Last week, we talked about healthy flavored water recipes. This week, we have a tip on how to break your soda habit. Reducing soda consumption is important because sodas have a lot of sugar and empty calories. One can of cola has 138 calories and 33 grams of sugar. These can quickly add up if you drink several cans or bottles of soda a day. Drinking sugary drinks has been associated with an increase in weight.
While it’s best to cut out sugar-sweetened beverages altogether, it can be hard to stop drinking soda cold turkey. The fruit flavored water recipes from last week are a great alternative. If you want something closer to soda, use carbonated water and add a little 100% fruit juice. Remember that even 100% fruit juice can add on calories and sugar, so watch the amount that you use.
References
Hu, F. B. (2013). Resolved: There is sufficient scientific evidence that decreasing sugar-sweetened beverage consumption will reduce the prevalence of obesity and obesity-related diseases. Obesity Reviews, 14(8), 606-619. doi:10.1111/obr.12040
