Soft drinks are a major contributor to the extra weight that too many people are carrying these days. Even some juice drinks are not a good alternative, unless in smaller amounts and straight from the source (not concentrate or with added sugar). Soft drinks also prevent good nutrients from being absorbed, not to mention how with so much caffeine most people aren't getting natural stimulants and nutrients from whole food fruits and vegetables. This is a big reason we recommend Juice Plus+®. although the water and fiber in the whole food is not present in Juice Plus+®, it does provide the nutrients from a variety of fruits and vegetables. You would be better off eating fruits and vegetables as a way to get energy and nutrition instead of soft drinks. Here's more about soft drinks --
Soda is loaded with more calories, sugar and chemicals than many people realize. Here are nutritionists' tips for cutting it out - or at least down:
Get some perspective. Estimate how much soda you drink in a week (if you have no idea, keep a food diary for seven days). Then use a calculator to add up how many calories and sugar grams your habit costs you.
Give yourself time. Most people can't go cold turkey. One strategy is to cut back by 25 percent the first week, 50 percent the second week, and so on.
Find other fizz. Seltzer water, mineral water and club soda all have the same feel on your tongue as soda. Experiment by mixing them into small amounts of 100 percent fruit juices.Find other sweets. When you crave a sugary taste, eat a piece of fruit or chew some sugarless gum.
Drink lots of water. Buy a refillable water cooler and keep it with you at home, at work and in the car.
Stock up on alternatives. Decaffeinated tea and flavored water are top choices for your refrigerator. Some 100 percent fruit juice also is good, but be aware that juices have calories and sugar too.
Switch to diet - maybe. Nutritionists are mixed on diet soda, which is calorie-free but still contains chemicals and may increase cravings for sweet foods. If you want to switch, try mixing some diet soda into regular, gradually increasing the ratio as your taste buds adjust. Note: some say diet soda from a fountain tastes better at first than drinking from cans or bottles. (Read more...
Comments: I would recommend staying away from any diet version of any soft drink, since you're still not getting any form of good nutrition, not to mention the artificial sweeteners that have been linked to many health problems. And too many diet soft drinks have been shown to be linked to contributing to obesity as well. The bottom line with any soft drinks - you're better off not consuming them at all.
Diet and exercise can help reduce the risk of degenerative diseases like heart disease and stroke, diabetes and cancer. Learn why eating fruits and vegetables is especially important, and how you can benefit from adding Juice Plus+® to your diet. Juice Plus+® is the most thoroughly researched nutritional product in history.
Dr. J. Patrick Havey
The Health & Wellness Institute, PC
Healthy Lifestyle Solutions Since 1995
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