Should You Quit Drinking Soda?

Although the debate rages on about whether or not soda should be allowed in schools and major cities, one thing is for sure: Each individual can make a personal choice to limit or quit drinking soda altogether. What about you? Are you ready to kick soda to the curb for good?

Let’s discuss the incentives of quitting soda: Did you know that if you drank two cans of soda per day (with no other diet changes), you would gain approximately one pound every two weeks or about 26 pounds each year? If this doesn’t motivate you to surrender your soda habit, there are even more reasons to quit, and some of them may surprise you.

The following list outlines some of the most commonly shared reasons to quit drinking soda … but we bet you could come up with even more!

• Soda is associated with higher body weight and weight gain.
• Soda is linked with conditions like cardiovascular disease and acne.
• Soda may prematurely age your skin. Some research has linked soda (and sugar) with a greater chance of wrinkles and other signs of aging.
• Soda can zap your energy due to its high sugar content, which leads to a quick blood sugar spike with an imminent and sharp drop soon after, known as a blood sugar crash.
• Soda damages your teeth — it contains acids which can adjust the pH of the mouth to a more acidic environment, which can contribute to tooth decay. When increased acidity meets added sugar, the effects can be even more destructive.

What about diet soda?

Despite its deceiving label as a “diet” beverage, diet soda is not actually a healthy alternative to regular soda. In fact, a growing body of research shows drinks with artificial sweeteners (like diet sodas) are linked with increased weight gain and risk of diabetes and heart disease.

How to quit drinking soda

Check out some of our favorite tips to help you say “No!” to soda:

• Try to avoid getting too hungry. As we know, hunger can dictate cravings and this includes soda as well.
• When the craving for soda arises, choose a sweet (and healthy) treat instead. Replace soda with a sweet snack (like grapes or pineapple) or sugar-free gum to help curb the desire.
• Keep sparkling water, green tea, and other drinks on hand for when thirst strikes.

Reprinted with permission from Environmental Nutrition, a monthly publication of Belvoir Media Group, LLC. 800-829-5384. www.EnvironmentalNutrition.com.

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