4 Big Reasons Why Soda is Ruining Your Results
I think most of us know in our subconscious mind that too much soda isn’t good 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 turn into fat in our bodies easier than fat in foods, 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 frequently, and you will lose more fluid.
3. Soda is Bad for Your Skin
Eating or drinking foods high in sugar can mess with your insulin levels and lead to the formation of acne. The sugar content (including sugar alternatives like aspartame and other artificial sweeteners) in drinks like soda can mess with your insulin levels and cause acne, breakouts, oily skin, and even wrinkles.
Soda can be loaded with refined sugar, and drinking a lot of it can lead to increased blood sugar. This can lead to your body producing more insulin, which leads to clogged pores which is a nightmare for your skincare routine.
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!)
How to Stop Drinking Soda
Personally, I haven’t indulged in a single can of soda in over a decade. Some people are amazed when they hear this and wonder the ‘how’ or ‘why’ behind this lifestyle.
As a teenager, I didn’t really care for the taste of it (okay, except for Sprite to go along with my tuna sub) so I didn’t drink much to begin with. But not only that, I noticed the effects it had on my skin. What teenage girl wants more acne, anyhow?!
I also noticed how tired soda made me feel, and a little bloated. As an active dancer, I wanted clear skin for the stage and I honestly enjoyed water much more so saying goodbye to sugary drinks wasn’t hard for me. I understand, though, that it can be for others.
I’m not a nutritional expert, but here are my 4 tips for how to stop drinking soda:
1. Identify Your Triggers
We talked earlier how some may turn to soda as a way to cope with stress, boredom, and emotions, or you may notice you only drink soda in certain places or situations.
You may not be able to completely avoid these scenarios (we’ve still got to go to work) but if it’s the office vending machine that tempts you, pack your own healthy beverage or refillable water bottle so you have an alternative.
2. Be Mindful of Your Body
Your skin, hair, bones, teeth, as well as the potential for future health problems like diabetes. Our bodies are wonderful creations and we should want them to achieve all the day-to-day tasks, experiences, and opportunities that they have the potential to do.
Once we put this in perspective, it can be easier to make healthier choices.
3. Fill-Up on Water First
Before you pop open a new can, reach for a full glass of water first and see what that does to your cravings. If that’s too much, simply start drinking half-soda, half-water.
You will automatically be drinking less sugar, hydrating your body, and filling up with water. Soon your taste buds will change and you won’t need the sweetness of soda anymore!
If you find yourself bored with the taste of water though, there are multiple ways to change it up! We will talk about those soon.
4. Aim High, Start Small, and Keep Going!
Even a small win is still a victory! If you typically drink multiple servings of soda a day, try cutting back to one a day. Adjust gradually, and that should lead to a sustainable change.
But if you need soda, chances are your body is actually craving some essential nutrients. As you are in the process of breaking your soda habit, you will find that some days are harder than others.
On the hard days, look forward to tomorrow and know that you can always start over and try again.
Healthy Alternative to Soda
So, soda-lover. What are you to do?! Especially when hot days like today beg for a cold glass of liquid? Since soda never really feels like it quenches thirst very well (remember, it dehydrates our bodies), here are 4 popular soda alternatives.
1. IdealBoost
Here’s another terrific option for a low-calorie, sugar-free, weight loss drink. It provides you with your afternoon “boost” of energy when you need a pick-me-up. With a blend of green tea and caffeine, it offers metabolism-boosting benefits and up to three hours of appetite control.
IdealBoost can also be used anywhere – the office, your car, at your child’s soccer game – because it comes conveniently packed in individual servings. Swapping out your daily soda with IdealBoost will give you more energy and your ideal shape!
