Soda and other sugary drinks are the single biggest source of calories in an Americans' diet. On average we drink 40 gallons of sugary beverages a year. They are the only sugary food or beverage that have been directly linked to obesity.
Why are sugary drinks such a problem?
Because it is too easy to over do it. The size of the average fast-food soda has grown 7 times from the days of the soda jerk to the super-sized drinks of today. One can of soda can have 10-12 teaspoons of sugar, and that will put your over your recommended daily allowance. The American Heart Association recommends no more than 9 tsp for men and 6 tsp for women per day.
When it comes to your weight, what you drink is as important as what you eat. Cutting our sugary drinks may be enough to help you lose weight.
The following drinks have hidden or empty calories:
- fruit drinks
- energy drinks
- sports drinks
- flavored water
- coffee drinks
- alcoholic beverages
- smoothies
- sweetened iced teas
- soda
Your best bet is water!
- From Dr. Pascal Dalseth