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Say no to soda and other sweetened drinks
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Posted by admin Tue Nov 30, 1999 00:00:00 PST
Viewed 1013 times
0 responses 0 comments A spoon full of sugar helps the medicine go down.
— Mary Poppins

The song that was sung by Mary Poppins is ironic in the fact that what would help medicine go down may actually be a culprit to obesity and medical conditions associated with it.

Each day children and adults are replacing milk and water with sweetened beverages such as soda, sports drinks, and juice. There is a direct connection between a rise in obesity and an increase in regular soda consumption and other sweetened drinks. One study found that for every  additional serving per day of soft drink consumed the risk of becoming obese increased by about 50 percent.

One reason for the connection may be an increase of calorie consumption to 150 to 300 calories per day — with about half of that increase coming from beverages. In addition, the average soft drink size increased more than 50 percent from about 13 ounces to 20 ounces in less than 30 years. However, with the increase in calories from beverages, people are not compensating by eating or drinking less.

Fifty-six percent of 8 year olds in the U.S. drink at least one soda every day. When children and teenagers replace milk and water for sweetened drinks they are then receiving empty calories which lack bodybuilding nutrients, like protein and calcium found in milk necessary for growth and development.

Here is the truth:
• A 44-ounce soda contains 3/4 cup of sugar and 550 calories. If you drink one every day you can gain one pound in a week.
• Four ounces of apple juice has 60 calories — the same as one whole apple, but lacking the fiber that makes you feel full.
• The average teenager is getting 15 to 20 teaspoon a day of added sugar from soft drinks alone.

So here is what you need to do:
• Say no to soda and other sweetened drinks!
• Say yes to water!
• Say yes to low-fat or non-fat milk!
• Parents: Be a role model, children are watching you!

— Brittany Lorimer is a registered dietitian for Clinica Sierra Vista. This article recognizes March as National Nutrition Month. It was brought to you by Get Moving Kern, a community coalition that was developed to promote the wellness of children and adults in Kern County by promoting healthy eating and active living. For more information, visit: www.Getmovingkern.org

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