Don’t Underestimate the Calories You Drink

Over two months ago, during a BUC presentation in Los Angeles, I was asked by a woman “If there was one item I could begin to change today to improve overall health, what would you suggest that item be?” My answer “Reduce your intake of soda and other similar drinks. Many of us underestimate the calories we drink…”
This answer was recently confirmed by a development on the East Coast. New York City’s Health Board approved ban of super-sized ( greater than 16 oz.) sugary drinks at restaurants and other venues. Soda, “fruit drinks”, energy drinks and other similar beverages are surprisingly high in calorie content and loaded with sugar:

• 20 oz.Soda-250 calories/16 teaspoons of sugar
• 16 oz. Energy/Sports drink- 240 calories/14 teaspoons of sugar
• 16 oz. “Fruit drink”-220 calories/12 teaspoons of sugar (  and less than 10% fruit juice)

Consuming these high calorie sugar-filled beverages  has been correlated with obesity and chronic illnesses such as diabetes and heart disease. Many of these beverages also contain high fructose corn syrup, artificial flavors and artificial colors: 3 of 7 ingredients ( called “THE 7”) listed in Body Under Construction as those to avoid.

Many of us have consumed many of these beverages for years. Going “cold turkey”  may work in the short term. However, you may find yourself experiencing symptoms of withdrawal  (headaches, crankiness, etc.) and reverting back to the high sugary beverages that has impeded your ability to attain and maintain optimal health. Instead, Go Under Construction. For example, reduce your soda intake by one can or bottle each day for a four-week period. Continue this process until you are able to slowly wean your self off the sugary drink. During this transition, replace the one can or bottle of soda with one of the healthier beverages listed below. However, even for some of these healthier alternatives ( i.e. fruit juice) you want to limit your intake:

• Water- 0 calories/0 sugar
• 12 oz All-Natural Sparkling Water with real fruit juice- 120 calories/6 teaspoons of sugar
• 8 oz 100% Fruit Juice with no added sugar- 160 calories/8 teaspoons of sugar