Whether you call it soda, pop, or Coke, if you’re an American, there is a good chance that you love having a refreshing carbonated beverage with your meals and even throughout the day as a pick me up.
You’re not alone! But the problem is that these drinks aren’t so great for your health!
Problems with drinking soda include:
- Increased risk of obesity because sugary drinks cause insulin levels to peak and drop off quickly and the body ends up storing sugar as fat because it cannot be processed.
- Too much added sugar! The average can of soda has 39 grams of sugar. That’s equivalent to 9 sugar cubes. And that’s just a 12oz can!
- Soda ages you! Researchers say that drinking just one can a day ages you by 4.6 years.
- Diet drinks aren’t any better. It turns out that the brain processes artificial sweeteners and regular sugar the same way.
- Lots of chemicals: Did you know that you can use Coca Cola as a cleaning agent around your home? Think about that next time you want to drink one.
So does it sound like you are ready to reduce or eliminate the number of carbonated beverages you consume? Here are a few methods:
Quit Cold Turkey
If you’re going to quit cold turkey, you need to be sure to be drinking plenty of water. If you’re feeling withdrawal symptoms, you may be withdrawing from the caffeine. Consider replacing the caffeine with tea or another caffeinated beverage. You can also look up ways to help these symptoms.
Taper Off Gradually
If you have one drink with every meal and one in the afternoon, try replacing one drink at a time. Even if it takes you a little while to eliminate sodas all together, it’s better to do it slowly than not at all.
Reduce and Replace
Most people who enjoy soda love the tingly sensation that comes with drinking a carbonated beverage. Did you know that carbonated water, plain or flavored, often scratches that itch? And best of all, it has zero sugar, sodium, or other chemicals in it. You can buy cans or bottles at any major retailer.
