Soda Free Summer Challenge
The Get Healthy Team is encouraging you to take the challenge to go soda-free all summer. This is a great time to make a lasting commitment to your health by reducing or eliminating sweetened beverages over the summer months. It’s all about small changes so pledge to be healthier by reducing or eliminating your soda consumption this summer!
Soda was once considered an occasional treat, but consumption has steadily increased over the last three decades. Drinking too much soda could have health consequences ranging from weight gain to osteoporosis to kidney problems, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Healthy Drink Alternatives. Next time you quench your thirst try one of these options:
Water: Try water with added citrus or sliced cucumbers. Always refreshing and is great for the skin. Try some of these great flavored water recipes as well to mix it up a bit!
100% fruit juice: A sweet treat full of vitamins and it counts as a serving of fruit. Don’t overdo it though, limit yourself to 8oz.
Vegetable juice or V8: Packed with flavor; high in vitamins C, A, and potassium and around 50 calories per cup. If possible choose the low sodium versions.
Non-fat or low-fat milk: High in calcium and protein – you need both. You could also try soy milk, rice milk or almond milk.
Light yogurt and fruit smoothie: Creamy and sweet, high in calcium and only about 170 calories per cup.
Tea, unsweetened: Get a boost on less than five calories per cup, plus it’s high in antioxidants.
Try any of these alternatives and slowly cut back on the amount you drink. Before you know it you will be soda-free this summer!
