Addicted to Soda

My drink of choice

Yes, its true, my name is Stephanie, and I am addicted to soda.  Depending on the region of the world in which you live, you may refer to the carbonated beverage as “pop,” “cola” or “coke.”  Having grown up in the Pacific Northwest, its soda, or pop to me (or “soda pop”).  Regardless of what you call it, soda is bad for you on a number of levels.  I stick to diet soda, mostly because I am a diabetic.  But growing up, I practically lived on sugary root beer.  My favorite brand is A&W.  Yum……

Some people believe that diet drinks are OK because they doesn’t pack the caloric punch of its sugar-laden cousins.  I can tell you that, just because something is sugar-free doesn’t mean its safe for you.  In fact, let’s go there.  Let’s go through the reasons why I (and you) should quit the addiction to soda.

The United States sells enough pop to quench the thirst with a 12-ounce bottle each day for every man, woman and child in the country.  More precisely, 15 billion gallons of soda were sold in the year 2000.  The higher consumption of soft drinks means a corresponding lower intake of healthier beverages, including milk and – yes – water.

And just what is in those bubbly concoctions?

• Caffeine
• Sugar (and in diet drinks, potentially cancer-causing Equal or Splenda)
• Empty calories (for regular drinks)
• Carbonic acid or phosphoric acid
• Sodium – loads of it!

Can't give up soda?

Among the problems associated with drinking carbonated soft drinks include risk of obesity, heart disease, diabetes, osteoporosis and loss of tooth enamel.  YIKES!  Many people blame the current obesity epidemic in part on consumption of soda.  Even diet soda will encourage you to eat more sugary foods.

I have tried – really – to drink plain water.  I even bought a few lemons and limes to squeeze in to filtered tap water to add flavor.  The citrus fruit eventually went bad in the fruit bowl.

Like many other things we love that are not good for us, I realize that the key is moderation.  Can’t give up soda?  Then allow yourself one can per day, and no more than that.  Try herbal teas for a change.  Even the citrus trick works with fresh water.  I know that.  I was just lazy!

I’m on a new green tea kick right now, and I am actually enjoying it.  I hate to admit it, but I am feeling better too.

Ready to join me in taking in more fresh water and thirst-quenching beverages, and reducing consumption of soda?  Tell me your story in the comments below!