Do you realize..I mean really realize that one 20 ounce soda everyday for a year can result in enough additional calories to add around 15 pounds during that twelve month period?
Wow! Even the diet sodas as discussed in this recent article from Earth Fare are not any better and according to research, can cause even greater weight gain compared to regular sodas. Even though the claim is sugar free and zero calories, we may consume more because we think we have more in our calorie budget to spend. Maybe not such a sweet deal after all.
As a diet coke lover for many years, I tried for a while to eliminate altogether after a fitness instructor told me one of the most effective changes I can make in my diet is to give up soda. And it’s not easy for many of us to give up. Somehow I managed to quietly slip a daily diet coke (or two..shhh) back into my routine.
Now after hearing, reading and finally really realizing the impact of just one can of diet soda, I have now given up that daily dose. I don’t miss it and I feel better. So I really believe there is something to this not to mention, less waste and recycling. Plus there are links to erosion of tooth enamel and loss of bone density as additional risks of heavy consumption.
Moderation is key so I may allow myself a diet coke once in a great while. In the meantime if you need to reevaluate your soda habit, try this instead. Add a little 100% fruit juice like cranberry or pomegranate to club soda or mineral water over ice with a twist of lime for a refreshing pick-me-up.
And finally, here’s a quick overview of the added sugar in several popular drinks. Where are you and what have you done, or can you do, to be successful in your efforts to improve the quality of your beverages?
| Drink Type | Size | Amount of Added Sugar |
| Soda | 20 oz | 16 tsp |
| Juice Drink (10% juice) | 20 oz | 16 tsp |
| Sweet Tea | 16 oz | 10 tsp |
| Sports Drink | 20 oz | 9 tsp |
| Chocolate Milk | 6 oz | 1.5 tsp |
| 100% Fruit Juice | 6 oz | No Added Sugar |
| Plain Milk | 8 oz | No Added Sugar |
| Water | 8 oz | No Added Sugar |
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“Plus there are links to erosion of tooth enamel and loss of bone density as additional risks of heavy consumption.”
I’ve heard this before more tied to fruit juices but it makes sense that soda does it too–since it’s not healthy for you. Sometimes I use