huge amounts of caffeine: 280 mg in an 8.4-ounce serving, compared with about 100 mg per 6 ounces in coffee.” (Boston Globe) For the most part, the added caffeine has not been seen to be “life-threatening”. Nonetheless caffeine can increase anxiety, panic, some stomach problems, and some cardiac arrhythmia. Sugary drink or caffeine solutions: -flavored water..not the sort you shop for! Throw a a small number of frozen strawberries in the water bottle, or keep a pitcher of water in the fridge. The frozen fruit triples as “water flavoring”, ice, and a healthy indulgence once it’s thawed out! -green tea- it’s calorie-free (if you have it without milk or sugar) and naturally high in antioxidants -seltzer water & juice- you get the fizziness of the soda (subtract all the sugar and caffeine) not to mention flavor of your preferred juice. Again, add pieces of frozen fruit to spice it up! -soy milk- effortlessly sweet and generally are now offered in a variety of flavors, including almond and vanilla. The health benefits show that soy milk may reduce your risk for heart disease and osteoporosis. Search for low-fat, unsweetened soy beverages to decrease calories For more information about health, nutrition, fitness and wellness visit: www.meetcasey.com
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