Written by Marlee B.
Here’s the trouble with bubbles: we crave them. We crave the energizing jolt, the pleasant fizz, and the sweet taste yet it takes a lot of practice to self-master our cravings.
Cravings are an interesting part of our nature because they are deeply linked to our core human needs. We look to them for comfort, control, or coping.
Do you find your soda consumption to be excessive or addictive? Do you use it as a way to decompress, alleviate your stress, deal with emotions or out of boredom? If so, don’t worry – I’m here to help!
Whether you are a six-pack-a-day drinker or the occasional soft-drink-sipper, we are going to discuss not only why you should stop drinking soda, but how.
4 Big Reasons Why Soda is Ruining Your Results
I think most of us in our subconscious mind know that too much soda isn’t the best for us. Not only for our weight but it is also counterproductive to other important functions in our bodies.
1. Soda Adds a ton of Extra Calories to Your Diet
One can of Coca-Cola contains 160 calories, which doesn’t sound like much at first thought. However, consuming only one can per day leads to an extra 4,800 calories per month, and 57,600 calories per year!
Those soda calories are more easily turned into fat in our bodies than from fat in food, and fat often contributes to cardiovascular diseases, high blood pressure, stroke, diabetes, and a decline in kidney function.
Likewise, when we drink our calories, our bodies don’t register fullness as quickly as when we eat them so we tend to drink more and more soda (did I just hear “free refill”?!) without getting a signal from our bodies to stop.
2. Soda Dehydrates You
But isn’t soda mostly water? Shouldn’t it help to hydrate you then? Well, simply put, no!
What you want is for your heart to be replenished with water, but caffeine and sugar don’t replace any of the fluids you lose while you sweat.
The caffeine will actually make you need to use the restroom more quickly, and you will lose more fluid.
3. Soda is Bad for Your Skin
Have you noticed a change in your skin? Eating or drinking foods high in sugar can mess with your insulin levels and lead to the formation of acne.
Soda is also very acidic, which causes a dull, dry, and lifeless complexion. So, the choice is yours, soda-lovers: DC on the rocks or sun-kissed, radiant skin?
4. Soda is Bad for Your Teeth
Sugar and carbonation destroy tooth enamel and leeches calcium from teeth. I know this because I worked as a dental assistant once upon a time, and let me tell you: soda is a dentist’s nightmare.
Aside from tooth decay, colored sodas can also stain the surface of your teeth. That’s something most wouldn’t smile about. Have you heard the saying, “Sticks and stones may break my bones…and soda’s just as bad?”
Our bones naturally weaken as we age but drinking soda can certainly exacerbate the problem.
(Although, when it comes to sugar, cavities shouldn’t be your biggest worry!)
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