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Substitutes for Soda and Energy Drinks

Mar29

by admin on March 29, 2012 at 10:44 am

Everyone has heard at one time or another, “soda is bad for you” but the question is- why are they bad?

If you’re like me, being reprimanded and told that “something is bad” isn’t necessarily going to stop me from doing it..I 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 to obesity, kidney damage, and certain cancers. Soft drinks have also been linked to elevated blood pressure. The drinks are seen as a major contributor to the obesity epidemic and in a way- it’s not surprising. Soda is relatively cheap and drinks are usually mistake to be “low-calorie” items (which obviously, they are not- especially when multiple soft drinks are consumed).

Many studies show that overweight children and adults drink more sugary beverages than normal-weight kids and adults, and several studies found that the more sugar-sweetened drinks people drank the greater their likelihood of becoming overweight. And here is where not just soda, but sugary drinks take it to the next level: the more sugary drinks you consume, the more food you tend to eat. Why? Because of the “sugar highs and lows” of the soft drinks and the amount of caffeine. Sugary and refined foods (and drinks) tend to hold you over for 10-15 minutes before you find yourself looking for a snack again..or another sugary or caffeinated drink. A snack of lean protein and a complex carb can hold you over for 3 hours! (read more about that here: http://www.meetcasey.com/what-is-metabolism/ )

Why energy drinks are bad

Energy drinks can be linked with all of the negatives of soda (above). But in addition to that is the even HIGHER level of caffeine. With soda the FDA limits how much caffeine can be in soda (65mg per 12 oz), but with energy drinks, they are not regulated. “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)

Generally speaking, the added caffeine has not been found to be “life-threatening”. But caffeine can increase anxiety, panic, some stomach problems, and some cardiac arrhythmia.

Sugary drink or caffeine alternatives:

-flavored water..not the kind you buy! throw a couple of frozen strawberries in a water bottle, or keep a pitcher of water in your fridge. The frozen fruit triples as “water flavoring”, ice cubes, and a healthy snack once it’s thawed!

-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 (minus all the sugar and caffeine) plus the flavor of your favorite juice. Or again, add pieces of frozen fruit to spice it up!

-soy milk- naturally sweet and are now offered in a variety of flavors, including almond and vanilla. The benefits show that soy milk may reduce your risk for heart disease and osteoporosis. Look for low-fat, unsweetened soy beverages to reduce calories

Enjoy!
To good health!

Casey

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